Websites that Wow by Collette Cameron

Morgan says: I just love Collette Cameron’s website, because it allows her persona and genre to shine. So, of course, I asked Collette to share her thoughts and experiences with web design. Thank you, Collette, for your time and insights!

Collette Cameron says:

Okay, I admit, the title is a little misleading because I’m no expert on websites, and what I consider wow someone else might think is bleck. In my case, anything sparkly and frou frou with lace and scrolls is generally a winner. 

Still, when Author Marketing 101 asked me if I’d do a write up about my author website, collettecameron.com my first reaction was, “Why me?” and the second was, “Heck yes!”

I didn’t come up with the website concept entirely by myself. I was privileged to work with Christy Carlyle of Gilded Heart Designs. Not only is she a member of my local RWA chapter, Rose City Romance Writers, she’s a dear friend.

Collette Cameron's homepage designed by
Christy Carlyle of Gilded Heart Designs.

I wanted a website that immediately identified to visitors what genre I write (Historical Romance-Regency & Scottish), and that also reflected my branding, hence the cobalt blue and blue roses. I truly am a romantic at heart so script fonts, feminine colors, and tea cups were perfect. The tea cups are actually photos of cups I own.

Christy came up with the idea to make them tilt. Isn’t she clever? The matching saucers at the bottom of the page contain the icons for my social media contacts. That was her idea too.

The matching saucers provide social media links.

Equally important to me was a site that was easy to read as well as navigate. The royal blue font  stands out against the white background, and again, it reflects my branding. First time visitors can quickly find my books, promotional items such as bookmarks, my blog, Blue Rose Romance, how to contact me, and even media kits for each book.

I wanted to add personal touches that invited guests to explore the site too. I’ve included an Authorgraph icon where readers can request an electronic autograph, review snippets, book excerpts and casts of characters for those interested in the books, and of course a clickable buy link. Again, ease of use was factor in all of these.

I’ve thrown in a couple quotes I like, but that were carefully selected to mirror my tag line, “Divine Encounters With Love.” All the quotes on the website and blog contain something about divine love. Another personal touch I included was pictures of some of my dachshunds, my gardens, and my writing room, oh and a professional head shot of moi.  I think that helps readers and visitors connect with me, and that’s what my website is really all about; connecting.

So, as you can see, in my case there was no magical formula to designing a successful author website. Mine mirrors who I am as an author, and  I hope my visitors like what they see.  

Author Bio

Award winning, Amazon best-selling, and multi-published historical romance author, Collette Cameron, has a BS in Liberal Studies and a Master's in Teaching.  A Pacific Northwest Native, Collette is married, has three amazing adult children, and five dachshunds. Collette loves a good joke, inspirational quotes, flowers, the beach, trivia, birds, shabby chic, and Cadbury Chocolate. You'll always find dogs, birds, quirky—sometimes naughty—humor, and a dash of inspiration in her novels. Her motto for life? You can’t have too much chocolate, too many hugs, or too many flowers. She’s thinking about adding shoes to that list. Learn more about me and my adventures at  collettecameron.com.

Gary D. Robson Book Signing Tips

Send promotional materials to the store. Sometimes, especially with new authors, I have a devil of a time finding a good hi-res photo of the author or the book cover to use on our posters and announcements. When you confirm the signing, ask the store manager if photos would be useful. If you have any little giveaways, like buttons or bookmarks, send some in advance for the bookstore’s promotional display.