What A Tangled Web (site) We Weave

Lori here~

I am not tech savvy. I freely admit this without embarrassment. I also admit I have no desire whatsoever to learn html code, animation, or anything remotely connected with computer gadgetry or programs. Some people -- mostly people who are tech savvy, who think computer stuff is "easy" -- gasp in mock horror and try to convince me I'm a smart woman, I can figure it out, it's not that hard.

Right.

But what I think really bothers them is my stated desire not to learn that crap. I don't want to know how to roof my own house, or stitch up my own wounds either. So hiring a qualified website design specialist makes perfect sense. I gladly write the check after I'm satisfied with the product.

With NO MERCY releasing in two months, my website needed a complete overhaul. I've had the same website designer since 2004 when my first mystery was contracted. I was initially very happy with the site. We did a couple of changes every year but nothing...earth shattering. So when Lorelei James was born in 2006, I opted to go with another website designer. One who was more accessible. One who knows I'm not tech savvy, but also understands I'm also a bit of a control freak. We launched the site and it's undergone many changes over the years, both in appearance and accessibility.

Because I release way more erotic romances in a calendar year than the lone mystery, the Lorelei James website is constantly updated. It's got "extras" on the site readers have asked for. I have a blog I post little tidbits on three times a week. It's a fluid site rather than a static site. And boy-howdy do my web stats reflect that difference. My daily unique visits on the Lorelei James site are at least TWENTY TIMES what my visits are on the Lori Armstrong site.

Naturally I'm striving to change that. We relaunched the Lori Armstrong website this week. I'm happy with it, we're still adding features, making changes. I haven't received the okay from Simon and Schuster yet to post an excerpt from the book, or the great author blurbs I've gotten, or the reviews, so the site is still a work in progress. Check it out:

Lori Armstrong website

Once the site is completely done, and the closer I get to publication of NO MERCY (and through this next damn deadline) I plan on blogging once a week on my own, in addition to my weekly blogging here at First Offenders. The Under The Gun blog will be something completely different. I hope to bribe coax gun professionals for a montly Q&A about firearms.

So my question: how often do you visit author websites? And what features keep you coming back?

Comments

[J. Carson Black]

Lori, me likie! It's got more sweep than the original, which I liked a lot, but it doesn't lose the flavor of the west.

Regarding how to get people to your site, beats the hell out of me. I don't even go to my *own* website!

I would say that Karin Tabke's First Line Contest drove a lot of eyeballs to her blog, and now she's built a good community over there.

And Lee Lofland's site is jamming. Of course, he's made it a clearing house of sorts, with all the cop stuff and agents and editors and guest authors. It's like the Huffington Post for crime writers.

[AlisonGaylin]

Your site looks great, Lori! I totally agree with Jake re: Lee Loffland's site. It's wonderful and informative and always changing. Huffington Post for crime writers is the perfect description... You do bring up a sore topic, though, since my website (sort of a homemade thingie) hasn't been updated in... uh... a year. I've been getting a lot of fanmail on my facebook page and myspace, and even a few tweets on twitter, from readers who believe my website may not be the best way to reach me. Rest assured, I'll fix it -- after I make deadline on this book. But in the meantime, I'm glad for social networking.

[Becky Hutchison]

Lori, your new website looks wonderful! Also, your amazing book covers look great at that size.

I visit favorite author's websites occasionally, but the ones I go back to are updated frequently. Why bother going back if nothing ever changes? Even telling readers that a series is in hiatus or no longer published is helpful.

One of my favorite author sites is Meg Cabot's. She writes on her blog about three times a week, and sometimes daily. She's always upbeat and funny, and she highlights issues she supports, like protecting the environment and registering to vote (and then actually doing so).

There are several websites I could name as my least favorite, but they all have one thing in common...they are never updated. I think it's wonderful that you plan to blog once a week. I'll have to pop in every once in a while to see what you have to say.

[Noel Wiggins]

Boy I wish there where more folks like you out there.

that believe that the work is better to hire out the professionals to do the work. I think to many people want to save money by building their own websites, which there is a huge learning curve, and usually takes you away from what you do best. It would be like me wanting to write a novel to save on money to simply buy one.

Good luck with the launch of your 2 new sites. SOunds like you have found the trick to success for getting high traffic to your sites!

--

Thanks and Regards

Noel for Nopun.com
a graphic design studio

[Jake Nantz]

I rarely visit author websites unless they blog on the site instead of something on blogger, wordpress, or the like. Normally it's because authors don't often have fluid, ongoing content on the site. But that's just my overgeneralization showing...

[Jeff Shelby]

Fresh content. Like Alison, I couldn't tell you the last time I updated my website. Sad, really. But those that I know post new content on a regular basis, I visit them regularly. FOFO Laura Lippman runs something new at the start of each month - so I always pop over and check it out because I know it will be there.

[Karen Olson]

I like going to author websites to read excerpts, especially if it's an author I don't know and I want to get a feel for the writing, see if I would like it. I also check events of authors in my area.

My book pages with excerpts are the most read on my website, according to my stats.