Carla King – Build Your Online Platform

Build your email list, create a lead magnet, a website, and engage in social media.

Marketing begins now, at the very start of your publishing efforts, and your website is the foundation of that marketing effort. Your website serves as your storefront and scrapbook—a place to attract, inform, connect, collect, and communicate. It’s your “You-Central” on the internet, connecting you with readers and establishing your brand as an author.

Here’s What You’ll Learn

• Understand your website building options and choose a solution that fits your needs.
• Choose a domain name and web hosting company for a strong online presence.
• Get a personalized email address to enhance your professionalism.
• Make your website a “high-converting” platform that engages visitors.
• Choose an email marketing service to stay connected with readers.
• Create a lead magnet to attract and grow your email list.
• Incorporate a consistent brand across your website and social media.
• Understand and use metadata and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) effectively.
• Create a dynamic social media presence to reach and engage your audience.

The course includes homework, worksheets, to-do lists, and extras to help you refine your strategy and bring your vision as an author to life. You’ll also have access to a supportive Facebook group for questions, feedback, and encouragement from a community of like-minded individuals.

Common Questions? This Course Has the Answers

Do you have questions about domain names, web hosting, WordPress, SquareSpace, Wix, GoDaddy, BlueHost, MailChimp, Constant Contact, landing pages, lead magnets, metadata, or SEO? This course provides clear, actionable answers to help you build your online platform with confidence.

Your Domain Name

Your name is your biggest brand! This course will show you how to select and secure the perfect domain name for your website.

Web Hosting

A web hosting company handles the technical aspects of running your website. You’ll learn how to choose a reliable hosting provider that suits your needs.

Website Building

Learn how to build your website using user-friendly tools and themes, or discover cost-effective services and professional help to create a polished, branded site that markets your writing effectively.

Your Blog

Your blog is an extension of your website. There’s no need for a separate blogging platform—this course teaches you how to integrate everything seamlessly.

Your Email Marketing List

The most important function of your website is to capture email addresses from readers. This course shows you how to create engaging content and an “ethical bribe” (e.g., free stories or tips) to entice visitors to join your list.

Web Marketing and SEO

Harness the power of the internet and SEO to market your book passively. Learn how to optimize your website and let search engines like Google and Amazon connect readers to you and your work.

What This Course Offers

This course simplifies the process of setting up a cohesive, branded internet presence. You’ll explore DIY and professional solutions to build a website, set up an email list, deliver a lead magnet, and create branded website and social media banners. It’s the perfect step toward establishing yourself as an author and achieving success in your career.

Course Curriculum

Introduction

• Course Overview
• Resources

Websites, Blogs, and Domain Names

• Introduction
• Linda Lee: Websites, Blogs, and Domain Names (26:02)
• The elements of an author website
• How to choose web hosting for your site
• PubSite: A turnkey solution
• Why you shouldn’t use free web hosting
• Your WordPress hosting solution
• SquareSpace hosting and site builder
• What you need to know about SEO
• What else do you need to know?

Domain Names: Your Address on the Web

• Choosing and using a domain name

Landing Pages

• Create a landing page to collect email addresses
• Create a landing page to deliver your lead magnet (freebie)

All About Email

• Choose an email marketing service
• How to build an email list (28:45)
• How to get your own personalized email address
• How to import your contacts into an email list service
• An overview of MailerLite

Lead Magnets

• How to create a lead magnet

Social Media

• Diving into social media

NAMW

• Three Easy Ways to Grow Your Email List (90:22)

Next Steps

• Congratulations!

Your Instructor

Carla King is the founder of the Self-Publishing Boot Camp educational series. With a background in technical writing and a passion for travel, Carla began self-publishing her adventure travel books in 1994. Since then, she has guided countless authors on their publishing journeys.

As the author of numerous books and a trusted publishing consultant, Carla King is a recognized leader in self-publishing education. Her Self-Publishing Boot Camp Guide for Authors and Consumer’s Guide for Self-Publishers are invaluable resources for independent authors worldwide.

Take this step now and let’s build your online platform together!