Platform Diving
I’m going to take a grand leap and assume that a lot of readers here are freelance writers with their own web site. I know I fall into that category. I want you to step back and take a look at your website for a moment. What is your goal with it? Is it to bring freelance writing jobs in or is it to build your own personal brand as an author? I’ve been going along with the assumption that mine is a little of both and I’m now thinking that the approach may be flawed.
But George, why not both?
Good question. Here’s what I think: As much as I love the variety of work that freelance writing allows, it really is a way of making money whilst working on the writing I do for me. My writing consists of the short stories and novels in progress that I hope will one day propel me into the realm of “published author”. I’ve been thinking that having my site focus on the services I can provide as a writer would also work just fine as my author “name recognition” platform.
What I’ve found is that it is very difficult to have one site do both of these things well. Oddly enough, whenever I take on a new freelance job, I’m:
a: relieved. The folks at VISA and the student loans will be happy with me (this month)
b: chagrined. I guess the Great American Novel will have to wait another month.
The site functions well as a place to land writing gigs but is doing virtually nothing in terms of preparing the world for George Angus the novelist. I’ve decided it is best to separate the two. The writing services site is going to take on that focus and I may ratchet the promotion down a bit. I’ll develop a different site to work as my author platform.
So for me it becomes a question of how best to accomplish what I really want to have happen. Maybe I’ll make the writing services site a static site and move all of my blog archives to the George Angus site. Maybe I’ll blog at both. Maybe I’ll just give up writing and become a cabana boy for rich tourists in some tropical third world country.
I guess my question for you folks is: What is your web site geared towards and is it geared towards what you really want? I don’t think it is a question that should be answered flippantly. I think it requires a bit of introspection and honest evaluation about what it is you are trying to accomplish. If freelance writing is what you want more than anything, then build your site with that focus and keep everything you do aimed in that direction. Really make it a site about freelance writing and do all that you can to attract those clients.
If you have something else in mind, change things up and clean things up. Don’t be afraid to shift your site to match your goals and priorities.
Okay, let’s hear it. What do you think?
About the Author: A writer living in Alaska. A simple man with few passions: My daughter, writing, soccer and now and then a good cigar.
Chris Anderson | Oct 9, 2009 | Reply
Well, I have a portfolio site atm. It’s main focus is for potential clients to see my work and possibly for new clients. It has a place for my work, testimonials and a way to contact me. I think that’s fairly focused. I’m sure it could use some work though. I think the main goal of it is to show my authority in writing and build some credibility as it also has a semi personal blog with it.
But I think your on the right track though with seperating yours. Your author site should just be about your projects and novel writing and what not. While your other site would focus on getting work.
Anyways, I say blog on both. I have two sites, one my main blog (The OMV), and the other my portfolio site. On The OMV I blog at regular intervals. But on my portfolio I only blog once in a while. It’s just another way for people to get to know me a little better and show my authority in writing.
Of course everything is always a work in progress, and things may change down the road. And I’m not sure if I answered your question or not, but that’s where I’m sitting and thought I would share it with you.
Earl Gile | Oct 9, 2009 | Reply
I have just put up my portfolio site, and I used my name as the domain for that site. The purpose is to let people know me the writer and I have a blog attached to show case my writing skills. I am now thinking perhaps I should put together a different site which I can make sort of a personal site to share me with people. I think you are right, and I am thinking also I should put together sites for my other freelance actives. Thanks Earl
tumblemoose | Oct 14, 2009 | Reply
Chris,
Yup. You did a fine job of answering the question. Your point about blogging on both is good. Blogging keeps the sites fresh and up in the search engines a bit.
As always, thanks for coming by!
George
tumblemoose | Oct 14, 2009 | Reply
Hi Earl,
I appreciate the comments. Platforming is critical per the publishing crowd and I think it’s a good idea to start building it as soon as possible and gain some early on name recognition.
George