Marketing a book is a task that begins well before the publication of your book. Typical marketing methods include sending out press releases regarding your book, setting up book signings, and conducting radio and newspaper interviews. These methods are a great way to market a book, but you can also market a book through a website.

Creating your own author website to market a book is a beneficial marketing tool that is relatively low in cost. In recent years the Internet has gained popularity and author websites are popping up left and right. Online book retailers such as Amazon.com have become an accepted way to buy books. Therefore, you can market a book on your own website and through online retailers such as Amazon.com.

Many authors are gifted when it comes to writing their book, but don’t know the first thing about building an author website. Don’t worry if you do not know how to build a website. You can enlist the help of web designers or even build a simple website of your own to market your book.

Several website hosting providers offer easy to use programs that can help you create your author website in a matter of minutes. When you build your author website it is important to choose the right domain name. The domain name is your website address. Choosing your book’s title or your name are great ideas for marketing your book. Type these names into an Internet search engine to verify that they aren’t taken yet. If websites have already been created for these names, then you will have to modify the web address to market your book.

Your author website should contain basic information about your book including the title, ISBN #, and price. Include a synopsis and picture of the cover art. You can directly sell your book through your website or provide links to online retailers such as Amazon.com. Either way, make it simple for the website visitor to purchase your book.

You may also want to provide your picture and information about you as an author. Also list any events, such as book signings, that you are going to participate in. Provide an email address so readers can contact you. Some authors also enable a message board where website visitors can post messages. The extent of your website information is at your discretion.

The Internet is an inexpensive way to market a book. Take advantage of the technology and put your book information online today. Great resources for building your own website include www.godaddy.com and www.yahoo.com. These website hosting service companies provide inexpensive ways to build your website in a matter of minutes.