Case Study: Creating a Purpose-Built Author Website for Caught in the Campus Crossfire

Client: Mitch Wagner, Author
Platform: WordPress
Live Site: campuscrossfire.com

Project Overview

Mitch Wagner, a retired civil trial attorney, authored Caught in the Campus Crossfire, a thought-provoking novel about free speech and racial dynamics on modern college campuses. With book distribution handled through Amazon, Mitch needed a branded, standalone digital presence to communicate his book’s themes, drive online purchases, and support future outreach.

How the Client Found Us

The project began when Mitch searched for “WordPress website designer”—emphasizing how keyword visibility and optimized agency listings lead to client acquisition.

Initial Challenges

Before partnering with our agency, the author lacked:

• A centralized website for readers to explore the book.
• A clear online path to purchase via Amazon.
• Structured navigation or page content to accommodate media outreach and academic interest.
• A platform for future blog posts or commentary tied to topical news.
• Any mobile-optimized presence or performance-ready website structure.

Project Objectives

The goals were clear and strategic:

• Build a custom, fast-loading WordPress website.
• Establish a credible author brand online with supporting context.
• Provide direct, visible purchase links to Amazon.
• Create space for future blog posts, reviews, and resource materials.
• Develop a navigation system that aligns with reader curiosity and journalistic needs.

Site Structure & Navigation

To improve user experience and content accessibility, we built a clean navigation system reflecting how real users explore author sites:

• Home – High-impact entry with book description, cover, and Amazon links.
• About Author & Contact – Background information and contact form for outreach.
• Legal & Historical Resources – Contextual insights supporting the novel’s themes.
• Quotes From The Book – Select excerpts offering emotional and narrative depth.
• News, Events & Reviews – Press coverage and reader testimonials.
• Blog/Vlog – Prepared space for future articles, video commentary, and legal analysis.

Each section is optimized for both quick browsing and deeper engagement, with a responsive design tailored to mobile, tablet, and desktop users.

Technical Implementation

We delivered a high-performance website with:

• Clean code and semantic HTML for accessibility.
• Schema markup to support enhanced search listings.
• Embedded Amazon links with clear calls-to-action.
• Lightweight blog architecture for topical expansion.
• Fast page load times and mobile-friendly layout.
• Easy backend access for future edits and updates.

Outcomes

• The site was indexed across Google and Bing shortly after launch, enabling discoverability for the book and author.
• Readers began finding and purchasing the book through direct links from the site.
• The author gained a credible online identity—useful for future press opportunities, event listings, and educator access.

Author Feedback

“Sam, the business owner, takes the time and makes the effort to understand the client so that his design is personalized and not just a cookie-cutter approach. He is creative in then designing the client’s platform. And he is very reasonable in pricing and does not nickel and dime his clients.”

— Mitch Wagner, Author of Caught in the Campus Crossfire

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Caught in the Campus Crossfire about?

It’s a legal drama that explores free speech, racial identity, and political tension on college campuses. The story follows a fictional lawsuit that challenges the boundaries of the First Amendment.

2. Where can I buy the book?

The book is available on Amazon. Direct purchase links are provided throughout the website for easy access.

3. Who is the author?

Mitch Wagner is a retired civil trial attorney with decades of experience in constitutional law. This is his debut novel, inspired by real-world legal and cultural conflicts.

4. Is the book suitable for academic use?

Yes. The novel includes historical and legal context that makes it relevant for classroom discussions on civil liberties, race relations, and campus activism.

5. Will the author publish more content?

The website includes a blog/vlog section where Mitch plans to share commentary on current legal issues, campus controversies, and behind-the-scenes insights into the book.

6. Can I contact the author for interviews or speaking engagements?

Yes. A contact form is available on the “About Author & Contact” page for media inquiries and event requests.