There is only one reason not to put up a website as a writer. You’re not writing or it’s too early in your writing. If you are still a student, or you haven’t started your book yet, then, yes, it’s too early to think about a website. Other than that, I can debunk your excuses. Here are five popular myths that I have answers to:

Myth #1: My social media accounts are alive and active. I don’t need a website, too.

Social media isn’t enough. Having a website isn’t enough. These are pieces of the many ways to market yourself. A website is an important piece, because it’s you alone people are seeing on the site. You are not competing for attention with thousands, or is it millions, of others. Done correctly, a website can bring in some decent organic traffic.

Myth #2: Only Bloggers Have Websites

Nope. Writers can have a website and not blog on it. If you are a subject expert and want to share your knowledge, a blog is a good idea. But you don’t need a blog to sell yourself, especially if you don’t feel comfortable doing it.

There are many writer websites out there just set up for their business or book. See the next myth for more.

Myth #3: You must build a website in WordPress or code it from scratch for it to be good.

First, there are other excellent platforms for websites. Wix and Squarespace are examples. No one that I know codes from scratch anymore. I haven’t in years.

Second, writers do not need large, complex websites. In the beginning, three basic web pages should be enough. Home, About Me, and a page with a list of your books or a portfolio of writing samples. If blogging is going to be your business, then you need to set up the blog, too.

Starting with a one-page website isn’t bad, either. If everything fits on the home page without massive scrolling, start there. You can add more pages as you grow.

Myth #4 I can’t afford that expense.

For the “too expensive” naysayers, most web designers will charge a set price for a certain number of pages. The fewer pages you have, the charge should be less. Look for someone local or search for websites of one-person-business web designers. Steer away from agencies or bidding platforms.

You should be able to find a good web designer in your price range. Look at their website first – it was probably built by them, interview them, and get the pricing.

You’ll feel more comfortable with that designer if you like them and what they did for themselves.

Myth #5: I don’t need a website unless I publish a book.

Unless you are a newly minted writer who hasn’t started thinking about their writing business yet, you need a website.

You don’t need to publish a book. If you are going to publish, don’t wait until you publish to put up a website. This part of your social platform will be a way for agents and publishers to see samples of your work, or more about you.

All writers want to build an audience, gain trust, let people find them, and along the way, establish a professional online presence. A website is the best place to do this.

What’s Next?

Just think of the readers you’ll have ready to buy your book when it comes out. Or think of the word-of-mouth between businesses for those of you who write for businesses. Building a website will be one of the best things you will do for your writing business.

Until next time, keep writing,

Tracy