Trials and Triumphs: Navigating Website Updates & Sales for Indie Authors

What's good Readers, Writers, & Authors

Today, I want to share a behind-the-scenes look at a challenge many self-published authors face: maintaining and updating our websites. It’s an essential part of our journey, yet it’s often fraught with frustration and technical hiccups. Allow me to take you through my experience and explain why having a website is so crucial for any author.

The Digital Labyrinth

When I first embarked on my self-publishing journey, the idea of creating a website seemed like an exciting endeavor. It was my little corner of the internet where I could connect with readers, share updates, and, of course, sell my books. Little did I know that the digital labyrinth I was stepping into would test my patience and resilience.

Technical Troubles

Updating a website is not for the faint-hearted, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. For instance, a simple task like adding a new blog post or updating book cover images often turns into a multi-hour ordeal, involving troubleshooting broken links, misaligned text, and unexpected formatting errors. And let’s not forget the occasional website crashes that make your heart race and palms sweat.

Time-Consuming Tasks

As a self-published author, you wear many hats: writer, marketer, social media manager, and, yes, webmaster. Each of these roles demands time and attention, and updating your website can easily consume

hours that could have been spent writing your next masterpiece. Balancing these responsibilities often means late nights and early mornings, trying to squeeze in website maintenance amidst your writing schedule.

The Importance of a Website

Despite these challenges, maintaining a website is not just a necessary evil but a cornerstone of an author’s success. Here’s why:

Building Your Brand

Your website is your brand’s home base. It’s where readers get to know you, your work, and your story. A well-maintained site with regular updates keeps your readers engaged and informed. It’s a space where you can express your personality and build a loyal following.

Direct Sales

Selling your book through your website is a game-changer. Not only do you avoid the hefty commissions taken by third-party platforms, (ie Amazon) but you also have the opportunity to offer exclusive content, signed copies, and special discounts. This direct connection with your readers can boost your sales and deepen your relationship with your audience.

Central Hub for Marketing

Your website acts as a central hub for all your marketing efforts. Whether you’re running a blog, sending out newsletters, or sharing on social media, everything should point back to your website. It’s where readers can find all the information they need about your books, upcoming events, and how to connect with you.

Credibility and Professionalism

A professional-looking website lends credibility to your work. It shows that you’re serious about your writing career and willing to invest in your brand. Readers are more likely to trust and buy from an author with a polished online presence.

New Updates to my website iwritebooks.yolasite.com

I'm very happy to announce that I will be releasing some music and spoken word poetry via my new store.  I have partnered with payhip.com to upload some new and unreleased music.  Payhip has made uploading material super easy, and I am able to structure the works to be affordable and enjoyable.  I've updated links to the site and added a few pictures

So be on the lookout for more spoken word singles and possibly some EPs (if those are still a thing)!

Embrace the Journey

As daunting as it can be, managing and updating your website is an integral part of being a self-published author. It’s a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. Remember, every update and every tweak brings you one step closer to building a stronger connection with your readers and achieving your goals.

So, if you’re a fellow author wrestling with your website, know that you’re not alone. We’re all navigating this digital labyrinth together, and the rewards of a well-maintained website—greater reader engagement, direct sales, and a solid personal brand—make the effort worthwhile.

Thank you for joining me on this behind-the-scenes look at the trials and triumphs of website management. If you have any tips, experiences, or questions about maintaining your own author website, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Together, we can support each other in this multifaceted journey of self-publishing.

Happy writing and happy website updating!