Why do authors need a website?
If you’re an author, your online presence is essential to your success.
You likely have a social media following and maybe a blog – but do you have your own author website?
Your website is like a store front. It’s where loyal readers go to find out more about your latest releases or upcoming projects, and it will help to boost your reach even further.
Benefits of having a website
Having a website is one of the best ways to promote and market your book online. Not only does it give you increased visibility but you’ll have better control over how people perceive your work, and you.
People want to learn more about you and why you wrote your book.
Your author website makes it easy for customers to find out where they can buy your book and read reviews written by other readers. Plus, if they have questions they’ll be able to quickly contact you via email or through social media links provided on your site.
You can also use your website to show off any awards or recognitions that your work has received, or share special offers with readers who visit your site.
All this helps to create a stronger connection between you and your readers which leads to more sales!
Your author website is also your media hub, so if you guest blog, get invited to appear on podcasts and other media outlets, your hosts can easily get your bio and headshot — right on your website media page!
Author Domain Name
Should I buy my name, or my book title for a domain name?
Many publicists I work will also urge their authors to buy a domain name for the title of their book.
Author also want the own name as a domain name.
Don’t worry about having multiple domain names. You can have both!
You won’t be creating multiple websites. Instead you will have one main domain, such as your name, and the title of your book will point to your main domain name. That means, someone can type in your name, or the name of your book, and be taken to the same website.
For example, I have two domain names: fieldsgraphicdesign.com and nancyfieldsgraphicdesign.com. Both go to fieldsgraphicdesign.com.
When should I publish my website?
As soon as possible here’s why…
- You need buyers!
- It can take 90 days or longer to build a list of people who want to buy your book
- Prospective buyers want to know about you before they buy
- You can use your website to build anticipation before your book is released
Book mentors and publicists I have worked with, work hard to get their authors on the Amazon Best Seller list to sell more books. They all recommend launching their website before their book is released and having an opt-in form on their website to collect site visitors names and email addresses.
One page author website
When you are just starting to build your list of buyers you can create a one page website that asks people to sign up to receive updates on your book progress, and release date.
You do not even have to have your book finished.
In fact, most people enjoy being part of your ‘author journey,’ and are the first ones to buy.
But don’t limit yourself to a one page website. Authors also need an “About” page, Media, Blog, and and Author Contact page to keep the search engine robots engaged.
Self published author websites
Today over 90% of authors self publish, and the numbers keep growing.
Not only does it give you more control over your work, but it also allows you to keep more of your earnings.
A self published author website can help promote credibility among readers and literary professionals alike; establish yourself as a brand in the industry; build relationships with marketers, publicists and others who want to learn more about your book; generate leads; plus much more.
Find out more about creating your author website
I design author websites and also get referrals from book mentors and publicists whose clients need an website.
If you thinking about a website to promote your book, or just need someone to point you in the right direction click here to schedule a free 30-minute call. I’m happy to get you started on the right path to a successful author website.