Be a Literary Web Designer

January 22, 2008

Another burgeoning opportunity is Web design for authors. You don’t have to target big name authors to be successful in this business. Your opportunity lies in helping would be authors publicize their works online.

Publish on Demand (POD) and other self publishing options continue to grow. So, the need for authors to promote their books online will continue to grow.

Again, you can’t be all things to a writer. You’ll have to niche yourself in a specific plaform or industry. Many authors are seeing the value of having a blog, both to promote their work and to interact with readers.

Because blog platforms like WordPress require strict XHTML/XML programming, you may not want to offer complete site customization. I worked with an author who only wanted a custom graphic/logo. So, I was able to pick a template and customize a header. Happy author. Happy designer.

Writer’s Digest, The Writer, and other publications have classified listings for Author Websites, though there aren’t many designers using these venues to advertise. To really stand out, hit a market with little or no competition, like stay at home moms or retirees. Look for opportunities to promote local authors and artists.

Of course, choose your niche wisely and market like crazy.

Tags: niche web designer, freelance web design business, web design business