Thinking about creating an author website but don’t know where to start?

In today’s digital world, having a professional online presence is crucial for writers looking to build their brand and connect with readers. If you publish with Winter & Drew you’ll get a free page on our website. But what if you want your own site that does more? 

An author website isn’t just a virtual business card; it’s your personal bookstore, blog, and event calendar all rolled into one.

Want to showcase your books, build a mailing list, or start a blog? You’re in the right place.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including choosing your domain name to designing pages that captivate your audience.

Ready to take the plunge and build an author website that truly reflects your unique voice?

Let’s get started.

Creating An Author Website

Before you start building your author website, it’s crucial to identify its main purpose.

You may be thinking, ‘Do I really need an author website?’

If you want to showcase your books, attract new readers, or establish your brand as a writer, then an author website is the best way to do this. It can also help you to grow your email list and promote speaking engagements.

Write a list of everything you want your website to do. Think big. You may not implement everything at the start but it’s good to have a plan that you can add to over time. Understanding your goals will help shape the design, content, and functionality of your site, ensuring it serves your needs and those of your audience.

Once you have captured all your ideas, identify key ones. These will form the basis of your website.

If you are a new author, establishing your brand will be vital. Your website will be a place where you can tell readers about your books and capture their interest via a newsletter.

If you have a few published books you can offer more pages, such as a section on your reviews or feature blog posts.

It’s easy to look at your list and want to do everything all at once. This usually results in complete overwhelm and producing nothing. Choose three aspects you wish to highlight and focus on those. Once you have an established website you can return to your list and add more pages and information later.

Which Platform Should I Choose For My Author Website?

When it comes to building an author website, selecting the right website builder and hosting service is essential. As a beginner, you’ll want a platform that’s user-friendly, cost-effective, and flexible enough to grow with you. Here’s a quick overview of some popular options:

• WordPress.com: This is a great choice for beginners who want a simple and customisable platform without getting too technical. With a range of themes and plugins designed specifically for authors, you can easily create a professional-looking site. It’s perfect if you want to start blogging, showcase your books, and grow an audience, but don’t want to worry about hosting or security.
• Wix: Known for its drag-and-drop interface, Wix is one of the easiest website builders to use. It offers a variety of templates, including several for authors. You can easily customise your site with visual elements like image galleries and book trailers. Plus, Wix’s built-in SEO tools help you get noticed by search engines. It’s ideal for writers who want a visually appealing site without dealing with code.
• Squarespace: This platform is known for its sleek, modern designs. It’s a bit more sophisticated than Wix, with excellent blogging and e-commerce features. If you’re planning to sell books or merchandise directly from your site, Squarespace is a solid option. It’s also great for those who value aesthetics and want a polished, professional look.
• WordPress.org: For those ready to take more control, WordPress.org offers full customisation and scalability. You’ll need to purchase hosting (SiteGround, Bluehost, or DreamHost are popular choices), but this option provides the flexibility to add advanced features and functionality as your author brand grows.

Much will depend upon your budget and how much technical knowledge you have. Whatever direction you decide to take create a strong foundation which you can build upon in the future.

Setting Up Your Author Website

Your domain name is your online identity, so it’s essential to choose one that reflects your author brand. Ideally, it should be your name; mine is jonathanposnerauthor.com. If your name is common or already taken, consider adding a keyword like “books” or “writes”. This helps distinguish your site and makes it easy for readers to find you.

Avoid numbers, hyphens, and complicated spellings. The aim is to keep it simple and memorable. Imagine telling someone over the phone what your web address is. How easy is it for them to get it right first time? Or how likely would they be to get it wrong!?

Once you’ve settled on a name, you’ll need to buy it through a domain registrar. Owning your domain gives you control over your online presence and ensures no one else can use your name. It’s an investment in your brand’s future.

Most website builders, like WordPress.com, Wix, and Squarespace, also offer domain registration services. The average price of a domain name is £10-£15 ($13 – $20) a year, according to hosting service Hostinger and prices can also depend on which package you use different providers.

You can’t permanently own a domain name. You need to renew it yearly or sometimes you can purchase a subscription for several years at a time.

Choosing a Theme or Design Template

Next, you’ll need to select a theme or design template for your website. This is the framework that dictates your site’s layout, colour scheme, and overall look. Most website builders offer a variety of themes specifically for authors, which often include features like book showcases, blog sections, and events calendars.

Choose a theme that aligns with your genre and personal style. For example, a thriller author might go for a dark, bold look, (like I did), while a children’s author might choose a playful, colourful design. A well-chosen theme enhances user experience and makes your site visually appealing.

The Importance of Mobile Optimisation

Today, over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices so your site needs to look and function well on smartphones and tablets. When choosing a theme or template, make sure it’s ‘responsive‘ so it automatically adjusts to different screen sizes.

A site that’s hard to navigate on a mobile device will frustrate visitors and they’re likely to leave quickly never to return. Prioritising mobile optimisation ensures your site is accessible and engaging, no matter how people find you.

Google also prioritises mobile-first indexing. This means it primarily uses the mobile version of a site for ranking and indexing. You want to rank high on search engine pages to make it easier for people to find you. Neglect this aspect of your website at your peril.

What Should Be On Your Author Website

Creating an effective author website involves more than just a pretty design. Each page serves a unique purpose and collectively they create a cohesive platform that represents your brand and connects with your audience.

Here are the essential pages your author website needs:

• Home Page: The home page is the first impression visitors get of your website. It needs to be clear and compelling and should communicate who you are and what you do. Include a professional photo, a brief introduction, and a strong call to action (CTA) like “Explore My Books” or “Join My Newsletter.” If you have a new release, showcase it prominently. The home page needs to be easy to navigate, with links to the other key pages. Think of it as the gateway to your online world, guiding visitors to the information they’re looking for.
• About the Author: This page is where you get to share your story. It’s not just a biography; it’s a chance to connect with your readers on a personal level. Include details about your writing journey, inspirations, and any personal anecdotes that make you relatable. Don’t forget to mention your achievements, such as awards, notable publications, or relevant credentials. A well-crafted About page helps build trust and lets readers get to know the person behind the words.
• Books: The Books page is the centerpiece of your website. List all your published works here, with each book getting its section or sub-page. Include cover images, blurbs, and links to buy or read more. Adding reviews, awards, and testimonials can also be a powerful way to entice new readers. If you have upcoming releases, add a Coming Soon section. This page serves as a showcase of your work and makes it easy for readers to find and purchase your books.
• Blog: A blog is a fantastic way to engage with your audience and keep your website active. Whether you’re sharing writing tips, book updates, or personal reflections, a blog allows you to connect with readers regularly. Consistent blogging can also improve your site’s SEO, making it easier for people to discover you online. Make sure to include a comment section to encourage interaction.
• Contact: The Contact page should provide a simple way for visitors to get in touch with you. Include a contact form, email address, and links to your social media profiles. If you’re available for events, speaking engagements, or interviews, mention that here as well. This page is crucial for building connections, whether with readers, fellow authors, or industry professionals.

Optimising Your Author Website for SEO

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the practice of improving your website’s visibility on search engines like Google. In simple terms, it’s about making your site easy to find when someone searches for keywords related to your books, genre, or author name.

SEO involves various strategies, from using the right keywords in your content to improving your site’s structure and performance. The better your SEO, the higher your site will rank in search results, making it easier for potential readers to discover you.

Attracting organic traffic, when people find you without paid ads, can be a powerful marketing tool. It can lead to more book sales, newsletter sign-ups, and a growing fan base. For example, if someone searches for “mystery novels by indie authors” and your site is well-optimised, they’re more likely to find your page. SEO can also enhance your credibility and authority as a writer, as readers trust sites that rank well.

Page load speed is another critical factor in SEO. A site that takes too long to load can drive visitors away before they even see your content. Google uses page speed as a ranking factor and pushes down slower-loading websites in search results.

To optimise load times, compress images, minimise the use of heavy plugins, and consider a reliable hosting service.

Additional Features to Make Your Author Website Stand Out

To truly make your author website stand out, you need to go beyond the basics. Integrating additional features like social media feeds, an opt-in for your author newsletter, and offering free resources, can significantly enhance user engagement and build a loyal following.

Integrating Social Media Feeds

Embedding your social media feeds directly on your website is a great way to keep your site dynamic and engaging. Platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook allow you to showcase your latest posts, updates, and interactions. This integration adds visual appeal to your site and helps you connect with your audience across different platforms.

Visitors can see your latest tweets or Instagram posts without leaving your website, encouraging them to follow you and engage with your content. It also provides a glimpse into your personality and writing journey, making your site feel more personal and interactive.

For example, you can highlight an X feed discussing your upcoming book release or showcase Instagram photos from your recent book signing events. This keeps your website fresh and encourages visitors to become part of your broader online community.

Opt-in for Author Newsletter

An author newsletter is one of the most effective tools for building and maintaining a direct connection with your readers. By offering an opt-in form on your website, you can grow your mailing list and keep your audience informed about book releases, events, and exclusive content.

Make your opt-in form prominent and enticing, and include a free resource, known as a lead magnet, in exchange for readers’ email addresses. This could be a free chapter of your latest book, a behind-the-scenes look at your writing process, or a special short story available only to subscribers.

A well-crafted newsletter allows you to communicate directly with your readers, bypassing the unpredictability of social media algorithms. It’s a powerful way to foster a loyal readership and generate excitement for your work.

Maintaining Your Author Website

Creating an author website is just the first step. Many authors spend time and money building a website and think that once it’s published the job is done. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Regularly adding fresh content and reviewing how well your website is performing are essential to keep readers interested and ensure search engines continue to rank it highly.

Updating with Blogs and News Items

Consistently adding new content to your website, whether through blog posts or news updates keeps your site dynamic and engaging for returning visitors. If someone visits your site and finds that nothing has changed since their last visit, they’re less likely to come back.

Regular updates give readers a reason to return, whether they’re looking for your latest thoughts on writing, updates on your upcoming projects, or insights into your creative process.

From an SEO perspective, frequent updates signal to search engines that your site is active, which can improve your rankings and help new readers discover you.

Blogging about topics related to your books or writing journey can attract more organic traffic. News items like book launch announcements, event appearances, or media features keep your audience informed and engaged. This ongoing communication helps build a stronger connection with your readers and establishes you as an active, present author.

Monitoring Performance with Google Analytics

Google Analytics is an invaluable tool for understanding how visitors interact with your website. It provides insights into who your audience is, what content they engage with, and how they navigate your site.

By analysing this data, you can identify which pages are performing well and which ones may need improvement. For example, if you notice that your blog page has a high bounce rate, it could indicate that visitors aren’t finding what they’re looking for or that the page isn’t user-friendly.

Similarly, monitoring the traffic sources can show you whether your social media efforts are paying off or if more work is needed in that area.

Reviewing and Updating Your Site

Based on the data from Google Analytics and user feedback, it’s important to periodically review your website to see what’s working and what needs attention. Maybe your newsletter sign-up form isn’t getting enough traction, or your About page could use a refresh.

Regularly updating your site ensures that it accurately reflects your current work and goals and offers the best possible experience for your readers. It also keeps your site aligned with evolving SEO practices and technological changes, such as the need for faster loading times or improved mobile usability.

Maintaining your author website through regular content updates and performance reviews keeps your site relevant and ensures it continues to support your goals as a writer, helping you connect with readers and grow your audience effectively.

Bringing It All Together: Your Author Website Journey

By now you should see the benefits of having an author website. You’ve poured your heart and soul into your writing and it’s time to create a digital home that reflects your passion.

Remember you are a writer first and foremost. And you are the one person who knows most about your characters, and the situations you put them through.

Creating a website is another writing exercise. Another chapter where you take control of the narrative. One where you get to show readers about your books and a glimpse into your writing world.

Picture the community you’ll build, the connections you’ll make, and the books you will sell. All via your author website.

You’ve got the tools, knowledge, and passion to make it happen.

It’s time to show the world all about your novels and writing life.