For all of you loyal followers of my writing tips and Miss Crankypants, THANK YOU so very much for reading my blogs regularly, even though I haven’t had a real website that looks cool and professional. UNTIL NOW! Soon, very soon, I’ll be posting my tips & humor from a real honest-to-goodness blog that is fully integrated with my website: http://www.Lindasclare.com

Writing Tip for Today: What is a fully integrated blog and why do authors need one?

One Stop Shopping.

A fully integrated blog just means that it appears as part of your website. You have a site, right? If not, please get one, even if it’s a basic DYI type of site. The reason? Readers and potential readers can access more about you at one convenient place. You will be able to more easily gather info (email addresses and other contact info) from a website, setting up a spot to sign up for a newsletter or other freebie. Your website can house a landing page, your blog and a section about you, your services, books. You can post excerpts from works, hold contests or make announcements–all from your website.

Be a Pro.

A blog integrated into a site also exudes professionalism. If you limp along with a blog (the way I have for several years), it might connote that you aren’t really committed to writing. Your website can reflect not only your dedication to writing, but also your personality, your preferences and even your style. Add a link to a book store so purchasing your books is simple. Your blog is just one tool in your box to attract visitors.

Never Too Late.

If you’re like me, maybe cost has kept you from building a solid website. I’ve done my best and so do you. But when I could I didn’t hesitate to get a good site up and running. I chose a designer who could transfer my blog posts to the new site without sacrificing my followers and traffic. I also wanted a site that I can maintain myself without too much help, and a reasonably priced web host that I can afford. I’m going to take a short vacation until my shiny new website with INTEGRATED BLOGS is ready to go live. I can’t wait to show you my new look, so stay tuned!