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How to Build an Author Website: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
Michael Adams
You might think an author website is an unnecessary expense, but let’s rethink that. While investing in advertisements and promotional events is essential, a website can provide a platform to share complete information about who you are, which your book’s cover page lacks.
Your fans can interact with you, stay updated on your latest releases, and explore your entire body of work in one place. Take J.K. Rowling’s website, Harrypotter.com, as an author’s website example. It became a one-stop-shop for Harry Potter fans, offering exclusive content, quizzes and selling books. That’s the kind of power a great author website wields. But how to build it? Let’s learn it most easily!
Key Takeaways
- Why Own a Website – social media isn’t enough; an author website gives you full control and credibility. You can showcase your work and connect with readers on a more personal level. It’s a hub for all your literary activities and builds a professional online presence.
- Platform Choices – WordPress offers extensive customization, Squarespace provides stunning templates for a polished, professional look, Wix is more flexible and user-friendly, while Weebly is the budget-friendly option, offering simple, effective tools for website building.
- Necessary Pages – Home, About, Books, Blog, and Contact are the must-have pages that are usually seen on the best author’s website. These pages provide visitors with comprehensive information and a clear navigation path.
- Content of Pages – They should have the essential elements to engage visitors: a compelling bio on the homepage, detailed descriptions on the Books page, insightful posts on the Blog, and easy contact options on the Contact page.
Step # 1 – Plan Before You Build
Those who jump straight into building a website often find themselves overwhelmed or unsatisfied with the end result. A little planning goes a long way in creating a site that truly serves your needs and goals.
What’s the Goal?
A goal is the foundation of your author’s website. It dictates every decision you make, from design to content. Ask yourself:
- Do you want to sell books directly?
- Grow an email list?
- Build a personal brand?
- Is your crowd young adult readers, mystery lovers, or fellow authors?
Knowing the first three questions can help you design and write for the website. If you get clarity for the last question, you can tailor your content to your specific audience, which will ensure that your website speaks directly to those most interested in your work.
Draft a Sitemap
Your website needs key pages like:
- Home
- About
- Books
- Blog
- Contact
Step # 2 – Choose the Best Website Builder for Authors
For beginners, picking a platform is like choosing coffee—so many options! Here’s a quick breakdown:
WordPress
It is the go-to platform for authors seeking complete customization and control over their websites. It offers two versions: WordPress.com, which is a hosted solution, and WordPress.org, which allows for self-hosting.
According to W3Techs, around 43.6% of all websites on the web use WordPress, including those that run a CMS, without a CMS, and custom-coded CMSs. Over one-third of the entire internet runs on WordPress—what a massive use! This popularity stems from its free hosting options, providing the basic Cloud Control Panel, one-click site replicator, and App Snapshot tools.
With thousands of themes and plugins available, you can customize every aspect of your website, from design aesthetics to e-commerce or SEO optimization. However, beginners may find it overwhelming as it requires regular updates, manual backups, and hosting, which can lead to additional costs over time.
Squarespace
This is the second-best website builder for writers, and according to SiteBuildReport, it is used by 3-4% of all the websites that use CMS. It is also the 4th most widely used CMS. It provides stunning, professionally designed templates that give your website a polished, high-end appearance.
Squarespace’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to build and customize your site, and it includes built-in tools for blogging, e-commerce, and SEO. With responsive design, your website will look great on any device, and your users can browse it smoothly.
Although it offers manual backups, shows visitor analytics, and has no strict storage limitations, it doesn’t offer a free plan, requires a subscription, and is more structured compared to other platforms, limiting flexibility in certain areas.
Wix
It is known for its user-friendly interface and flexible author website design options. This Platform can benefit those lacking technical expertise. It provides free plans that Squarespace doesn’t. Its drag-and-drop builder allows you to easily create a website that reflects your personal brand and style.
It also offers a wide range of templates, apps, and features, including blogging capabilities, e-commerce, and social media integration. Additionally, Wix’s Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) can help you build a website quickly by asking a few simple questions and creating a site according to your choices.
The facts that can make you reconsider this builder are the free plans don’t include visitor analytics, storage is limited across all plans, and once a template is live, you can’t switch it.
Weebly
Do you have a tight budget? Then, Weebly is the one you should go with for your author’s website. Its intuitive drag-and-drop builder makes creating and customizing your site a breeze, even if you have no prior website design experience. It offers various templates and features, such as blogging, e-commerce, and SEO tools, to help you establish a strong online presence.
Despite its affordability, it offers basic analytics in its plans, but they may not be as comprehensive as WordPress. It provides unlimited storage, but once a template is live, you can’t switch it without rebuilding the site, which can be a limitation. Heavy use of images and features can slow performance, and its SEO tools are basic in comparison to Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.
Step # 3 – Create a Killer Author Website Design
Design is what retains your audience. To make your site not just a virtual bookshelf but a pleasant reading experience, you need to understand:
What Makes a Great Design?
A great design combines aesthetics with functionality, making your site visually appealing and easy to use. For that, you have to do these things:
Clean Layout
This maintains user engagement on your website. Avoid cluttering your pages with too much text, images, or ads. Instead, focus on creating a sleek, simple design that is easy to navigate. Use whitespace effectively to separate different elements and guide the reader’s eye naturally through the content.
Make your author’s website menus intuitive so that important information is easy to find. A clean layout improves the visitor’s experience, and they stay longer to explore your content.
Mobile-Friendly
The exploding topics have stated that over 60% of website traffic comes from mobile devices. To get that traffic, you should make your site responsive, meaning it adjusts automatically to fit different screen sizes and resolutions without the need for users to change settings. Use large, readable fonts and buttons that are easy to tap on smaller screens.
Test your website on various devices to check if it loads quickly and functions smoothly. A mobile-friendly author website design improves your search engine rankings, as search engines because Google’s algorithm prioritizes mobile-friendly sites. This can lead to increased traffic and better engagement from your audience.
Your Branding
Your website should mirror you as a brand and the core of your book. Use consistent colors, fonts, and imagery that align with your book’s theme and style. Your logo and author photo should be prominently displayed to create a recognizable identity. Consistent branding can build trust and loyalty among your readers.
It also makes your website memorable, and visitors can easily associate your site with your work. High-quality visuals and a cohesive design contribute to a professional appearance, making your website an inviting and attractive destination for your audience. If tech isn’t your thing, hire author website design services to get the work done.
Get Your Website Design by BookQuill
Don’t know how to design? BookQuill is at your service. We can design your website with the customization you want. Our services are for writers of all genres and experience levels. We create websites that highlight your books and personal brand while keeping your website looking professional, easy to navigate, and fast.
Authors often face the challenge of maintaining their websites, dealing with technical issues, and keeping content fresh. BookQuill doesn’t let you face these issues. After designing the website, we will educate you about regular updates and troubleshooting to make your site work smoothly. Our team is not only helpful but also affordable. The author’s website design service that we offer is an all-in-one package.
Step # 4 – Making of the Pages that You Drafted in the Site Map
The site map that you drafted earlier is not only for the footer; each of them will be linked to its corresponding page. Have a look at what each page should have:
Home Page
Whenever someone searches for your name in a browser, they will likely land on your homepage. This is their first impression of you, so make it count! Start with a compelling bio that captures your journey as an author—keep it personal, relatable, and intriguing.
Feature your latest book prominently with a striking cover image and a captivating description that sparks interest. High-quality visuals are a must, so don’t step back thinking of hiring top-author website design services if needed. Finally, include a strong call-to-action (CTA) like “Sign up for my newsletter” or “Buy my book now” to engage visitors right away.
About Page
Your About page should give readers an insight into your life and work. Share your journey as an author, including your background, inspirations, and what led you to write. Make it personal and engaging by including anecdotes, your writing process, and what motivates you. Add a professional photo to create a personal connection. Highlight any awards, notable achievements, or media mentions to build credibility. This page should reflect your personality and style, making readers feel connected to you and your work.
Books Page
Include high-resolution cover images and detailed descriptions of each book on this page. Provide links to purchase options, e.g., Amazon and Barnes & Noble, to make it easy for readers to buy your books. Add excerpts or sample chapters to give potential readers a sense of your writing.
Consider including reviews and testimonials to build credibility and entice new readers. Organize your books by series or genre to make navigation straightforward for visitors.
Blog
It is being used as a strategy to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more. Regularly update your blog with posts related to your writing journey, book updates, and insights into your creative process. Share writing tips, book recommendations, and behind-the-scenes stories. Engage with your readers by responding to comments and encouraging discussions.
Contact Page
This page should be for readers, media, and publishers to get in touch with you. Include a contact form for general inquiries, and provide your email address for more direct communication. Add links to your social media profiles so visitors can follow you and stay updated on your work. Consider including a newsletter signup form to build a mailing list for future updates and promotions.
Conclusion
To build your author’s website, you have to plan first. While planning, keep the purpose and target audience in mind and draft the main pages, such as the homepage, about page, books page, and contact page. Choose WordPress for full control, Squarespace for sleek designs, Wix for ease of use and flexibility, and Weebly for budget-friendly options.
Don’t forget to keep it simple, functional, and reader-focused. Make navigation intuitive, highlight your books prominently, and include a blog page to engage your audience. A clear call to action is essential to connect with potential readers effectively.
FAQs
How much does it cost to build an author website?
Costs vary. DIY with platforms like Wix can start at $10/month. Hiring top author website design services might cost $500-$5,000, depending on complexity.
Can I sell books directly on my website?
Yes! Many platforms integrate with tools like Shopify or PayPal for seamless sales. You just have to set up an online store and link it to your site.
How do I know which is the best author website design service?
Research and compare options based on their portfolio, client testimonials, and specific features for authors. Reading reviews and possibly reaching out to previous clients can also provide valuable insights.
About Author
Hi, my name is Zachary Stone I’m a book marketing nut — or, as I like to call myself, a “Shelf Marketer.” No, I don’t sell wooden shelves; I market the books that are left forgotten on them. If you want your book to be the next bestseller, I am your go-to person. I am here to remind you that it’s not just about writing a great story — it’s about building a buzz among people with great campaigns.
