No serious job seeker applies for a job without submitting a resume. This is the best tool for a potential employer to see what you bring to the table compared to other candidates also applying for the same position. For a serious freelance writer, creating a personal author website has the same effect when trying to attract clients.
A personal website acts as a living resume and portfolio for a writer. This is their window to the world and an easy portal to connect with clients. Making your author website sparkle and dazzle is critical to your success. Freelance writing sites are not just about making a good first impression. A website is a tool for selling your abilities as a writer.
What can you do to create a winning personal website?
Define your website’s purpose
Some writers use a website simply as a place to showcase examples of their best work. Others will post regular content related to the craft of writing or their experiences as a writer. Deciding what purpose your website will serve will help guide everything from design to what content you place on the site. It’s important to remember that, whatever you choose to do, you set aside enough time to keep the website looking fresh and dynamic. Stale design and stale content send a poor message about your writing abilities.
Identify target clients
When you apply for jobs, your chances for success are enhanced when you tailor your resume to highlight skills and experience that correspond with that position. With an author website, you need to operate on a similar principle. You should tailor your portfolio and other website content to attract the type of clients that align with your skills. If you are a sports writer, for example, your content and writing samples should focus on sports.
Sell your writing skills
Your website should contain samples of all the different types of content you can produce. Include everything from blog posts to brochures in your portfolio. The primary reason for having an author website is to sell your writing skills. Clients can get a better feel for what you bring to the table if they can see for themselves what you will produce for various types of content.
Encourage action
An author website should always include a “contact us” page. You can list your phone number, physical mail address, or email address on this contact page. Another option is to have a form a potential client can fill out with their contact information. The “contact us” page gives potential clients a way to reach out to you. Respond to all questions and comments you receive promptly. Engaging clients shows you’re serious about doing business with them.
John C is a professional writer and editor who has written articles and blog posts for dozens of websites and publications for more than a decade. His current goal is to branch out into the exciting world of fiction writing.
