Building a website for your book is a very important step in promotion. Don’t just add your book to an existing site - it will get much more attention if it has a site of its own. To save money, find a free website provider. These also typically offer page builders and templates to help you build the perfect website for your book. Be sure to choose a website address based on your books title, rather than your name. 

Once you’ve set up an address for your website, the next step is deciding what exactly should be on it. Here are some things you should be sure to offer your readers online:  

1. Offer sample chapters. Giving visitors a taste of what they will be getting if they read your book is the best way to guarantee a sale. Be careful not to give anything away though – what is the point in buying a book if you already know exactly what is in it?
2. Provide a place for reader comments and questions. Being able to communicate with your readers is very important. This connection to you will encourage readers to look into the work you do in the future. 
3. Post testimonials and reader reviews. This is a very good way to encourage people to read your book. Once they have seen that other readers have enjoyed the book, they will be more apt to check it out for themselves
4. Provide media resources. It is really important for the media to know how to get in contact with you to schedule interviews. Posting your email address or phone number on your website will ensure that they will know how to reach you. 
5. Offer products and services based on your book. This is not just a good way to earn more money - it’s also a sure way to further promote your book. When readers order your merchandise, they will show it to their friends. This will likely result in more people buying and reading your book.

To get more attention for your website, you could start a monthly newsletter. Ask readers to subscribe to the newsletter on your website, and provide them with information on your book and any future work you do. Also ensure that people view your website by printing your website’s URL in your book. Follow these few steps and you will be well on your way to becoming a best selling author.

==>Amanda Free is a Communication Major at University of Louisville.