How to Build a Successful Author Website
As a website designer for authors, I see a lot of underutilised websites. They can be clunky, outdated, missing important information, or just plain bland.
Your author website is one of your biggest assets when it comes to connecting with readers. It should not be overlooked.
Here’s how you can make your author website stand out for your audience so you can gain new readers and start selling your books.
#1 Don’t neglect your author bio
I know talking about yourself probably feels icky. Trust me, I get it. However, your author bio is one of the best ways to connect with readers.
Have some fun with your bio.
Think of fun facts (like your go-to coffee order, your favourite holiday destination, your favourite book).
Include pet photos and make them a part of your author brand.
Use a more conversational tone if it matches the kind of books you write or how you engage online.
Use a clear and recent headshot.
Your bio section will be one of the most read pages of your website. It’s important that you’re giving potential readers a taste of the person behind the book so they can feel like they know you.
#2 provide some book details
Even if you haven’t published your book yet, there is still plenty you can share to create hype.
List the tropes or what readers should expect — eg: a cliffhanger ending, enemies-to-lovers, dark academia vibes, witchy women, etc.
Provide some comp titles to give readers an idea of where your book sits in the market.
Provide a blurb or short synopsis to the best of your ability.
Talk about the inspiration for the book.
Provide a moodboard or Spotify playlist to give some of the book vibes.
Even if your book isn’t published yet, you can still create interest in your book and build excitement for the eventual launch. This is a great way to warm up your audience so they’re ready to buy from you when your book does eventually hit shelves.
#3 Start a blog
Blogs can feel scary and overwhelming as a new writer. For unpublished writers, sometimes we might worry that we have nothing to say or that no one will listen. But there is plenty to talk about!
Write a post about what inspired the story and how you came up with the idea.
Talk about your planning and plotting startegy.
Talk about your drafting experience and the routine you use.
Share your writing essentials or resources you’ve found helpful.
Explore an element of your book — like the setting — to introduce the readers to the story.
Write about your revising process and provide writing updates.
Not only is a blog a great way to share advice, updates, and your own experiences, it’s also great for driving traffic to your website and expanding your reach.
#4 Start a newsletter
Like a blog, a newsletter can feel like an unnecessary time-suck and exercise. But it can be hugely beneficial for creating connections with readers. You can send newsletters about:
Writing updates, latest wins, and recent writing struggles you’ve overcome.
Your latest reads or things you’ve found inspiring.
Blogs, podcasts or writing resources you recommend.
Your writing essentials or hacks you use for productivity.
Snippets from your latest writing session.
A monthly or quarterly roundup.
Character art or moodboard inspiration.
Writing lessons you’ve learnt recently.
A newsletter is a great way to expand your reach and create a more personal connection with potential readers. If the content is unique, it can make it especially meaningful.
#5 set up a store
Having a store on your website gives readers direct access to your books. If you’re an indie author, this can be especially handy if you’re willing to pack and ship orders. A website store can:
Cut out fees from other retailers.
Allow readers to support you directly by removing the middle man.
Give you more control over how books are distributed — which is especially handy for running ARC campaigns or special editions.
Encourage more sales without redirecting to other sites.
Give you more control over selling so you’re not relying on other retailers to stock your book.
Plus, having a store and selling the books yourself means you can sign your books or pack them with extra goodies.
Here’s why you want to have an attention-grabbing website
Your website is an extension of your book and story world. Your website is an extension of your personality and who you are.
Readers who are interested in learning about your book will go to your website looking for more details. If there is nothing for them there, they’ll feel let down and feel as though they don’t have all the information they want.
I had that very experience recently. I found a book online that I loved the look of, so naturally, I wanted to stalk the author and learn all about them. But when I got to their website, there was hardly anything about them and nothing more about the book than what I had already learnt on Goodreads. I felt a little let down, because I wanted more. I wanted to know that this book was definitely my cup of tea and I wanted to feel like the author was someone I could champion.
Your author website is your corner of the internet that you have complete control over. Don’t waste that potential.
If you’re a writer looking to build your online platform and expand your reach, my 2-Week Website Design is just what you need. I’ll create a stunning, bespoke Squarespace website so you can reach new readers and start selling your books online.
