Wednesday’s promoting tip for authors
Monday, I discussed the importance of a strong book title and organizing idea, using the recently published Tuned In as an example. Yesterday, I continued to discussed the book from the perspective of a simple, logical content plan that can be visually expressed. Today, I want to address the importance of creating a simple website home page that provides entry to numerous inside resources while, nevertheless, projecting a simple, appropriate, and welcoming image.
Tuned In’s home page is deceptively simple. The entire page fits “above the fold,” i.e., no scrolling is needed. The white space and the simple graphic project a clean, simple, organized image.
The colors used, and the “tuning dial” graphic, reinforce the look of the book.
Although there are relatively few links, you don’t get the feeling that this is a “bargain” website.
Of interest is the fact that the home page doesn’t feel the need to emphasize a free download of a sample chapter, or 2, in exchange for the website visitor’s e-mail address. It’s a “quiet” site, one that projects a restrained self confidence, entirely appropriate for the book’s contents and authors.
Takeaway
As you analyze existing books in your field, take the time to study the websites created by the authors. Learn to recognize effective design so that you can demand it from those you work with. Strive for the simplest design that allows easy access to your website’s content.
August 14, 2008
Roger, something that may not be obvious about this site is that it was built in TypePad. As you know, TypePad is blogging software. It is a little known way to make great sites that anyone can update. If you can use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, you can use TypePad. I recommend it to people who want to make an easy and quick, yet very attractive site. David
August 15, 2008
Dear David:
That’s amazing. Thank you for sharing that crucial information.
Roger
August 17, 2008
To give you a little more background on the Tuned In site, we used http://www.madetostick.com as our original inspiration. Simple, clean but very informative.
We started with just a blog, about 1 year prior to the book’s publication, as a way to test concepts and elicit feedback and conversations on various tuned in topics.
Around the time of publication, we added the “typical book stuff”, like author bios, excerpt, reviews, links to Amazon, etc.
It was always our intention to create something that went well beyond “writing a book” and we are now entering the third phase of the site, evolving it into a destination to “get tuned in” with additional resources, tools and services to help those who wish to follow the six steps to creating a resonator.
Graham Joyce
Pragmatic Marketing
August 19, 2008
Dear Graham:
Thank you for the “inside look” behind your great website.
Your “one year before the book was published” was a really fascinating revelation, as was your view of your website as having definite “stages.”
Published & Profitable looks forward to hearing more from you. BTW, the design of your Pragmatic Marketer newsletter, http://www.pragmaticmarketing.com/publications, is spectacular!
Thanks for commenting.
Roger C. Parker