Originally presented at the Inklings weekly meeting by Harlan Dechamps.
Before you can start to build your website, you should have an idea of the content that you need to have on it.
I know, I know, you might be thinking, “But, Harlan, I’m a pantser!” But even if you pants the actual content on your site, you still need to plan out the pages and sections. And there’s no need to panic, because I’m going to help you make this as easy on yourself as possible.
Creating a sitemap that works for YOU
- First, start by looking at a handful of author websites (at least 5)
- Note what works and what doesn’t (in your own opinion) about each one. Be honest and critical.
- Note features that would complement your current stage in your writing journey.
- Make notes of potential future marketing opportunities.
- Make a list of the information that you need to include on your site now.
- For example: bio, books, etc.
- Make a list of opportunities for supportive information. For example:
- Countdowns, counters or trackers (track my progress, etc.)
- Games
- Supportive documents: worksheets, guides, etc.
- Decide if it makes more sense to focus on you or your books
- Have you published anything yet?
- How much do you have to say about yourself?
- What can you embellish on?
- Organize and prioritize
- What are the most important topics? Those should go into your main navigation
- What content do you already have? What do you have to write or prepare?
- Can some of it wait if you organize the site differently?
- Create a Supplementary Content Plan
- This is content you can add to your site later, that will help with marketing and building readership
Homework
Go through the steps above and create a sitemap for your author website! When you’re done, you’ll be ready to move on to the next lesson: Creating a Content Plan based on your sitemap.