Writer’s Website Dilemma.

Do you really need a traditional website?

All freelance writers should have a ‘place’ online where we can find them. This is vitally important for a writer if he/she wishes to develop their careers. That online space may well be a traditional website, but increasingly many writers are happy to promote themselves on alternative platforms. Such as Medium or Vocal Media, for example.

Also, many writers have blogs or social media pages as their primary outlet for showcasing their work, and this approach can be highly effective. They find this sufficient and they can function effectively.

But whatever the writer chooses, they will want to portray themselves professionally and will decide upon a platform that helps them to achieve that primary goal.

If a writer wishes to showcase their work to date, which could be considerable, then the more traditional website is likely to be the answer. There will then be room for the writer to tell their story, control their content, and to market their services as a freelance writer.

Identify your website’s goals.

It is vitally important to have a clear idea of your website’s purpose. If you are hoping to attract new clients with your website or online space, then you must have knowledge of your audience.

You should spend some time on this subject and understand exactly who your target audience is and what they can expect from you. You can then create and include content that will help them, make their life easier or more interesting and exciting.

Yes, you can showcase your portfolio of work, but what that includes should suit your target audience. And there is no harm in adding a strong call to action to activate some response from your visitors.

Your website should not be about you, but what you can do to help your visitors improve the quality of their lives and help them solve their problems.

Website essentials for the writer.

Focusing clearly on the purpose of the site, a writer should definitely include some or all of the following:

... a portfolio of articles (published if possible), ebooks created and other pieces of their writing. Some might prefer to just provide online links to their work rather than include the full items. Depending on the online space, it might be a good idea to reproduce your work completely to enhance SEO. This could help to further monetise the site.

... a link to a separate blog where you can draw attention to any latest developments, new material or special news that might interest your readers.

… an email subscription form so that you can build a list of interested readers. You can then market to these subscribers with products of interest and earn some additional income as an affiliate.

... a ‘Hire Me’ section if you want to attract new freelance writing clients. Include an email address so that potentially new clients can make that first contact.

... your social media handles so people can find you on other platforms. Include Facebook and Twitter as a minimum.

A new item of writing should appear on the site as soon as possible. This will keep the site fresh and regularly updated.

Creating content that engages.

If you spend time and effort attracting visitors to your writer’s site, then you want to reward them with engaging content.

Having fully understood the goal of your website, the audience you wish to reach, then content should cater for those specific visitors. Your writing should be of the highest quality, the best that you can produce.

Here are some tips on how to create content that attracts visitors and keeps them engaged:

... use storytelling techniques. A non-fiction article always improves with a personal memory or anecdote. It adds that human touch. If you wish, create a brief story provided it is not too exaggerated or verging on fantasy.

... make your articles visually attractive. Images, videos strategically placed will keep visitors on your page.

... readers don’t like long paragraphs of tightly packed text. So break them up and make use of white space. Always have relevant, clear headings.

... avoid the passive voice as much as possible. Write in the present tense. This makes your work more lively and vital.

Become a blogging hero.

Blogging certainly improves your writing and your creativity. It will also improve your chances of being hired by a client if they can see your skill as a writer. At the least, it should prove that you can write grammatically correct sentences!

Here are some essential blogging tips for writers:

...you need to blog regularly, perhaps two to three new posts per week. But always prioritize ‘quality over quantity.’

... if you can write about a subject with passion and some personal interest, then this will make your content more interesting and appealing. Your readers will sense your enthusiasm and will enjoy reading your content, especially if it is also a topic that interests them.

... your blog should have an exciting, attractive title that will appeal to your target audience. Try to remember that it is your audience and their needs that should take preference. It should not all be about you.

... make your blog and posts visually attractive. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different media but don’t over complicate.

All creatives are different and, therefore, their personal websites or online spaces will always reflect their personalities and interests. Designs and content will always vary depending on what they are attempting to achieve.

There is no right or wrong in this situation, but the goal or purpose of your site should always be the overriding factor.