Trying to create a new author website and wondering what to call it? Don’t worry, this article answers just that!
The process of creating an online identity involves selecting a name for your author website which can be a considerably large task to take on.
I mean, you become what you’re called and so will your author website depending on what you call it.
Keep in mind that a good website name enables an author to connect with their intended target audience as well as become easily searchable.
Now, to help you in forming a perfect author website name, we have a couple of tips to offer.
Follow through the article to make an author website that is unique and set apart from the rest.
In case you are unsure where to get started from, take a step back and think about what the purpose of your website is going to be.
And there’s where we begin!
1. Understand the Purpose of Your Website
Do you wish to market your new books?
Provide information updates?
Inform fans on where they can purchase your new release?
In short, what do you want to do with our author website?
Your site is where readers can know about you, when you write, where you will be shortly, and much more.
This aids in nurturing a circle of fans who can associate themselves with you as an author right from day one.
So, how does this relate to the name?
Well, in every way!
The name you choose should reflect what the intent of the site is.
For instance, if you are into mysteries, then pick a name like “MysteryWriterJamie”.
It’s direct, it serves a purpose, and it will simplify the process of the specific clients locating you.
2. Keep It Simple and Memorable
When it comes to your website name, simpler is better.
An easy to call, and remember author website name will ensure that readers are able to locate you quickly.
Don’t use obscure names or difficult spellings as they are likely to scatter visitors away instead of helping them locate you.
Combine your first and last name with what you do and keep it simple and plausible.
“JohnSmithWrites.com” and “FantasyWithEmily.com” are perfect examples.
It is straightforward, easy to recall, and provides readers with a clear understanding of who you are and the information that you want to send across.
3. Reflect Your Genre or Writing Style
Your site’s name gives you the opportunity to give an outline of what your target audience should expect from the book or book’s stories that they want to buy.
If you enjoy writing thrillers or romance, for example, why not put that in your name?
Getting the picture?
Consider using names like “IntriguingTalesBySarah.com” or “DetectiveDanWrites.com” if you consider yourself a mystery writer.
These names help readers instantly assess the situation and know in advance what kind of stories they will read within them.
Also, these will help you remember your target audience more easily and precisely.
4. Use Your Name Strategically
Another great trick is to use your real name, a pen name, or even a variation of it.
In the authoring world, your name and your book’s name go hand in hand.
Hence you can confidently call your author website your author name.
It all stems from the purposes that you have as an author.
Your real name provides authenticity and is an excellent way to gain respect that can be used to your advantage when trying to connect with people who don’t know you already.
A pen name provides versatility and security allowing diverse marketable identities to be formed besides allowing one to be uniquely branded.
5. Avoid Overused or Generic Words
When selecting a name for your author website, you could also consider selecting something more inventive.
Generic names can equivalate to more forgettable websites.
For instance names such as “Writer’s Corner” or “Book Haven”, while pleasant, do not distinguish you from other individuals.
More importantly, the website does not capture your personality and traits.
Additionally, modern terms and trends can quickly go out of style making your website feel irrelevant, which is another key aspect why you should avoid these types of names.
So what are some methods to invent an original name?
→ Think Out of the Box: Consider using imagery or metaphors that hint at your writing style or themes.
→ Mix It: You can merge two important words to form a new word that is exclusive and appealing.
→ Employ a Thesaurus: Seek out new words to replace old ones.
→ Research: Try examining the titles of books or names of authors that you admire to find new ideas.
6. Keep the Future in Mind
Your identity should evolve and expand alongside your website name.
For example: Rowling naming her account “PotterWorld.com” sooner or later would not have been suitable to her adult fiction writing.
To help you later on with branding:
→ Select a name that represents you as a writer rather than a specific book.
→ Refrain from setting your name to be too precise.
For instance, “FantasyFictionByChris” might not be suitable in case you embark on writing romance in the future.
Ponder over how the name corresponds with possible future projects or genres.
7. Look For The Domain Availability.
Before you get attached to a name, ascertain that you can acquire the correlating domain.
A wonderful name is not very beneficial if the web address is already in use.
Use solutions like Olitt or Namecheap to find out what they have in store to begin with.
This is how you can better your chances of finding one:
Stick with .com: It is the most common and preferred overall.
Attempt variations: If your first choice is taken add “author” or “writes” after the name.
If you see a domain that you like, go and purchase it before someone would.
8. Optimize for SEO
Besides, the name of the website should further assist in guiding people on the internet.
Incorporating words that users are likely to search on Google can help them find your site easily.
For example, tags such as “ThrillerNovelistJane.com” or “RomanceByEmily.com” clearly indicate the intent of the writer to the readers and search engine bots respectively.
So as to make your name conducive for search engine optimization:
a. Add keywords related to your genre or writing style—but keep it natural.
b. Avoid stuffing in too many keywords, as it can make the name clunky.
c. Keep your site updated with fresh content to stay relevant to readers and search engines.
9. Get Feedback: Why Other Opinions Matter
Sometimes you end up with endless choices when looking for a name to call our author website.
Seeking feedback is hence critical.
Feedback helps set a context, to check if the name is suitable for the target audience or whether it matches your genre and style.
Here’s how to collect straightforward, plain and unscrupulous opinions:
Make a Shortlist: Find a number of dedicated names you wish and distribute them to some trusted writing peers or members of your Writer’s Club.
Try Online Surveys: Rely on Google Forms or SurveyMonkey that lets you access many more people to respond to your survey.
Attempt Social Media Polls: Offer a few name options on your Instagram, Twitter or Facebook accounts and let your fans participate in voting.
Additional perk? It allows your audience to participate in the experience.
10. Test for Usability and Appeal
You’ve done your research on the website names that best suit your needs.
We need now to test a few of those options.
When it comes to testing usability, here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Make It Vocal: Does it ease your tongue? If the words are difficult to say, they will not be useful.
Let Your Imagination Run Wild: Imagine having compliments written in cursive and Times New Roman.
Now, how does it feel?
How about a business card or a book cover that has a website URL on it, would it look good?
Ask Others: Share the name with family or friends and ask them how they would spell it, if it’s difficult for them it needs alteration.
Use Platforms: You can additionally utilize platforms like NameCheckr to check whether the brand name is available for use across social media.
This helps maintain the brand identity.
11. Trust Your Instincts
All in all, this is your site and your name should be the one dominating your site’s image.
Don’t get so overly attached to feedback and testing, have faith in your choice.
If the proposed brand feels genuine and full of excitement to you it most probably will resonate with your readers too.
Evaluate how every title corresponds with your identity and sense of style.
Ask yourself:
Would I feel ashamed picking this name?
Does it reflect me as a literary figure?
And bear in mind, everything isn’t immutable.
You are free to adjust your marketing strategies because you will expand, but having a name that doesn’t feel right is a poor way to begin.
Conclusion
Choosing a name for your author website is not an easy task – it is literally creating an online identity.
The correct choice not only enables people to search for you on the internet but also creates an image reflecting the nature of you as an author.
There is so much to consider in this post such as having a unique name that is easy to memorize to having the correct name style bearing your specific genre.
In the practical aspects, do not forget such a crucial step as checking whether the needed domain and seo are available.
To sum it up, the website name is not only an address, but rather an invitation to the readers to enter your universe.
So, be patient, enjoy the process. Soon enough you’ll find a decent name to call your author website.