Being your Own Webmaster
If you are an aspiring writer, you need a web presence and it should be part of your plan for success. I even chose my pen name based on the availability of the domain name. I had always dreamed that my pen name would incorporate my middle name, but, alas, that domain was taken, so it was back to the ol' drawing board computer screen.
I've had a website for a few years now, and did it on a very tight budget. Many aspiring writers are in the same situation, being unable to spend thousands (or even hundreds) of dollars on a professional webmaster to create a professional website. If you want to be professional and you're on a budget, there are things you can do.
First, you need to buy your domain name. Think of the domain name as your "address" on the internet. It should clearly identify you, and will be unique to you. It should also be easy to remember. I purchased my domain names through GoDaddy. The website is easy to read and user friendly. There are other places you can do: WebDeveloper.com (which also has an article that explains the process), ActiveDomain.com, Network Solutions and many others. In most cases, you simply type in the name you want and then the site leads you through the purchase. This is not an expensive endeavor, but be warned that it is simply the first step in the process. If this is all you can afford to do this month, then by all means do this step now and save the hosting and development for another month.
Second, you need to decide who to go through for hosting your site. Hosting is a service provided by a vendor that will provide you with a server. Essentially, it is a home for your website that you rent from a vendor. To make things easy, I use GoDaddy for hosting also, but there are other options. If you happen to be in the central Missouri area, KTIS provides web hosting services. Web Hosting Geeks provide a pretty good review and rating of web hosting services which you can check out here. All their top pics have a pretty good rating (GoDaddy comes in 9th, followed by Yahoo).
Third, you need to design your website. Before you jump into the actual design, get online and do research. Check out writers' websites, booksellers' websites, artists' websites . . . anything and everything. Look at content, navigation, design, colors, etc., and make note of the things you like and the things you don't like. Keep detailed notes and print off those that you particularly like. This will serve you well whether you do the website yourself or if you opt to have someone else design the site for you. I know I sound like a broken record (GoDaddy - hello? - do I get paid for this? No, but I'd gladly take a credit on my account!), but I use GoDaddy's product which is called WebSite Tonight. There are lots of templates and you can personalize it with your own images, or you can go with their stock templates and just fill in the content. I researched products at the time I set up my site and found it easy enough to use and update, plus I like the fact that the handful of times I've had a problem, GoDaddy help has spoken English and have been prompt in their response time.
I am by no means an expert, but I do serve as my own webmaster and also am webmaster and blogger for www.midmoparalegal.com, and have been asked to serve as webmaster for a state organization. With a little time and patience (and willingness to research and study), you can be your own webmaster and create a professional appearance on the web.
If you've created a site on your own, let me know - I'd like to check it out and am open to your suggestions!
I've had a website for a few years now, and did it on a very tight budget. Many aspiring writers are in the same situation, being unable to spend thousands (or even hundreds) of dollars on a professional webmaster to create a professional website. If you want to be professional and you're on a budget, there are things you can do.
First, you need to buy your domain name. Think of the domain name as your "address" on the internet. It should clearly identify you, and will be unique to you. It should also be easy to remember. I purchased my domain names through GoDaddy. The website is easy to read and user friendly. There are other places you can do: WebDeveloper.com (which also has an article that explains the process), ActiveDomain.com, Network Solutions and many others. In most cases, you simply type in the name you want and then the site leads you through the purchase. This is not an expensive endeavor, but be warned that it is simply the first step in the process. If this is all you can afford to do this month, then by all means do this step now and save the hosting and development for another month.
Second, you need to decide who to go through for hosting your site. Hosting is a service provided by a vendor that will provide you with a server. Essentially, it is a home for your website that you rent from a vendor. To make things easy, I use GoDaddy for hosting also, but there are other options. If you happen to be in the central Missouri area, KTIS provides web hosting services. Web Hosting Geeks provide a pretty good review and rating of web hosting services which you can check out here. All their top pics have a pretty good rating (GoDaddy comes in 9th, followed by Yahoo).
Third, you need to design your website. Before you jump into the actual design, get online and do research. Check out writers' websites, booksellers' websites, artists' websites . . . anything and everything. Look at content, navigation, design, colors, etc., and make note of the things you like and the things you don't like. Keep detailed notes and print off those that you particularly like. This will serve you well whether you do the website yourself or if you opt to have someone else design the site for you. I know I sound like a broken record (GoDaddy - hello? - do I get paid for this? No, but I'd gladly take a credit on my account!), but I use GoDaddy's product which is called WebSite Tonight. There are lots of templates and you can personalize it with your own images, or you can go with their stock templates and just fill in the content. I researched products at the time I set up my site and found it easy enough to use and update, plus I like the fact that the handful of times I've had a problem, GoDaddy help has spoken English and have been prompt in their response time.
I am by no means an expert, but I do serve as my own webmaster and also am webmaster and blogger for www.midmoparalegal.com, and have been asked to serve as webmaster for a state organization. With a little time and patience (and willingness to research and study), you can be your own webmaster and create a professional appearance on the web.
If you've created a site on your own, let me know - I'd like to check it out and am open to your suggestions!
Posted by Elle Robb at 10/15/2009 5:46 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: website webmaster writer author
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: website webmaster writer author
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