Hey there, fellow digital creators! Welcome to your ultimate guide for 2024 on taking your online presence to the next level. In a world where social media reigns supreme, having your own corner of the web isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer.
I recently stumbled upon a thought-provoking Twitter post questioning the relevance of websites for musical artists in an era heavily reliant on social media for fan engagement. Many echoed the sentiment that websites weren’t necessary, given the predominant interaction happening on social platforms. But this got me thinking: it’s not just musicians facing this dilemma; it’s a widespread belief among digital creators.
Here’s the deal: websites have evolved far beyond being digital business cards or mere pamphlets. They’ve become the epicenter of your digital marketing universe—a place where all your creative efforts culminate, converting casual visitors into devoted followers and clients. A website isn’t bound by geographical limits; it’s your gateway to audiences worldwide.
But here’s the catch. The problem isn’t that people aren’t visiting your website because they’re glued to social media. It’s because you might not be guiding them there. As a marketer, I understand the power of social media in creating awareness and fostering a loyal following. Yet, when it comes to monetizing your content independently and sidestepping the ever-changing algorithms, having your own online sanctuary is non-negotiable.
So, buckle up as we explore not just why you need a stellar website (trust me, you do!) but also the essentials to craft a digital HQ that stands tall amidst the social media whirlwind. From the top reasons why your website is your greatest asset to the content you’ll need to monetize it, let’s dive into creating an online home that’s as unique as you are.
When you join a social media platform, you’re essentially agreeing to play by their rules. It’s surprising how many creators have had their accounts flagged or even shut down over what seems like a tiny mistake, such as an automated copyright claim gone wrong. Trust me, I lost my ten-year-old Instagram account back in 2021 because of this. Plus, these platforms can switch up their content guidelines overnight, turning posts that were once perfectly fine into grounds for removal.
However, with your own website, you’re the boss. You get to call the shots on what gets posted, how your audience interacts with it, and for how long it stays live. It’s your safe haven—a place you can consistently direct your followers to and ensure your content stands the test of time.
Let’s chat about social media content’s shelf life—it’s like the groceries in your fridge, but with timelines! Sometimes, it lasts a few weeks, but other times, it’s as fleeting as 30 minutes. That means you’ve got to keep the content wheel spinning constantly, or you risk fading into the background. Those pesky algorithms on social platforms? They tend to push your stuff down if they sense you’re not keeping up.
Now, shift gears to websites. Here’s the beauty of it: your content lives on your terms. It doesn’t disappear into the digital ether. It’s there for as long as you want. Your tribe can always discover it, whether it’s fresh off the press or been around a while. Plus, you can strategically use your social platforms to resurface that evergreen content when the timing’s just right, like during holidays or big life moments.
On social media, a lot of creators bank on active income—think sponsored posts, brand deals, and endorsements—to make money and expand their reach. But let’s be real, it often feels like a never-ending hustle, always on the lookout for the next collaboration.
Here’s where the game changes: that one-off payment from a brand deal can transform into a regular income. Imagine this: your website becomes the stage for content that keeps earning. Through online courses, ads, and affiliate links, the content you create becomes a perpetual revenue generator. And the best part? You’re the boss of how long it stays up, giving you the chance to earn from it indefinitely. It’s like setting up your own little cash flow stream that keeps giving back.
Without a website, as a creator, your content largely relies on app algorithms to get seen. But picture this: with a website, your content becomes searchable and indexable by search engines. That opens doors to being discovered through search queries unrelated to your brand. For instance, let’s say you’re a foodie who shares recipes on your blog, and someone searches for “how to make lasagna soup”—there’s a shot your content might pop up! Your website broadens the scope of people seeking diverse content to stumble upon yours beyond the confines of an app.
Imagine you’ve discovered your niche and cultivated a dedicated following eager to connect with you. Now, with a website, you’re in the driver’s seat. You have the power to shape that interaction. You might create a vibrant discussion hub, engage them with newsletters, or keep the conversation flowing in chat rooms. This grants you direct, unfiltered access to your fans. Leverage this opportunity to your benefit—whether it’s announcing fresh content or a thrilling new merchandise launch, you’ve got a direct line to keep them in the loop.
Let’s talk domain names—a.k.a. your digital address. These are the custom-branded names that guide people to your corner of the web. Think of it like your storefront sign in the bustling city of the internet. Now, when it comes to snagging these digital real estate gems, I’ve got a top recommendation: Namecheap. Trust me; their name says it all—they’ve got the best deals and a breeze of a process to help you secure the perfect domain for your online empire.
Let’s dive into the world of website hosting and content management systems. Think of web hosting as a house where all your content lives. A content management system (CMS) helps you create, organize, and share your content with the world. Together, web hosting and content management systems are like having your very own plot of land in the online universe where you build your digital dream home.
There are lots of companies that provide web hosting and CMS capabilities, such as Wix or Squarespace. However, my personal favorite is WordPress. It works a little differently than Wix or Squarespace, but it gives you the most flexibility and customization, plus it grows with you. I won’t give you the full run-down on WordPress vs XYZ here, but website hosts like Nexcess make it easy for you to build your own WordPress website. Just pick a plan, and they handle all the techy stuff for you. Trust me, when it comes to making your website thrive, Nexcess is where it’s at.
Okay, let’s talk about custom email addresses—these are like your digital business cards, giving your online presence a professional edge. Once you’ve got your domain name secured, creating a custom email address is a breeze. Think of it as setting up your own branded email—yourname@yourdomain.com, totally pro, right?
Now, when it comes to customer email providers, I’ve got a no-brainer for you: Google Workspace. And if you’ve ever used Gmail before, then you’ve already experienced the awesomeness of using Google’s email features. It’s the best for email hosting, offering seamless integration, powerful productivity tools, and that trusted Google reliability. So, if you’re ready to level up your email game, Google Workspace is the top choice.
An email marketing service provider is like your personal assistant for sending out emails to your audience. They help you manage your subscriber list, design beautiful emails, and track your campaign’s performance.
Now, when it comes to email marketing for digital creators, it’s a total game-changer. Picture this: it’s your direct line to your audience, a way to nurture relationships beyond the social media frenzy. You can share exclusive content, announce new releases, or even sell your creations—all straight to their inbox.
When you’re on the hunt for a stellar email marketing tool, look no further than ConvertKit or ActiveCampaign. These platforms are like Swiss Army knives for creators, offering sleek designs, automation smarts, and insights that’ll take your email game to the next level. So, if you’re ready to connect with your audience on a deeper level, ConvertKit or ActiveCampaign—they’re the secret sauce for your digital creator strategy!
Now, picture this: you’ve got grand ideas for what you want your website to look like, but coding? Not your thing. That’s where page builders come in. A website page builder is your ultimate sidekick for crafting a stunning website, minus the need for coding expertise. Page builders let you visually design your site’s pages with ease.
That’s where a page builder like Elementor swoops in. It’s your creative playground, offering a user-friendly interface where you can craft eye-catching layouts, add cool elements, and make your site truly yours—all without touching a single line of code. So, if you’re dreaming of a website that turns heads without the coding headaches, Elementor is your go-to!
Let’s talk about a crucial component of your website: the About page. This spot? It’s your chance to tell your story, your mission, and what drives your brand. Think of it as your virtual handshake with visitors—it’s where trust begins and connections ignite. Now, as you craft this page, get strategic! Place your words, images, and those oh-so-important social media links strategically. You want visitors to not just learn about you but leave eager to dive into your updates and be part of your journey. Trust me, this page is your secret sauce for forging those strong, lasting bonds with your audience!
Another must-have component of your website is your media kit. It’s like your golden ticket to woo potential brand partners before sealing the deal. What to include in your media kit? Think audience insights, follower counts, that VIP list of partnerships and events, plus visuals—all neatly wrapped up in one package.
Now, here’s the genius part: you can house your media kit right on your website for easy access by future collaborators. But, if you want to keep these details private, you can lock this page down with a password, ensuring only the intended eyes get a peek.
Your Press page is a golden ticket to showcase your credibility. This page flaunts your press mentions and media features, giving potential partners a glimpse into your journey. Organize it smartly; a simple layout speaks volumes, helping curious partners research you before diving into collaboration. Think of this page as a way to build trust and prove your worth, one visitor at a time!”
Many digital creators frequently generate income through affiliate link commissions. You can distribute these links across social platforms and on your website. One of the easiest ways to incorporate affiliate links on your website is by creating a resources or favorites page with all your affiliate products and even in your blog posts. One of my favorite ways to keep track of my own affiliate links is with the Pretty Links WordPress plugin. It allows you to custom-brand your affiliate links, making them easier to remember, plus you can monitor the clicks you receive.
The contact page is a must-have for digital creators. This page should include clear details on how someone can get in touch with you, as well as when they can expect to receive a response. If you decide to use a form to collect contact submissions on your website, I also highly recommend checking that your form is working correctly on a regular basis. It can be devasting to find out your form isn’t working and miss a great opportunity.
Another overlooked opportunity for digital creator websites is your blog. Having a blog may seem like an outdated practice, but it’s a great way to share in-depth product reviews with affiliate links, sprinkle in personal stories, and hype up upcoming events or campaigns. You can even use your blog to promote a podcast where you create a new post to share your show notes and behind-the-scenes bonuses.
Another blog strategy that helps you monetize your content is by creating a paywall. Have you ever visited the New York Times website to read a blog post, and it prompted you to sign up for a paid subscription to read the rest? You can implement this same exact strategy on your blog without being an expert coder, either. WordPress plugins like MemberDash make it easy to restrict content to paid members and create paywalls for your exclusive content.
You know those influencer marketing ads? Those images tend to be very high-quality and a compelling influence to help an audience take action. In my world, we call it visual storytelling, and it’s a game-changer for digital creators who want to stand out from the crowd. Having high-quality photos on your website is like showcasing your portfolio, showing brands and businesses what you’re capable of should they hire you for a campaign.
Adding an online store to your website might seem overwhelming but it’s plenty of things you can sell as a digital creator, digital or physical. Using a free WordPress plugin like WooCommerce makes it easy for you to add an online shop to your WordPress website. You can sell things like custom merch and connect it to a print-on-demand provider, so you never have to deal with shipping or inventory.
Digital products are also very popular and can even turn into a whole income stream on their own. Just imagine a foodie who shares recipes on Instagram and also tells their audience they can purchase their digital cookbook from their website. The possibilities of what you can sell as a digital product are limitless.
And there you have it, fellow digital creators! Your ultimate guide to crafting a website that’s as unique as your creative vision. Remember, your website isn’t just a digital space—it’s your home base, your online sanctuary where your brand truly comes alive.
With the five powerhouse reasons we’ve unpacked, the tools you need in your toolkit, and those essential elements to showcase, your website is destined to be a game-changer in your creator journey.
But hey, why stop here? If you’re ready to take your website game to the next level, my Own Your Platform workshop is your golden ticket. Get guided help, insider tips, and step-by-step strategies to craft a website that not only wows but works wonders for your brand. Let’s turn your digital dream into a stunning reality—check out the Own Your Platform workshop today!
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Namecheap
Google Workspace
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