Putting Up Your Own Writing Website? Why Not?

If you enjoy writing and have had something published, you may, in fact, you should consider a developing a writing website. You can use it to help others improve their writing skills and at the same time, earn some money.

Here are a few suggestions for setting up your website.

1. What will be the focus of your website? Will it, for example, focus on helping young workers improve their writing skills? The focus and its intended audience are extremely important. So take the time you need in this step. What will make your website stand out from its competition? What makes it truly unique and helpful?

2. Once you have your focus and intended audience, you'll need to give your website a name. The name, like a good book title, should promise a benefit, such as writingbetterletters.com. Keep brainstorming possible titles and don't be in a hurry. Allow your list some time to cool off. Look at it again the next morning. Do you still like one or two titles? No? That's fine! Keep brainstorming. You want something that you will be truly happy with. Make a list of features that your website will feature, such as articles, newsletter and perhaps a free forum.

3. Definitely register your website and its dot-com title with a reputable host, such as godaddy.com.

4. Now put yourself in your audience's place. What do you expect to find on writingbetterletters.com? For example, will your site feature suggestions, effective letter samples, free tutoring, articles?

5. Work on one thing at a time. If you intend to feature articles, then be sure to write two or three articles for your site. Pay attention to your homepage and draft a few rough sketches of it, including links. Wait until your website is established before writing newsletters or featuring forums. Visit competitors' sites and decide what you like and dislike about them. You won't be copying their designs and festures, of course.

6. Remember that nothing is written in stone. That is, you may still find a better way to design your homepage and think of other features that will attract your intended audience. And remember to tell everyone about your website, including family members. If you start a forum, ask family members to register and post on it.

Before getting her website, http://www.profitable-pen.com, up and running, Dorothy Zjawin spent a LOT of time on website titles. Her website features a free forum for new and experienced writers.