When it comes to building your author brand, your website is your digital HQ – the mothership of all things you. That’s why we’re so excited to share some amazing tips from Jennifer Vance, Marketing Director at Books Forward, who recently joined us for a Speaker Series to chat about starting and optimizing your author website. Whether you’re starting from scratch or dusting off an old site, let’s dive into the world of author websites.
Every author should have a website. In a world where Instagram posts disappear and algorithms change daily, your website is your one true constant. It’s your hub, your storefront, your portfolio, and your first impression when readers go searching.
So, before you post on Instagram or plan your next tweet, ask yourself, “Is my website ready for visitors?” If the answer isn’t a resounding YES, we’ve got some work to do!
You don’t need to be a coding wizard to create a stunning website. Platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix are super user-friendly. They offer plenty of templates (translation: no coding needed 🙌), and they’re perfect if you plan to make your own updates.
But if you’re more of a write-the-next-chapter-type and don’t want to tinker with website updates, hiring a developer may be your best bet. Just make sure you grab your own domain name (e.g., yourname.com) to keep things professional.
No two author websites are the same, but here are the building blocks that should be on every site:
Bonus Tip: If you’re a blogger, make sure you keep it updated! Nothing says “I’m too busy” like a blog with a last post from 2020. If blogging’s not your jam, skip it altogether.
Your author website should feel like an extension of your personality and your work. Start with your book cover’s color palette if you’re unsure. This will give your site a cohesive look and feel.
And for those wondering how many fonts are too many: Keep it simple with two or three fonts. Mix a good serif and sans-serif combo for clean, readable text.
Pro Tip: Your fonts, colors, and design should be consistent across your website and social media platforms. Readers should feel like they’re in the right place, whether they’re browsing your site or your Instagram feed. 💻➡️📱
Ah, the age-old question: should you have an email list? The answer is usually a big YES. Email lists allow you to reach your most dedicated fans directly – no social media algorithms in sight.
The key to a great email list? Offer a reader magnet – a little freebie like a bonus chapter, deleted scene, or a sneak peek at your next book. Once readers sign up, make sure they receive a warm welcome and a steady drip of updates (without being spammy, of course).
If you’re just starting out, focus on growing your list organically. Use platforms like MailerLite or MailChimp, and remember to offer that juicy freebie in exchange for those coveted email addresses.
Before we wrap up, here’s a quick checklist to help you build (or revamp) your website:
✅ A professional-looking domain name (e.g., yourname.com)
✅ Homepage with your latest book and buy links
✅ About Page with a bio and headshot
✅ Contact Page with a form or email address
✅ Books Page with covers, blurbs, and purchase links
✅ Social media icons that link to your accounts
✅ Mobile-friendly design (don’t forget to check it on your phone!)
Your website doesn’t have to be complicated. It should be clean, professional, and reflect you. And while building a site might take a little time, the result will be worth it – your readers will know exactly where to find you (and your books!).
So, what’s your next step? Block some time, start planning your site, and when it’s ready, share it with the world! 🌍
Register for our next Speaker Series! Each month we host live Speaker Series sessions with book marketing and self publishing experts. Anyone can join the live sessions and Gold & Platinum Members can watch the recordings any time!