Your author website is still the cornerstone of your online presence. Learn what to include, how to grow your email list, and tips that help it work harder for you.
With all the noise about TikTok trends, Bookstagram buzz, and the latest changes to Amazon’s algorithm, you might be wondering: do I still need an author website?
Short answer? Yes.
Longer answer? Yes, and it might just be one of the most powerful marketing tools you own.
Even in an age of ever-changing platforms and digital distractions, your author website remains the one space online that is fully yours; no shifting algorithms, no third-party gatekeepers, and no character limits (except your own inner editor).
Whether you’re building your very first website or dusting off a blog you haven’t updated since your debut novel launched three years ago, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your author website shine and work hard on your behalf.
Why Your Author Website Still Matters
Your author website is the home base of your author brand. Social media platforms can be incredibly effective for discovery and engagement, but you don’t own those channels. What you do own is your website, and with that comes a level of control and flexibility you just can’t get anywhere else.
Here’s why your website still deserves a central place in your book marketing universe:
– It’s Your Digital Business Card
– You’re in Control
– It Builds Trust
What Every Author Website Needs (And How to Get It Right)
Let’s break it down piece by piece. Here’s what your author website must include, especially if you want it to work as a reliable part of your marketing machine.
1. A Clean, Clear Homepage
2. An Author Bio That Actually Tells Us Something
3. A Book Page (or Pages)
4. An Email Signup That’s Impossible to Miss
5. A Contact Page
6. Optional But Useful: A Blog or News Section
Make It Work for You: Smart Author Website Tips
– Keep It Updated
– Optimize for Mobile
– Track What’s Working
– Don’t Forget SEO Basics
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Broken links (double-check your buy buttons regularly)
❌ Outdated bios or “Upcoming Events” pages that list signings from 2020
❌ No clear CTA; if you’re not telling readers what to do next, they probably won’t do anything
❌ Too much text crammed onto a single page (break things up!)
❌ Flashy animations or autoplay music (please no)
💻 What Platforms Are Authors Using for Their Author Websites?
We asked over 1,500 authors how they built their websites, and here’s what we learned from the 2024 Written Word Media Author Survey:
– 65% built their website themselves, using platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace.
– 26% hired a professional to build it for them.
– 5% got help from a tech-savvy family member.
Whether DIY or done-for-you, the most important thing is having a site you control. Tools like WordPress and Squarespace offer author-friendly templates and built-in mobile optimization, making it easier than ever to create a site that reflects your brand and supports your career.
❓ Author Website Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Do authors still need a website in 2025?
Yes, your author website is the one part of your online presence you truly own. It builds trust with readers, hosts your books, grows your email list, and helps you stand out from the crowd.
What should an author website include?
– A clean homepage
– An author bio
– A book page (or pages)
– An email signup form
– A contact page
Optional: A blog, press/media kit, and events page
How can an author website help build an email list?
– Signup forms on their website
– Offering a reader magnet (like a free story)
– Organic searches that lead readers to your site
Should I sell books directly from my website?
– 29% of surveyed authors already sell books through their websites.
– Another 33% plan to start within the next year.
What’s the best platform to build an author website?
– WordPress – Flexible and customizable
– Wix – Easy drag-and-drop builder
– Squarespace – Beautiful templates and built-in SEO
– Weebly and GoDaddy – Budget-friendly options
How often should I update my author website?
Aim for once a month. Keep your latest release up-to-date, double-check your links, and refresh your author bio or book list as needed.
Is your website ready to welcome new readers? If so, it might be time to drive some traffic its way. When you’re ready to promote your latest book, Written Word Media offers effective email promos to help bring the right readers straight to your pages.