How to inspire, inform—and never annoy your audience with email newsletters. (Especially if you are an author.) Here’s my newest article for BookPromotion.com.
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Free Hosting vs. Self-Hosting in WordPress article for BookPromotion.com
It is tempting–oh, so tempting!–to go for the free options when building your site. I wrote this article for BookPromotion.com to break down the pros and cons of free hosting verses self-hosting in WordPress, particularly when it comes to author sites and publishing in general.
Free Hosting vs. Self Hosting in WordPress
Written for BookPromotion.com April 9, 2013
The first step to creating a site is deciding how you will build it. The decision to use a content management system (CMS) is a no-brainer. A robust CMS will make it easy for you to modify everything from the site structure and navigation to styling, images, and content.
The following is a look at the pros and cons WordPress.com—the free version of the popular CMS and WordPress.org—the self-hosted version of the same platform. Although are many of other free and paid content management options available (Blogger and Squarespace, to name two), in my opinion, these two are the best in each class for authors. Continue reading Free Hosting vs. Self Hosting in WordPress
Julia Sweeney’s site launch
The site I designed for author, actress, comedienne Julia Sweeney launched this week! The site showcases the entire oeuvre of her work—from memories of her tenure on Saturday Night Live to her stage shows, and her books. In fact, her new book, If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Your Mother pubs today!
Plus, she wrote me one of my favorite testimonials: “Okay, whenever you send me something new I am so gobsmacked by how beautiful it is, I can barely look for the possible problem areas. Seriously, it takes me a couple of days to recover. I was just thinking, Lisa has the most fun job that she is most wonderful at doing. (Awkwardly worded, yes, but when I think, I’m clunky) Unclunkily, I thought, ‘She must be smiling every day!’ (Of course I know that’s not true, as I live in the real world, but still, that’s really what I was thinking just now…) Lisa, you are so good at your job!”
Article on Designing for Social Media for BookPromotion.com
Whitney Moss and Heather Flett are perhaps better known online as the Rookie Moms.Together, they have a wildly popular Web site (which I just redesigned), two books under their belt, and thousands of followers. They asked me to help them pull together a more attractive social media presence that better promotes both themselves and their various properties.
This article for BookPromotion.com breaks down exactly what I did to better design both their Twitter and Facebook pages.
Designing for Social Media
Written for BookPromotion.com, March 23, 2013
A common complaint I hear from authors and other clients regarding social media is the lack of options available to customize that design. That it’s hard to stand out from the crowd on Twitter and Facebook, particularly.
I respectfully disagree. Look at what a yardsale MySpace became by allowing its users to go nuts with animations, fonts, color, and more. From the start, the two most important social networking properties—Twitter and Facebook—have been very deliberate in the options they offer users in terms of design. But what you do with those options can help you stand out and promote your work. Continue reading Designing for Social Media
What is With All the Lousy Author Web Sites?
Written for BookPromotion.com March 20, 2013
Every time I find a book I love (or even one that I don’t), the first thing I do is find the author’s site. After spending hours with the book, I often yearn to know more about the author and his or her background, to see what else they may have written.
Often, the sites are lacking. And that’s being charitable.
I may not be neutral on the subject—I’ve worked in both publishing and web design for more than 15 years. But authors can no longer rely upon traditional avenues alone to promote their work. And considering publishing’s bootstrapped state, you can’t count on your publisher to manage your online presence.
This article is an open letter to authors to seize control of their online presence. Use your sites to connect with readers, increase sales and propel your career forward. Continue reading What is With All the Lousy Author Web Sites?
First Article for BookPromotion.com
I just joined BookPromotion.com as a contributor, and my first article launched today. Entitled What Is With All the Lousy Author Web Sites, I think you can guess what it is about. This is my tough-love letter to authors out there to get their (ahem) sites together.
On a related note, I am going to be speaking on a panel with the amazing Lori Culwell at Book Expo America this May on this very topic and more.
Rookie Moms Site Redesign
I originally worked with the Rookie Moms—Heather Flett and Whitney Moss—designing their 510Families.com site a few years ago. They recently came to me, asking to help them refresh the look of their original site, RookieMoms.com. Since they launched the site in 2005, it has grown substantially. (As have their respective children—five in all! Rookies no more.) They have an avid online following on both Facebook and Twitter, and two books under their belt. They wanted a site that retained the original look and feel, but reflected the earned sophistication and depth of content. Last, but not least, the site is integrated with their advertising network, monetizing all that content. I love seeing these smart, savvy women succeed in their work!
Egg & Dart Press Placeholder Launches
This is phase one of the Egg & Dart Press site launch–a placeholder introducing four new cookbooks that come out this Spring. As you might imagine, the only thing I like better than books is cookbooks. Can’t wait to get my hands on these.