How to Build an Author Website
Creating a website can seem like a big step, but it’s one that can open so many doors for you as an author. Whether someone heard about your book at a coffee shop or stumbled across your name online, your website is the place that lets them find out more about you—and ideally, become a loyal fan. So let’s walk through how you can build an author website that works for you.
Getting Started with Your Author Website
Building a website might feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
Buy a Domain Name: You’ll want a domain name that’s easy to remember and reflects your author brand—usually something like YourName.com works best.
Choose a Hosting Service: You’ll need a hosting service to get your site live. Consider using a green web hosting provider to minimize your environmental impact. There are plenty of reliable options out there, so just pick one that suits your budget and needs. Here's a link to learn more about green hosting options.
Pick a Website Platform: There are lots of platforms to choose from, like Carrd, Showit, Framer, or Ghost. Each has its strengths—Showit is highly customizable, Squarespace has great templates, and Carrd is perfect if you’re just starting out and want something simple.
Why an Author Website Matters
Having an author website turns your writing career from a solitary pursuit into a connected, digital experience. It’s the gateway where readers, publishers, and industry professionals can learn about your work and keep up with your latest projects. Look at authors like Colleen Hoover—her website is a central hub for her readers, helping them connect with her books and stay up to date with releases. You can create that same sense of community for yourself.
Benefits of a Professional Online Presence
A professional website does a lot more than just sit there. It gives readers one easy place to find everything about you—your books, your story, your updates. It also shows that you’re serious about your career, which builds trust. Think of it as your home base, where people can come to connect with you and your work.
Key Elements of an Effective Author Platform
To make your author website shine, there are a few key elements to include:
Author Biography: Your bio should be relatable and let readers know who you are. Share your story in a way that feels genuine—how did you start writing, what inspires you, and what makes your journey unique?
Book Catalog: Showcase your books with high-quality covers, interesting descriptions, awards, and purchase links. Make it easy for readers to buy your books wherever they prefer.
Media Resources: Add downloadable materials like your headshots and press info so others can easily feature you.
Blog or News Section: Posting regular updates about your writing process, new releases, or behind-the-scenes insights will help keep readers engaged and coming back.
Website Asset Preparation Checklist
Before you launch, it’s helpful to prepare a few assets:
Bios: Have short, medium, and long versions of your bio ready for different uses.
Book Covers and Descriptions: Use high-quality images of your book covers and have descriptions in various lengths ready to go.
Contact Information and Social Media Links: Make sure it’s easy for readers and media to contact you.
Notable Reviews and Blurbs: Share any positive reviews or blurbs to build credibility.
Designing Your Author Website
Your website’s design should reflect who you are as an author. Go for a look that feels like you—whether it’s minimalist, bold, or whimsical. Make sure the layout encourages visitors to explore.
Your site will also need a few core pages:
Home Page: This is where first impressions are made. Include your headshot, an engaging tagline, and a highlight of your latest or upcoming book.
About Page: Let readers know about your writing journey, achievements, and what makes you tick.
Books Page: Organize your works with book covers, publication details, and purchase links.
Media/Press Kit: Include resources that journalists and bloggers can use, like high-res photos, press releases, and book excerpts.
Contact Page: Make it easy for readers, agents, or media to reach out to you.
Choosing the Right Website Builder
The right platform for you will depend on your needs and preferences:
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| Carrd | Super simple to use and ideal if you’re on a budget or just starting out. |
| Showit | Great for authors who want a lot of creative control and customization. |
| Framer | Offers a sleek, modern design that’s perfect for authors who want a highly visual site. |
| Ghost | A solid choice if you’re focused on blogging and want a clean, minimalist look. |
Think about what you’re comfortable with and how much time you want to spend on your site. Each platform has pros and cons, so choose what works best for you.
Carrd: Super simple to use and ideal if you’re on a budget or just starting out.
Think about what you’re comfortable with and how much time you want to spend on your site. Each platform has pros and cons, so choose what works best for you.
Creating Compelling Website Content
Your content is what’s going to keep people engaged and coming back. Here are some tips:
Books and Portfolio: Use striking visuals and descriptions that capture what makes each book unique. Let your excitement for the story shine through.
Author Biography: Write your bio like you’re chatting with a friend. Make it warm and authentic—share your inspirations, your challenges, and what keeps you writing.
SEO Tips for Authors
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can help more readers find your website, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here are some simple tips:
Keyword Research: Think about what readers might search for to find someone like you. Use terms related to your genre and specific topics you write about.
Metadata and Headers: Write clear titles and descriptions for your pages that include these keywords. This helps search engines understand what your site is about.
Example Keywords: Phrases like “fantasy author blog” or “how to write a memoir” are good examples of specific searches that could lead people to your site.
Website Features for Author Promotion
You want to make sure your website helps you promote your work effectively:
Email List and Newsletter Integration: Place signup forms in noticeable spots like the header or footer, and give people a reason to sign up—exclusive content, sneak peeks, or updates about your upcoming releases.
Book Purchase and Signing Links: Make purchasing as easy as possible. Include links to retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble, and offer signed copies or virtual signing events to connect personally with your readers.
Technical Considerations for Author Websites
Your website should work well across all devices. More people are browsing on their phones than ever, so make sure your site looks great on a mobile screen. Platforms like Squarespace and Showit have built-in mobile-friendly options, so use those to your advantage.
SEO Strategies: Use tools like Google Search Console to keep track of how your site is performing. Look for opportunities to improve how people are finding you—are there better keywords you could be using, or content you could add that would boost your search rankings?
Maintaining and Updating Your Website
Keeping your website up to date is essential for maintaining interest. Update it regularly with new publications, blog posts, or upcoming events. If you get interviewed, post a link to it. If you have a new book coming out, add it to your homepage. Regular updates show that you’re active and engaged, which encourages readers to come back.
Your author website isn’t just an online business card—it’s your storytelling home, where readers can discover your books, get to know you, and become part of your journey. By taking the time to build an engaging and informative site, you’re giving readers a place to connect with you and creating an opportunity to grow your audience.
Keep your website fresh and don’t be afraid to let your personality show. The more authentic you are, the more readers will connect with you and your work. Remember, your website is always evolving—just like your writing. Let it grow with you, and make it a space where both new and returning readers will want to visit again and again.