Making an Author Website? Here's What I Learned

There aren't many authors I know who have a passion for marketing. They want to write and publish, to share stories and listen to new ones. They don't want to come up with a strategy to sell their book or spend hours on Instagram, only to realize their boosted post doesn't even reach their followers who actually want to see their content. But one thing authors are excited about, outside of writing their book, is having their own website.

It's a platform they get to call their own. It displays their hard work in a way they want it to be shown. Yet, not everyone knows what makes a good author site. I listened to the top author web designers, took away their top tips, and included them here for you, for free.

So, how do you make a great author website?

1. Harness Wix and BookBrush

   1. Wix is the easiest and cheapest website builder out there. Plus, it comes with easy integrations with sites like BookVault, Etsy, and more.

2. Think of Your Website as a Book Cover

   1. As much as the idiom goes, 'don't judge a book by it's cover', we still do. People will judge your website by the way it looks. You want it to tell the searcher something about you and the genre that you write. If you have a stagnant, solid color background, that isn't going to pique their interest.

3. Bring Your Site to Life

   1. Use details that catch the reader's eye. When buttons move or details fade into view, that makes the viewer want to click on it. If everything is still, they don't know were to look. Use animations on the book cover or 'read a sample' button to draw them in.

4. Guide Readers on a Journey

   1. You don't want to leave the visitor wanting. Help them know were to go by including 'buy now' buttons, 'read a sample', 'contact me' and other call to actions. Make it worth their time.

5. Personalize Everything

   1. While your website might not sit on a physical bookshelf, it still competes for attention in the digital space. Custom backgrounds can make your site unique and memorable.There are plenty of license free videos and animations you are able to add into your website - another tool that Wix is great at implementing.

6. Make Sure It's Mobile Friendly

   1. Most people access the internet through their smartphones and marketing is usually done through social media, which is accessed most often through smartphones. You don't want them to land on your author page with incorrectly sized font, missing buttons or missing links. Always double check that the mobile version is easy and readable for your visitors.

Where do you start?

1. Free or cheap website hosting platforms

   1. There are plenty of options! Wix is one, which is a favorite among authors. There are also other sites, like Squarespace and GoDaddy.

2. Utilize websites like Fiverr for affordable web designers

   1. Some authors just want to focus on writing. Outsource your web design to someone else who can do it for you. Every expense in your author branding and name is an investment.

3. Share your link

   1. Include it in your bio on social media, your email signature, business cards and, most importantly, in your book.

What should your website include?

1. Author Bio

   1. Your audience wants to know more about you—why you write, where you're from, what you enjoy, and so on. Sharing these details helps them feel more connected to you and your work.

2. Y our Books and Where to Buy Them

   1. This one’s pretty straightforward, so I won’t go into too much detail. Make sure it’s easy for readers to find and purchase your books.

3. Contact

   1. How can people reach you? It’s important to be approachable. Plus, publications and other professionals may want an easy way to get in touch.

4. Newsletter Sign-Up

   1. Your readers want to stay in the loop about your upcoming books. Keep them updated and engaged! Make sure your newsletters are meaningful and add value to their lives.

5. Media

   1. Has your book been featured on other websites or in articles? Readers love to see where their favorite authors are highlighted. Plus, it’s great for showing future agents and publishers the reach and impact of your work.

Creating a compelling author website doesn't have to be intimidating - though for me, it was. With the right tools and some direction, you can build a site that represents you and your work. By following these tips and utilizing platforms like Wix and BookBrush, you can craft a website that draws readers in and keeps them engaged. Remember, your website is an extension of your brand and a powerful tool for connecting with your audience. Take the time to make it as captivating and user-friendly as possible.