Author's Website: Elements to Include

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Alright, fellow authors, here’s your reality check: your book business is a marketing business. Yeah, I know—fun, right? We’ve done the hard part (writing the book), but now we’ve got to sell the thing. And since we’re self-publishing, guess who’s in charge of marketing? That’s right—us. Don’t panic! The first step in this marketing marathon? Your WEBSITE. Sure, get your social media game on point, but all roads should lead back to your website. This is where the magic happens: book sales, building trust, and offering valuable resources to your visitors. Below are the key elements your author website needs, listed in no particular order, because they’re all equally important.

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1) Home Page

The Home Page is the first thing people see when they visit your website—your digital doormat. It’s your chance to make a killer first impression, so make it count. Make sure to include beautiful photos; there’s actual science behind why aesthetically pleasing images draw people in. Throw in a short, punchy bio that gives visitors a snapshot of who you are and what you’re about. And, most importantly, include a clear call to action. Whether it’s signing up for your newsletter, pre-ordering your book, or following you on social media, make sure visitors know what you want them to do next.

2) About Page

The About Page is where you get to show people who you are, what you write, and why you do it. This is where you can really let your personality shine. People connect with people, so don’t be afraid to show the real you. You can even include a long-form video here that links to your YouTube channel—because, hey, the more ways people can connect with you, the better. Let this page tell your story in a way that makes people want to stick around and learn more.

3) Book Page

This one’s pretty straightforward: your Book Page is where you showcase your literary babies. Think of it as your portfolio, displaying all the blood, sweat, and tears you’ve poured into your work. You can include blurbs, reviews, and, of course, purchase links. Make sure everything is organized nicely, especially if you’ve got multiple books, series, or different genres. This page should be a testament to your hard work and creativity, so make it shine!

4) Blog

Wait, what?! I have to write more? Well… yeah. Blogging is a fantastic way to funnel traffic to your website. Think of all the words I’m typing right now—Google loves pulling SEO from blog posts, which means more eyes on your site. Since this blog is on my website, it’s searchable and findable. Plus, blogging is a great way to connect with readers and gain their trust. Share your journey, your tips, your highs and lows. And remember, blog not just for the children and parents (if you’re writing a children’s book), but also for aspiring authors. We need all the help we can get, right?

5) Freebies

Who doesn’t love free stuff? Freebies are a great way to provide value to your visitors. These could be anything from coloring sheets and cute bookmarks for the kiddos to playtime tips for parents, or even a checklist for authors on how to get started on their website (note to self: definitely need to make this happen). The key here is to offer something that’s genuinely useful and relevant to your audience. It’s a win-win: they get something cool, and you get more engaged visitors.

6) Contact Page

Your Contact Page is where people can easily get in touch with you. Whether it’s a simple contact form or your email address displayed for all to see, make sure you’re reachable. If you’re serious about building a community and following, you need to make it easy for people to contact you. Once you and your book start gaining traction, you might get contacted by interviewers, librarians, teachers, or maybe even a publisher?! The point is—make it easy to be reached, and always reply back to inquiries.

Pro Tip: Always keep your website updated, relevant, and fresh! Think of it as a living, breathing thing that needs constant care. This is your digital home, so make it feel inviting and warm.

Alrighty, that’s it, folks! Talk later!