Creating an Author Website: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating an author website is essential for both established and aspiring authors. A website should be the cornerstone of every writer’s online presence. But when is the best time to make an author website, and what should you put on it?

Some authors should build an author website prior to publishing a book, while others can wait. Either way, the goal of building an author website shouldn’t just be to sell books. It should be to create a digital home where your readers can feel welcome, learn more about you, and connect with you and your brand.

Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, making an author website—or improving your existing one—will allow you to establish credibility, reach more readers, and deepen your relationship with them.on

Table of Contents

• Why Building an Author Website Matters
• Key Elements for Creating an Author Website
• Best Practices for Making an Author Website
• Mistakes to Avoid When Creating an Author Website
• The Cost of Creating an Author Website
• Questions to Ask When Building an Author Website
• 12-Step Guide to Making an Author Website

It doesn’t matter if you write fiction, nonfiction, or children’s books, you can use these strategies to make an author website, or improve the one you have. This guide was created by Mark Malatesta, a former literary agent who’s helped 400+ authors get literary agents and/or traditional publishers. Here you can see more about his time serving as a literary agent, author coach and consultant, and Marketing & Licensing Manager for the book and gift publisher Blue Mountain Arts.

Why Building an Author Website Matters

1. Credibility and Professionalism

Having a dedicated website shows readers, agents, and publishers that you take your craft seriously. According to a survey by Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), 72% of readers are more likely to trust an author with a professional online presence.

2. Centralized Information Hub

An author website serves as a one-stop resource where visitors can find:

• Information about your books
• Your biography and writing journey
• Upcoming events, such as book launches or signings
• Links to purchase your books

3. Marketing and Promotion

Your website is a powerful tool for promoting your work. It integrates seamlessly with social media and email marketing campaigns, driving traffic and boosting book sales.

4. Search Engine Visibility

An optimized website increases your visibility on search engines like Google, helping potential readers discover you. A study by Statista reveals that 68% of online experiences begin with a search engine query, making SEO crucial for authors.

How to Make An Author Website

Are you ready to craft an engaging and professional author website that showcases your work, captures your unique voice, and connects you with readers? In our free 12-part guide to creating an author website, you’ll discover the essential steps to building a platform that boosts your online presence and supports your writing career. Packed with real-world advice, expert strategies, and actionable tips, this guide will walk you through every step of the process.

1. Is an Author Website Necessary?

Wondering if an author website is worth the effort? Explore why a dedicated website is a vital tool for establishing credibility, building your audience, and marketing your books effectively in today’s digital landscape.

2. Aspiring Author Website

Start your writing journey with an author website designed to grow with your career. Learn how to create a polished, personalized space to share your voice, attract readers, and showcase your future publications.

3. Author Website Design

Your website design should reflect your style and genre while providing a seamless user experience. Explore tips and inspiration for designing an author site that captivates visitors and keeps them coming back.

4. Author Website Builder

Looking for an easy way to create your author website? Discover the best website builders tailored for writers, offering user-friendly tools to create a professional site without technical expertise.

5. Author Website Template

Simplify your website creation process with customizable templates designed specifically for authors. Learn how to choose a template that highlights your work, fits your brand, and appeals to your readers.

6. Author Website Examples

Get inspired by the best author websites from a variety of genres. Explore what makes these sites stand out and how you can apply similar elements to build your own engaging online platform.

7. Author Website Domain Names

Choosing the right domain name is the first step to creating a memorable author website. Learn how to pick a domain that reflects your brand, is easy to find, and sets the tone for your online presence.

8. Author Website Hosting

Secure and reliable hosting is the backbone of a successful author website. Discover the best hosting options for authors and what to consider when choosing the right plan for your site.

9. Author Website Privacy Policy

Protect your readers and your reputation with a clear and compliant privacy policy. Learn why it’s essential for your author website and how to create one that meets legal requirements and builds trust.

10. Author Website Services

Professional website services can take your author platform to the next level. Find out how these tailored solutions help you design, maintain, and optimize your site for maximum impact.

11. Author Website Design Services

Need expert help to bring your vision to life? Discover how design services can create a stunning, user-friendly author website that reflects your unique voice and branding.

12. Create a Free Author Website

Build a professional author website without breaking the bank. Explore free tools and platforms that let you create a polished site to showcase your books, connect with readers, and establish your online presence.

Key Elements for Creating an Author Website

When building an author website, there are essential elements you should include to ensure it’s effective and engaging.

1. Homepage

• First Impressions Matter: Your homepage should be clean, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.
• Headline and Tagline: Include a tagline that summarizes who you are and what you write (e.g., “Bestselling Author of Gripping Thrillers”).
• Featured Book or Call-to-Action (CTA): Highlight your latest release or encourage visitors to sign up for your newsletter.

2. About Page

• Personal Connection: Share your writing journey, inspirations, and achievements.
• Professional Tone: Include awards, previous publications, and notable reviews to build credibility.

3. Books Page

• Showcase Your Work: Create a dedicated page for your books with high-quality cover images, descriptions, and links to purchase.
• Include Categories: Organize your books by genre, series, or type to make navigation easier.

4. Blog

• Engage Your Audience: Share behind-the-scenes content, writing tips, or book-related insights.
• Boost SEO: Regular blog posts help improve your website’s search engine rankings.

5. Contact Page

• Stay Accessible: Provide a contact form or email address for inquiries.
• Social Links: Include links to your social media profiles.

6. Newsletter Sign-Up

• Build Your Mailing List: Use a pop-up or dedicated section to encourage visitors to join your newsletter.
• Offer Incentives: Free chapters, exclusive content, or discounts can entice readers to subscribe.

7. Media Kit

• For Press and Collaborators: Include a downloadable press kit with your biography, author photo, book descriptions, and contact information.

More Author Website Ideas to Inspire You

1. Create an Events Page

If you do book signings, readings, or speaking engagements, dedicate a page to your events. Include:

• Dates, times, and locations.
• RSVP links or ticketing information.
• Recaps or photos from past events.

2. Offer Free Content

Give visitors a reason to stay on your site by offering free, valuable content. Examples include:

• A free short story, poem, or excerpt.
• Downloadable writing resources or guides.
• Printable book club discussion questions.

Pro Tip: Use this as an incentive for newsletter sign-ups.

3. Include Testimonials and Reviews

Social proof can help convince new readers to dive into your work. Include:

• Quotes from book reviews.
• Testimonials from readers.
• Endorsements from notable figures or publications.

4. Host a Virtual Bookstore

If you’re a self-published author or want to offer signed copies, create an online store. Use platforms like WooCommerce or Shopify to handle transactions.

Ideas for Your Store:

• Autographed books.
• Merch like bookmarks or posters.
• Limited edition content.

Best Practices for Making an Author Website

1. Reflect Your Brand

Your website’s design should match your writing style. For example:

• A mystery writer might use dark, moody colors.
• A children’s book author might opt for bright, playful designs.

2. Choose the Right Platform

The platform you choose will influence your site’s functionality and ease of use. Popular options include:

• WordPress: Highly customizable and ideal for authors seeking advanced features.
• Squarespace: User-friendly with visually appealing templates.
• Wix: Easy to use and perfect for beginners.
• Weebly: Affordable and straightforward.

3. Keep Navigation Simple

Organize your pages into clear categories, such as:

• Home
• Books
• About
• Blog
• Contact

4. Prioritize Mobile Responsiveness

With over 50% of web traffic coming from mobile devices (Statista, 2022), your website must be mobile-friendly.

5. Optimize for SEO

• Keyword Research: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify relevant phrases (e.g., “Building an author website”).
• Meta Descriptions and Tags: Optimize each page with descriptive meta titles and tags.
• Internal Links: Link to other pages on your site to improve navigation and SEO.

6. Use High-Quality Visuals

• Professional Photos: Include a professional author photo for your About page and media kit.
• Book Covers: Use high-resolution images for all book-related content.

7. Integrate Analytics

• Google Analytics: Track website traffic and user behavior.
• Heatmaps: Tools like Hotjar provide insights into where visitors are clicking and scrolling.

Mistakes to Avoid When Creating an Author Website

1. Overloading the Homepage: Keep it clean and uncluttered. Highlight the most important information.
2. Ignoring SEO: For a web page like this about creating an author website, I made sure I used keywords like “creating an author website, building an author website, and creating an author website” in my content, so search engines can understand what the focus of the page is, and attract the right traffic.
3. Neglecting Updates: An outdated website can give the impression that you’re inactive. Regularly update your blog, news, and events.
4. Cluttered Design: Keep your website simple and easy to navigate. Too many elements can overwhelm visitors.
5. Lack of Updates: Regularly update your website to reflect new books, events, and blog posts.
6. Ignoring Analytics: Use analytics tools to understand your audience and improve user experience.
7. Weak CTAs: Ensure your calls-to-action (e.g., “Buy Now” or “Sign Up”) are clear and compelling.

The Cost of Creating an Author Website

The cost of building an author website depends on your platform, design, and features.

• DIY (Do It Yourself): $100–$500 per year (includes domain, hosting, and basic tools).
• Hiring a Professional: $1,000–$5,000+ for custom design and advanced features.
• Additional Costs: Email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp) and analytics tools may have monthly fees.

Questions to Ask When Building an Author Website

Here’s an extensive list of questions authors should consider when creating an author website. These questions are designed to help you define your goals, structure your content, and create a professional, user-friendly website that effectively showcases your work and engages your audience.

Defining Your Goals – Creating An Author Website

1. What is the primary purpose of my website? (e.g., showcasing my books, engaging with readers, attracting publishers)
2. What actions do I want visitors to take on my website? (e.g., buy books, sign up for a newsletter, contact me)
3. Who is my target audience? (e.g., readers, agents, publishers, media)
4. What tone and style do I want my website to convey? (e.g., professional, casual, friendly)
5. How will my website complement my broader author platform (e.g., social media, newsletters)?

Content and Features – Building An Author Website

1. What information should my homepage include?
   1. Should I feature my latest book or a brief bio?
   2. What call-to-action will I use (e.g., “Buy Now,” “Subscribe to My Newsletter”)?
2. How detailed should my About Page be?
   1. Should it include personal details, professional accomplishments, or both?
3. How will I organize my books or works on the website?
   1. Should I create individual pages for each book?
   2. What additional content should I include, such as excerpts, reviews, or “buy” links?
4. Do I want a blog or news section?
   1. What type of content will I post?
   2. How often will I update it?
5. Should I include a media kit?
6. What materials should I provide for journalists (e.g., author photos, book summaries, press releases)?
7. Do I need an event calendar?
8. Will it include book signings, virtual events, or speaking engagements?
9. Should I offer exclusive content, such as short stories, behind-the-scenes insights, or bonus chapters?

Technical and Functional Considerations – Creating An Author Website

1. Which website platform will I use? (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace, Wix)
2. Should I hire a professional designer, or can I build it myself?
3. What hosting service will I use, and what features do I need (e.g., bandwidth, security)?
4. How much time and money am I willing to invest in building and maintaining my site?
5. How will I ensure fast loading times for my pages?
6. Do I need an SSL certificate for secure browsing?
7. Should I include a search bar for easier navigation?
8. What plugins or tools will I need? (e.g., SEO tools, analytics, contact forms)

Newsletter and Mailing List – Building An Author Website

1. Should I include a newsletter signup form?
2. Where should the form be located? (e.g., homepage, footer, pop-up)
3. What incentive will I offer to encourage newsletter signups? (e.g., free eBook, exclusive content)
4. How will I manage my email list? (e.g., Mailchimp, ConvertKit)
5. How often will I send newsletters, and what content will I include?

E-Commerce and Monetization – Making An Author Website

1. Do I want to sell books directly from my website?
2. What payment methods will I accept?
3. Should I include links to major retailers (e.g., Amazon, Barnes & Noble) for book purchases?
4. Should I sell merchandise or other products related to my books?
5. Will I include affiliate links, and how will I disclose them?

Audience Engagement – Creating An Author Website

1. How will I encourage readers to contact me?
2. Should I include a contact form, email address, or social media links?
3. Should I create a forum or discussion area for readers to interact with me and each other?
4. How will I encourage readers to share my content on social media?
5. Should I include testimonials or reader reviews on my website?
6. How will I acknowledge or celebrate milestones, such as awards or anniversaries, with my audience?

SEO and Traffic – Building An Author Website

1. What keywords should I target to improve my search engine rankings?
2. How will I optimize my site for SEO (e.g., meta descriptions, headers, alt text)?
3. Should I create a blog to generate traffic through regular content updates?
4. What tools will I use to monitor and analyze my website traffic? (e.g., Google Analytics)
5. How will I promote my website to drive traffic?
6. Should I share it on social media, in newsletters, or through partnerships?

Maintenance and Updates – Making An Author Website

1. How often will I update my website?
2. Who will be responsible for updates—me or a web designer?
3. How will I back up my website to prevent data loss?
4. How will I ensure my site remains secure and free of malware?
5. What steps will I take to fix broken links or outdated content?
6. How will I ensure my site continues to grow and evolve with my career?

Personalization and Authenticity – Creating An Author Website

1. What elements of my personality or life am I comfortable sharing with my audience?
2. How can I ensure my website feels authentic and reflects who I am as an author?
3. Should I include personal touches, such as a favorite quotes section or a “fun facts” page?
4. How can I use my website to create a sense of connection and community with readers?

Long-Term Vision – Building An Author Website

1. How will my website evolve as my career grows?
2. Should I plan for future expansions, such as additional books or multimedia content?
3. How will my website reflect my legacy as an author?
4. What role will my website play in the broader strategy for my writing career?
5. How will I ensure my website stays relevant as technology and reader preferences change?

By considering these questions, you can design a professional and engaging author website that supports your writing career and reflects your personal brand.

Conclusion – Creating an Author Website

Building an author website is a vital step in establishing your online presence and connecting with your audience. By focusing on clear goals, intuitive design, and engaging content, you can create a site that not only showcases your work but also supports your career for years to come. Whether you’re a debut novelist or a seasoned author, a strong website is an investment in your success.

Now that you’ve read this intro, click here for more considerations regarding your need for an online presence, and the best time to focus on it, in: Is an Author Website Necessary?

The Bestselling Author, LLC

Founded by Mark Malatesta in 2011, The Bestselling Author has helped 400+ writers get literary agents and/or traditional publishers. Notable authors Mark has worked with include Nelson Johnson, author of Boardwalk Empire, which Martin Scorsese produced for HBO; Leslie Lehr, author of A Boob’s Life, which is being adapted for an HBO Max TV series by Salma Hayek; and Scott LeRette, author of The Unbreakable Boy, published by Thomas Nelson and now a major motion picture by Lionsgate starring Patricia Heaton, Zachary Levi, and Amy Acker.

Authors who’ve worked with Literary Agent Undercover, a division of The Bestselling Author, have gotten six-figure book deals; been on the New York Times bestseller list; had their books adapted for TV, stage, and feature film; had their work licensed in 40+ countries; and sold many millions of books. Mark’s work as an author coach and consultant is informed by his previous experience as a literary agent, literary agency owner, AAR member, and Marketing & Licensing Manager for the gift and book publisher Blue Mountain Arts.

Click here to see Mark Malatesta reviews.