As an author, establishing and maintaining a personal Author website is essential for your long-term marketing strategy and brand development. However, the prospect of building a website can feel overwhelming, especially for those who lack experience in web design and management. So, where should you start?
This Blog aims to address common questions and simplify the process of creating your author’s website.
Choosing the Right Website Building Tools
The first step in your website-building tools journey is selecting the right tools and services whether free or paid.
Here are three factors:
Budget: If you’re an emerging author with limited income, it’s wise to explore free options initially.
- User-Friendliness: Option for platforms that simplify website creation, especially if you’re not tech-savvy.
Be cautious, as user-friendly platforms may come with limitations or additional costs later on. - Longevity and Flexibility: Not all platforms are built to last. Proprietary systems can become obsolete, while open-source platforms usually offer more durability and flexibility.
Recommendations for Website Platforms
- WordPress.com: A reliable free option that has stood the test of time, powering about 20% of the internet. You can start here and later upgrade to a paid plan or migrate to self-hosting if needed.
- SquareSpace: A user-friendly platform that is visually appealing, but transitioning away from it can be challenging since it’s a proprietary system.
- Ghost: An emerging open-source platform that is relatively easy to learn, though it may require a monthly fee unless you host it yourself.
- Weebly and Wix: These are proprietary systems that may limit your website’s functionality unless you pay for premium features. If you choose a proprietary option, SquareSpace is generally the better choice.
My personal preference is WordPress, which I have used since 2006. While I’m not a coding expert, I find it to be a cost-effective and powerful option for building an online presence.
Securing Your Domain Name
Your domain name serves as the online address for your website. It’s important to choose a name that represents your identity as an author rather than focusing on a specific book title since your name will be your enduring brand in the literary world. If your desired domain name is unavailable, consider alternatives like yournameauthor.com or yournamewriter.com. If your preferred .com domain is unavailable, consider alternative extensions such as .net, .io, or .me to secure a suitable online identity.
Selecting a Theme or Design Template
The WordPress theme you choose is crucial, as it shapes the visual appeal and functionality of your website. A well-designed theme will dictate colors, layout, fonts, and more. Some themes offer extensive customization options, while simpler ones may lack functionality.
When choosing a WordPress theme, consider the following key aspects:
- Check ratings and reviews to ensure the theme is reliable and has been updated recently.
- Popular themes are often more stable and less likely to conflict with other tools you may use.
- If you’re using WordPress.com, your theme options will be limited but will include robust and well-tested choices.
Gathering Essential Content for Your Website
Before launching your website, gather the following resources:
- Book Cover Images: Obtain high-resolution images for each published book, while using lower-resolution versions for site display.
- Professional Bio: Write a concise Author bio (100-300 words) in the third person, suitable for introductions at events.
- Book Descriptions: Create brief Book descriptions (25-100 words) and long (200-300 words) descriptions for each book.
- Purchase Links: Include links to major retailers where your books are sold, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
- Contact Information: Provide details for your agent or publicist, if applicable.
- Social Media Links: Collect Social media links to your public social media profiles.
- Reviews and Blurbs: Gather any positive reviews or blurbs that highlight your work.
Creating Key Pages for Your Author Website
Beyond your homepage, consider adding the following pages:
- About Section: Feature your professional biography along with a profile picture.
- Book Pages: Dedicate a page to each book, showcasing cover images, descriptions, and purchase links.
- Series Page: If you have a book series, create a page to display the order of the books.
- Contact Page: Include a contact form for inquiries, along with your agent’s contact information if necessary.
Designing Your Homepage
The Website design layout of your homepage will depend on your chosen theme, but it should include:
- Clear Identity: Your name, tagline, and possibly a headshot should be prominently displayed.
- Book Covers: Feature your most recent or significant book prominently on the homepage.
- Social Media Links: Include icons that link to your active social media profiles.
- Email Newsletter Subscription: Invite your audience to join your mailing list by crafting a compelling and personalized call to action.
- Social Proof: Highlight any accolades or positive reviews your work has received. This could be as simple as a quote from a review or a mention of being a bestseller.
- Brief Author Description: Consider adding a short description about yourself to give visitors context about your work and what they can expect from your site.
Personalizing Your Site
While you may not have the resources to customize your site immediately, consider hiring a designer to create a unique header image or overall look that reflects your personality and writing style. This can enhance the visual appeal of your site and make it more inviting.
Continuous Improvement
Your website is a dynamic platform that should continuously grow and adapt over time. Don’t expect to get everything perfect right away; instead, focus on making incremental improvements. As you visit other authors’ sites, you’ll likely discover features and design elements that inspire you. Incorporating these ideas will help you refine your site.
For Unpublished Authors
Even if you haven’t published yet, the principles discussed here still apply. You can create a more streamlined version of your site, showcasing your writing projects, blog posts, or shorter works. Establishing your online presence early allows you to secure your domain and start building your author brand.
Additional Considerations
- E-commerce Functionality: If you plan to sell books directly from your site, you’ll need to invest in a more robust hosting plan. Platforms like SquareSpace include e-commerce for authors‘ features, while WordPress can use plugins like WooCommerce for this purpose.
- Hosting Choices: While cheap hosting can work for low-traffic sites, consider investing in a reliable hosting service that offers better uptime and support. Managed hosting services can provide peace of mind, especially for those who are not tech-savvy.
- Plugins and Analytics: If you’re using WordPress, be selective with plugins. Only install those that are necessary, as they can affect site performance. Furthermore, implement Google Analytics to monitor your website’s traffic and performance trends over time.
- Troubleshooting: If you encounter issues, the first step is often to search for solutions online. Many common problems have been addressed by others, and you can often find the answers you need quickly.
Conclusion
Building your author’s website is a crucial step in establishing your online presence and connecting with your audience. By carefully choosing your tools, gathering essential content, and continuously improving your site, you can create a platform that effectively showcases your work.
If you’re looking for expert assistance in developing your author website, Cosmics Publishers is here to help. Our skilled developers are ready to create a professional and engaging online presence tailored to your unique voice and vision.
