In this episode we are going to talk about the six things reader’s want to see when they come to your website. It’s not enough to get readers to come to our websites, we want them to stay. So we have to give them what they’re looking for when they come. But what are those things? This podcast summarizes research done by the Codex Group about what readers want from author websites.
Exclusive Content

* 43% of respondents to the Codex Group Survey want exclusive online content.
* This is an untapped goldmine. Provide special goodies exclusively on your site and watch your visits blast off. Give them fun stuff they would be willing to pay for. MP3’s, short stories, whole books. Go crazy.
* Also, Google likes exclusive content so this gives you and SEO boost too.
* Seth Godin gives more stuff away for free on his blog than most other authors. He also sells more books than most other authors. He gives stuff away on his blog only to his blog readers.
* He has no “goodies” page.

Your Speaking Schedule

* 36% want speaking schedules, book signings, and appearances.
* This is really true, particularly for guys. Posting your speaking schedule can also increase your appeal as a speaker. If event planners know you bring your own crowd they will be willing to pay you more.
* And it increases your authority.
* An easy way to keep a speaking schedule is with the MySpeakingEvents WordPress plugin.

 Recommended Books

* 36% want to see recommended books; “explainers,” or inside information about the book.
* The extras …
* This is also a great way to make a little extra money on the side since Amazon will give you a commission on any book sales you refer using their affiliate program.
* Garr Reynolds does book recommendations well. He doesn’t just recommend a book, he explains the gist of the book visually. He also has a list of recommended books along the right side of his site.
* What books inspired your books?
* The MyBookTable plugin is a great way to create a bookstore of the books you recommend.

Book News

* 33% of respondents said they want weekly e-mail news bulletins with updates on tours, reviews, and books in progress. An easy way to keep your readers up to date on your book news is with the MyBookProgress WordPress Plugin.
* Let your website visitors feel like they are on the “in crowd”; they get to know about stuff first and get special perks by visiting your website.
* Here are some email tips:
* 7 Reasons Why MailChimp is Better than Constant Contact for Author Newsletters
* 3 Ways to Grow Your Author Newsletter
* 8 Elements of Effective Author Newsletters

Your Contact Information

* Nothing is more frustrating for readers than to dig up an author’s website only to not be able to contact that author. Setup an email address just for getting reader feedback. The practice of corresponding with readers is centuries old. C.S. Lewis used to spend hours hand-writing responses to his readers’ letters. If he can do that, the least you can do is give people your email.
* Amazing “mind reader” reveals his gift: