Stuart Grant - Maximizing Your Online Presence with Author Websites

Stuart Grant is the founder of Digital Authors Toolkit, a digital agency specializing in author websites. With over a decade of experience in the publishing industry and having created more than 300 websites for authors, Stuart is a leading expert in helping writers establish their online presence. His approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of author needs and reader expectations.

In this episode:
➡️The importance of author websites and essential elements they should include
➡️Website design tips, including using book covers as inspiration
➡️SEO optimization and strategies for driving traffic to your site
➡️Email list building and effective use for author marketing
➡️Common mistakes authors make with their websites and how to avoid them

Resources mentioned:
➡️Website builder: Wix
➡️Print-on-demand services: Book Vault, Lulu
➡️Ebook delivery: Book Funnel

Book recommendations (add links)
➡️"Ted Talks" by Chris Anderson
➡️"Ultra Processed People" by Chris Van Tulliken
➡️JD Kirk's Hoon series

Connect with Stuart Grant:
➡️Website: digitalauthorstoolkit.com
➡️Social media: @StuartGrantUK

Connect with Teddy Smith:
➡️Website: https://publishingperformance.com/
➡️Facebook -   / publishingperformance  
➡️Pinterest -   / publishingperformance  
➡️Instagram -   / publishingperformanceinsta  
➡️Youtube -   / @publishingperformance1363  
➡️Linkedin -   / publishing-performance  

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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction: Author Websites & Digital Marketing with Stuart Grant
00:16 – Meet Stuart Grant: Founder of Digital Authors Toolkit
01:04 – Why Stuart Specialized in Author Websites & Digital Marketing
01:13 – The Evolution from Apps to Author Websites
03:38 – Why Every Author Needs a Website: Email Collection & Brand Control
03:47 – Managing Multiple Pen Names: One Website vs. Multiple Sites
05:39 – Cross-Fertilization of Readers Across Different Pen Names
06:43 – Linking Author Websites to Amazon Author Profiles
09:16 – Selling Direct vs. Amazon: The Pros & Cons Explained
12:29 – Why New Authors Should Focus on Amazon First
13:04 – Print-on-Demand Solutions: Book Vault & Lulu Recommendations
14:28 – Why Wix Outperforms WordPress for Author Websites
16:04 – Essential Website Elements: Books, Bio & Blog Pages
17:19 – Writing Compelling Author Bios: Why Personal Details Matter
19:24 – Creating SEO-Friendly Blog Content That Drives Traffic
20:38 – Sharing Behind-the-Scenes Content to Build Reader Connection
21:14 – SEO Optimization: Image Labels & Metadata Best Practices
23:31 – Website Design Philosophy: Reader Experience Over Author Preference
26:00 – Using Book Covers as Design Inspiration for Websites
27:07 – Color Psychology & Genre Recognition in Website Design
29:49 – Lead Magnets & Email Collection Strategies
32:00 – Creative Lead Magnet Ideas Beyond Free Books
32:26 – Driving Website Traffic: Spotify Playlists & Book Club Resources
34:47 – Maximizing Website Promotion: Front/Back Matter & Audio Books
36:32 – Website Analytics: Tracking Visitors & Amazon Click-Through
39:10 – Book Recommendations: TED Talks, Ultra Processed People & JD Kirk
41:16 – Where to Find Stuart Grant & Digital Authors Toolkit

#AuthorWebsites #WebsitesforAuthors #ThePublishingPerformanceShow