It’s First Wednesday so it’s time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post!
February 7 question: What turns you off when visiting an author’s website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author’s books? Constant mention of books?
When I visit another author’s website, I like to see someone who seems as if they’d be friendly and personable if we met out in public somewhere. What turns me off is the hard sell: constant hawking of the books, pop up ads and “subscribe to my newsletter” demands whenever you try to explore the website. If I want to buy books, I certainly know where to go and how to make a purchase. And if I want to sign up for whatever it is you’re hawking, I can do that on my own as well. I also don’t like those teaser type blurbs that don’t’ tell you anything about the book except that it’s bound to be a best-seller!
What I do like is a little personality on the website. As they say, your voice should shine out, whether you’re writing your novel or your blog. You don’t need to be a professional comedian, but try to have a little humor, especially when it comes to your personal side, which you should share with your readers, at least a little bit. You don’t’ need to include your address, children’s names, and bank account numbers to come across as personable. If your books are mysteries or thrillers, write like your sleuth or private eye. If you write romances, your voice should show that. And if you’re a science fiction or fantasy writer, we should be able to tell by reading your blog.
Check over your website – and read the other IWSG blogs this week – to be sure you’re not driving traffic the wrong way…away from your site! It’s a fairly easy fix, especially since we’re all telling you what not to do.
