Tuesday Tip – The search for a bestseller website!

Yes, you’re seeing another iteration in my continuing quest to get some idea on how to change the website. I hope you don’t mind being my guinea pigs on the blog so I can then set a designer loose to do up the site!

Funny thing since I regularly help people with ideas for their own sites, but can’t seem to get a handle on mine.

I love the old site. It’s slick and sexy as some of you have mentioned in earlier comments. Maybe too sexy, since to some it screams “erotic”. While my books certainly push the envelope at times, what I’m really after is a new website that screams what I am about now – paranormals and romantic suspense.

I’ve got a few ideas percolating in my head. Maybe a banner with a crime scene tape, a couple and images of things you would find in a suspense novel?

What do you think says paranormal and romantic suspense? What do you think says bestseller when you visit a person’s site? Inquiring minds want to know.

7 Replies to “Tuesday Tip – The search for a bestseller website!”

  1. Hi Caridad,

    I’ve been a web and graphic designer for over seven years and had the opportunity to work on a variety of sites – in any style you could imagine/desire.

    What I always suggest is combining your personality with what you do when it comes to entertainer/artists sites. I think blending the style of your writing with your own personal style is what is going to work for you. I usually offer unlimited revisions and the option to see 2 or 3 layouts to work from there on.

    Some sleek, sexy, and elegant comes to mind for you with hints of bolder colors and design pieces to tie it together.

    Also for the home page slideshow type windows could be placed in to hold some of your items (perhaps the newest releases under the featured book). I’d have to sorta map it out to show. Breaking up the side column a bit might also be something to consider.

    Sorry for the long post, when it comes to design stuff I tend to get carried away and could go on forever :)!

    Would be happy to answer any questions etc., feel free to send over an email.

  2. Just be careful that you don’t put too much on the home page. Some people still have older computers and very slow Internet. If it takes too long to load, they won’t look!

  3. I also like this version much much more.
    I love the flashing quotes.
    I find the top part a little busy and I get the feeling this is the one book you wrote.
    I like the idea of crime scene tape and maybe a shadowy figure.
    What about using a spooky font to blend in the paranormal?

  4. I have to agree that this one is better than the cartoonlike one… you keep experimenting until you find the one…

  5. I love the quote, “Move over Ann Rice” which flashes up. And I do like today’s version better than the one that was up the other day. I like promoting the bestseller aspect. I think your idea of the crime scene tape is good. And then a paranormal aspect needs to be there too. Good luck– your are on the right track!

  6. Ahhh well, you and I’ve already discussed this. However, I feel that the site really needs to reflect your style of writing in order to fit you. Which is the same as saying… “If the cover of the book doesn’t fit what is inside, I’m bummed.”

    Make sure the book matches the cover. I do like the way this looks now vs. the cartoonish look of last week. So you’re on the right path IMHO.

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