How To Create Your Own Name (Author) Website- What to do and why!

By Sue Ellson

Topic: How To Create Your Own Name (Author) Website – What to do and why!
Date: Wednesday 8 January 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 12:30pm AEDT time (UTC+11)
Venue: Zoom
Handout and Recording: Will be sent to everyone who registers to attend
Tickets: $0 each
Listed Online: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/events/7278284340579508225
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/1583225705890203
City of Literature Website https://cityofliterature.com.au/explore/education/how-to-create-your-own-name-author-website-what-to-do-and-why-3

Slides

20250108-how-to-create-your-own-name-author-website-by-sue-ellson Download

Slides Content

What are your options?
1. Outsource entirely (dangerous for first edition)
2. Do it yourself entirely (time consuming and may never happen)
3. Manage it with help (trusted LOCAL partner same regulations)

PLEASE UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE PAYING FOR!

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-much-should-i-pay-website-what-included-design-proposal-ellson

How To Create Your Own Name (Author) Website

Purpose, Planning and Preparation
Domain Name and Domain Name Privacy
Website Hosting and Website Builders
WordPress
Plugins
Appearance and Page Builders
Settings and Analytics
Search Engine Optimisation
Images Resized and Renamed
Essential Content
Recommended Features and Mobile Friendly
Social Media
Online Directory Listings
Links – External, Backlinks, Reciprocal
Redesigning an Existing Website

Purpose, Planning and Preparation
– Keep a list of all of your logins!
– What are you trying to achieve?
– Who do you want to reach?
– What do you want them to do?
– Who will be involved and what will they do?
– What is your Minimum Viable Product?
– 80% is ‘good enough’
– Something is better than ‘nothing’
– Ideally, start with something you can build on
– Not if but ‘when’ you are hacked…
– How will you make sure everything is done?
– How will you test everything?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-do-before-you-speak-website-designer-sue-ellson

Domain Name and Domain Name Privacy
– Purchase it yourself and buy from a different company to where your website is hosted
– Purchase Domain Name Privacy or Private Registration as well (spam protection)
– Do not purchase ‘add ons’
– Do not purchase ‘other domain names’ or alternatives
– Aim for yourname.com (if you want .com.au must have an ABN)
– Plenty of alternatives .co .net .au .online etc
– Can purchase well before you start building your website
– I use https://www.crazydomains.com.au but they will TRY to sell you stuff!
Website Hosting and Website Builders
– I use WordPress.org and pay for Website Hosting (not WordPress Hosting) from https://www.ddns.com.au based in Melbourne, Australia
– Could start with free website builder with your domain name purchase
– Could start with free wordpress.com like sueellson.wordpress.com (no domain name)
– Others offer hosting and design tool in one monthly fee – Wix, Weebly, Squarespace etc
– Create an email address
– Hosting Servers based close to your audience or in the Cloud if customers are international (e.g. China)
– Make sure you know how to backup!
– Save every page you create on your own account at https://web.archive.org
WordPress
– Content Management System
– Widely Used
– Multiple Themes (layout) – start free
– Multiple Page Builders (layout help)
– Multiple Plugins (features) – that carry forward
– Need to learn some basics
– Updates regularly
– Can build up over time
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-do-before-you-upgrade-redesign-your-website-sue-ellson
Plugins
– Features to add to your website
– Backup
– Security
– Search Engine Optimisation
– Caching (pages load faster)
– Google Site Kit
– Microsoft Clarity
– Bing Submission
Appearance and Page Builders
– Called Theme or Template
– Starter Templates rather than Custom Design
– Page Builders save you from coding (I use Elementor Pro)
– Start Free or low cost for Minimum Viable Product
– I use WP Astra https://wpastra.com/website-templates
Settings and Analytics
– Local Location, Local Time
– Comments must be Approved
– Check all backend settings before adding any content
– See if you can install Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity
– Do not have ‘admin’ as your Username
Search Engine Optimisation
– understand the importance of titles
– 300+ words
– markup – headings, bold, bullet points, numbered lists etc
– all keywords included regularly
– include interlinks around your website whenever possible
– make sure external links open in a new tab
– publish links to all the other places where you appear on the internet
– link to all of your social media profiles, online directories, listings etc.
Images Resized and Renamed
– all images resized before uploading
– all images renamed before uploading
– all images property details added before uploading
– mostly original images if possible (never seen online before)
– not copied off the internet
– not belonging to someone else
– consistent quality and style
– avoid AI images
Essential Content
– Home Page
– About Page
– Contact Page
– Privacy Policy Page
Recommended Features and Mobile Friendly
– designed for mobile phone users
– lots of white / neutral space
– almost one sentence = one paragraph
– images help (and one video per page does too)
– contact details and contact form
– frequently asked questions page
– I personally like having a visible Site Map
Social Media
– recommend LinkedIn
– recommend YouTube
– recommend Facebook for Reviews
– link to all profiles
– think of your audience and where they are
– do what you can manage
Online Directory Listings
– Yellow Pages – one free website link
– White Pages – one free website link
– True Local – one free website link
– Local Council
– Professional Membership / Association
– Legal Deposit – National Library
– Legal Deposit – State Library
– Lending Rights https://lendingrights.arts.gov.au
– Trove National Library https://trove.nla.gov.au
Links – External, Backlinks, Reciprocal
– External – to another website
– Backlinks – from another website
– Reciprocal – to and from another website
– look for local ones
– look for high domain authority ones (media, government etc)
– look for aligned information or where you are mentioned even if you are not linked
– open in a new tab to help user keep back record
Redesigning an Existing Website
– need to tell search engines where content has been moved to, especially if you have created an entirely different layout
– ideally set up systems so ‘old’ content can be kept online and keep helping you rather than delete old pages and lose link juice
– create redirects – this page was here is now here
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-do-before-you-upgrade-redesign-your-website-sue-ellson

Video Recording

Details

Have you been thinking about creating your Own Name Website?

Yes, a LinkedIn Profile is amazing – I have had one since 21 December 2003.

But on 13 February 2011, I registered the domain name https://sueellson.com

And because I created my first website back in 2001, I knew a lot about how to make it work! And it does!!

Do you know where to start?

How to choose and register a domain name so it stays in your control?
Which platform to use to develop and publish your website?
To create it yourself or hire a website designer?
To search engine optimise it whilst developing it (not afterwards).

Inclusions

comprehensive slides that you can use to go through this entire process yourself after the workshop or use as a road map for any assistance you call on
video recording of the session
opportunity to purchase my five digital books at a discount

More information

Avoid making all of the rookie mistakes and wasting your time and money!

This will be an inclusive workshop for all ages and abilities and there will be time for questions as well.

For more information, contact me directly https://sueellson.com/contact

More reviews on Google, Facebook and the Reviews Page on my SueEllson.com website

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t attend live, but if I register, will I still receive the slides and the recording?
Yes, everyone who registers will receive the slides and recording via email

Can I ask quick questions before or after the webinar?
Yes, just email sueellson@sueellson.com

Can I ask questions anonymously during the webinar?
Yes, just message Sue Ellson directly in the chat and your name will not be announced

How can I find out more about the presenter, Sue Ellson?
Visit the About page on Sue Ellson’s website at https://sueellson.com/about – this includes a lot more information about Sue’s education, qualifications, memberships, skills and experience

Can you tell me more about Sue Ellson’s books?
Yes, they are written in a conversational and practical style with stories that you can relate to based on Sue’s extensive lived experience. Each book has a comprehensive Index so that you can go back to something specific of interest at any time. Learn more at https://sueellson.com/books

Can you tell me more about Sue Ellson’s digital mentoring?
Yes, Sue works with individuals and enterprises to help them achieve their digital goals. Whether you are just starting your digital journey or you have been online for years, Sue shares actionable wisdom that is aligned with your goals and focuses on building digital assets with lifetime returns

Comments from the Chat during the Webinar

Good to be here!
Hi! Happy to be here. Ready to learn together with you lot 🥰
So informative, thanks!
Thank you very much.
Thank you so much Sue, I appreciate you sharing so much information which is so very helpful.
I liked the pace of your presentation, covering a lot briefly, also the fact that the recording is available, and your generosity threaded through the session…THANKS SUE!
Thank you Sue. It is a great insight into developing a website
Thank you Sue very insightful session. Greatly appreciate your time.
The computer is smoking in trying to keep up with you Sue! – – – Thanks so much for your time and energy – with so much really valuable information! Phil Stahle
I am inspired by you Laurie.
Amazing Sue and Laurie. Inspirational
Thank you so much!
Thank you again so much for today’s presentation.
Thank you Sue.
One thing so valuable for me as the perfectionist who gives up …..80% is good enough ….Start simply and keep refreshing / adding / expanding over time
Thanks Sue!!!!!!
Thanks Sue
Thanks Sue

End of Webinar Survey Results

1. What did you find most helpful in this webinar?

Everything was gold and lots of values. Domain name, website builder, what to do and not to, tips, strategies shared. copyright, images, etc

Sue kept the webinar interactive, which made it easy to relate and connect with the content.

Willingness to answer questions and share information.

Making it your own and building up gradually.

2. What do you plan to do next?

Research my domain name and finalise it.

I will be researching wordpress and probably starting up a basic site in the next couple weeks.

Consider developing my own website a bit later in the year.

Experimenting with words which will direct people to my website

3. What else would have been helpful?

A bit more time on the content.

For the time that Sue so generously invested, I cannot think of anything else she could have squeezed in. A wealth of information in a minuscule time, and value beyond expectations.

I can’t think of anything at this moment. There was a lot to take in.

A lot was fitted into a short space of time. Maybe too short a time. Then again we have access to the recording.

Reviews After The Webinar

I had the pleasure of attending several webinars hosted by Sue Ellson, and I can confidently say that they were some of the most insightful and engaging sessions I’ve experienced in my professional journey. As a LinkedIn specialist, Sue brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the platform’s features, best practices, and strategies that help professionals and businesses succeed in today’s digital world. If you’re looking to enhance your LinkedIn presence, whether personally or professionally, I highly recommend attending Sue’s webinars. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to leverage LinkedIn to its full potential. Dasha Bartikova

And this cool Instagram Story by Aleisha Marina Pienaar

Instagram Reel by Aleisha Marina Pienaar about How To Create Your Own Name (Author) Website by Sue Ellson

Zoom AI Summary

Quick recap

Sue discussed the importance of creating a professional website for authors, emphasizing the need for planning, preparation, and regular updates. She also provided tips on choosing a domain name, selecting a platform, optimizing for search engines, and managing website content, using her own website as an example. The conversation ended with discussions on website management, branding issues, and the importance of maintaining control over online presence.

Next steps

Attendees to choose 3 things they would like to do in the next 3 hours based on the information presented in the webinar.
Attendees to consider starting with a minimum viable product (e.g., a one-page website) when creating their website.
Attendees to keep a list of all logins for accounts created during the website development process in a password-protected Excel spreadsheet.
Attendees to consider using WordPress.org for their website development.
Attendees to use one company for domain name registration and a different company for website hosting.
Attendees to purchase domain name privacy or private registration when buying a domain name.
Attendees to resize, rename, and add file details to images before uploading them to their website.
Attendees to include essential content on their website: home page, about page, contact page, and privacy policy page.
Attendees to ensure their website is mobile-friendly.
Attendees to link their social media profiles and online directories on their website.
Attendees to regularly update and add content to their website to improve search engine rankings.
Attendees to implement a backup process for their website.
Attendees to test all functionalities of their website before and after launch.
Attendees interested in purchasing Sue’s five digital books to email her.
Attendees to provide feedback on the webinar through the survey at the end of the session.

Summary

Creating Author Websites With WordPress
In this meeting segment, Sue discusses creating an author website and provides tips on choosing a domain name, selecting a platform, optimizing for search engines, and offers examples of websites she has built using WordPress. She emphasizes having a personal website to establish an online presence, especially for authors. Sue advises thinking of three actionable items from the presentation to implement within the next few hours or days. She briefly mentions the websites timothyhipworth.com, lauriesmale.com, and her own sueellson.com as examples of different types of author websites.

Website Creation and Professionalism
Sue discussed the importance of creating a professional website, emphasizing the need to start small and build over time as income increases. She warned against outsourcing to foreign countries due to potential cultural and regulatory issues, and advised to understand what you’re paying for. Sue also mentioned her article, “How much should I pay for a website? And what should be included in the design proposal,” as a resource for learning more about website creation. She encouraged attendees to attend her LinkedIn workshop, follow her on social media, and purchase her books. Sue also acknowledged the traditional owners of the land and encouraged attendees to ask questions via chat. She concluded by asking attendees to identify their main goal for creating a website, whether it’s to build a personal brand, promote services or goods, or attract job or business opportunities.

Website Building and Content Sharing
Sue discussed the benefits of having a website for sharing content, citing an example of a woman who wanted to publish her deceased relative’s poetry. She emphasized the importance of sharing content with a wider audience and the need for planning and preparation in building a website. Sue also highlighted the role of a digital mentor in guiding the process and shared her experience with a student, Laurie, who has seen significant success with his website and social media presence. She advised against waiting for a perfect website and recommended starting with a minimum viable product, such as a one-page website. Sue also stressed the importance of keeping track of logins and passwords, and the need for a backup process to be prepared for any hacking attempt.

Website Setup and Hosting Options
Sue discussed the process of setting up a website, emphasizing the importance of using different companies for the domain name and website hosting. She recommended Crazy Domains for domain name purchases and DDNS for hosting, both of which offer responsive customer service. Sue also suggested using WordPress.org for website creation and hosting, and warned against using platforms like Wix, Weebly, or Squarespace due to their monthly fees and inability to export content. She highlighted the benefits of having a professional website with a unique domain name and email address, and advised considering the location of the website’s server for optimal reach.

Website Management and Content Optimization
Sue discussed the importance of website management, particularly on WordPress. She emphasized the need for regular backups, security measures, and search engine optimization. She also highlighted the significance of using appropriate titles, keywords, and interlinks for content. Sue advised against using images copied from the internet, as they can lead to copyright issues, and recommended using images created by the owner or those from a paid subscription like Canva. She also stressed the importance of resizing and labeling images before uploading them to a website. Sue concluded by warning against the use of AI-generated images for website content.

Website Essentials and SEO Strategies
Sue discussed the essential content for every website, emphasizing the importance of a home page, about page, contact page, and privacy policy page. She highlighted the need for mobile-friendliness and the use of white space. Sue also recommended the inclusion of videos and contact details, as well as a frequently asked questions page and a site map. She suggested linking to various social media platforms, including LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook, and recommended considering the target audience’s preferences. Sue also emphasized the importance of online directory listings and backlinks for SEO purposes. Lastly, she advised on the process of redesigning a website, including setting up redirects to maintain Google ranking.

Website Development, Transparency, and Control
Sue discussed the importance of understanding what you’re paying for in website development and maintenance. She emphasized the need for transparency and control over one’s content. Sue also shared her experience with a client who was nearly convinced to pay $500 a month for SEO services without fully understanding the services. She stressed the importance of managing and understanding one aspect at a time when dealing with technology. Sue also mentioned her upcoming webinar on Savvy Social Media Strategy and encouraged attendees to register. Laurie, a client of Sue’s, shared his positive experience with Sue’s guidance and support in building his website and creating content. Sue offered to show the back end of her website to attendees and encouraged them to ask questions.

Website Optimization and Branding Discussion
Sue discussed a participant’s website and branding issues. Sue suggested that the URL doesn’t matter as long as the website is optimized for search queries and has relevant content. Sue also recommended having a separate page for each staff member to increase visibility. Sue also shared her experience of creating a simple one-page website for her daughter, suggesting that the participant could start with a similar approach.

Domain Name Registration and ABN
Another participant and Sue discussed the registration of domain names for the participant’s business. The participant initially registered one domain name with .com.au but later changed it to .au due to the existence of a similar company in America. Sue advised the participant not to buy any extra domain names and to focus on having a page on her website with her name in the URL for better search engine visibility. They also discussed the importance of having an Australian Business Number (ABN) for .com.au domain names.

WordPress for Better Online Control
Sue and Laurie discussed the importance of maintaining control over their online presence. Sue emphasized the benefits of using WordPress over proprietary systems like Wix or Weebly, as it allows for more customization and control over content. She also highlighted the importance of regularly updating and optimizing content to improve search engine rankings. Another participant appreciated the advice on using WordPress for better control over website content. Sue also demonstrated the backend of her website, explaining how she manages her content and plugins. The conversation ended with Sue encouraging the participants to start small and gradually improve their websites over time.

Follow Up Personal Assistance

– Book a personal appointment with Sue Ellson

Service examples https://sueellson.com/services-and-pricing – please Contact Sue

How to say Thank You Sue

If you find any of the information in this free webinar helpful, please consider writing an informative review via one of the following links:
Google Review https://g.page/sue-ellson-author/review
Facebook Review https://www.facebook.com/sueellson2/reviews
Online Review https://sueellson.com/reviews (no login required)
LinkedIn Recommendation https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueellson (we need to be connected)

And if you haven’t already, please follow or subscribe to my social media channels listed below and connect on LinkedIn

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