The Advantages of an Author Website

 Do I really need an author website? Is it worth the time? Will it actually help me sell more books?

I’ve heard it all before, the short answer is; yes, yes and absolutely yes! But if you are not convinced, I have compiled a list of the top advantages of creating an author website. 

I think there is a commonly held misunderstanding that author websites are time-consuming and ultimately useless. Both assumptions are far from the truth and so, this article will provide evidence to dispel these rumours and allow you to start your author website with confidence.

So, before I can outline the benefits of an author website, I first need to explain what one is.

What is an author website?

Simply, an author website is an online presence that authors can use to connect with readers, sell books and solidify their brand. These websites are commonly hosted by content management systems (CMS), such as WordPress, Squarespace or Hubspot.

Ultimately, your author website can include whatever you like, as it is your ‘home’ and author platform. You can customise your site in any way you see fit, but most author websites include; an author bio, mailing list sign-up, contact, links to your book/books and a blog. The blog is an essential element, as it gives your readers and fans a chance to get to know you, as well as get a taste of your writing.

Now you know what an author website is, I’m going to list the advantages, with the aim of convincing you to create your own website, no matter how sceptical you currently are.

Attracting new readers and connecting with fans

One of the main benefits of an author website is attracting new readers, and therefore, new customers. Your blog can act like a middleman, converting blog followers to readers. The difference between a blog and social media, is that you can reach a wider audience/ a different audience than your current following, which widens your reach significantly.

Secondly, an author website gives you the chance to connect with fans in a new and intimate way. Those who already love your writing, can read your blog posts and get to know you on a deeper level. Readers are often, just as interested in the author, as they are in a book. So, an author website gives an insight into your personality, craft and whatever else you reveal. This helps to create hype around you as an author, as well as your projects and books.

Showcasing your talent

An author website also provides a platform for you to showcase your literary abilities. This might include, poems, excerpts, thoughts or even article-length pieces describing inspirations, thoughts on the writing process, or personal stories. All of these blog posts not only provide a creative outlet for you but act as a glimpse into your writing for potential readers.

A well-written and tension-building excerpt of your new book may be the reason that an undecided buyer decides to buy. Or the reason an old fan is pre-ordering an upcoming release.

It also provides valuable marketing research for you, as you will be able to see which blog posts perform best, and will receive feedback from your following. This will allow you to see what kind of writing, themes, narratives, and so on, your audience responds best to.

Increases book sales

 

Today, most book lovers buy books online, your author website can help facilitate this by connecting readers to booksellers or even your own book-selling section. By creating an author website, you gain the ability to sell directly to fans, which increases your profit.

By having an author website you are increasing the traffic to bookseller websites, such as Waterstones or Amazon, and therefore increasing book sales in that aspect as well.

An author website is not only a fun and interactive personal platform but a strong marketing and advertising tool. To further improve your reach, research Search Engine optimization (SEO), to improve engagement and traffic to your website.

Builds up your author brand

As mentioned briefly earlier, an author website gives you the chance to develop your brand. You might be wondering; do I need an author brand? Simply, the answer is yes. These days it’s not enough to just be a good writer, especially as a debut novelist.

An author’s brand is the way each writer distinguishes themselves from others in their field and genre, it is how you communicate with your audience. But even more than that, an author’s brand is the way people interpret the value and relevance of your work.

Now, your author brand doesn’t have to limit you or put you in any boxes. It includes many different factors, your social media posts, interviews, blog and every one of these elements adds to the bigger picture of who you are and therefore your brand.

I find it helpful to think of your brand as an evolving story, that attempts to communicate the essence of you as author and what makes you, but more importantly, your work, unique.

Your author website, therefore, is an essential tool for crafting your personal brand. Everything from the fonts you use, the colour palette and the way you organise your page contributes to your brand in subtle but important ways. And then, of course, your blog posts, author bio and links to interviews add to the bigger picture that is your authorial brand.

You’re in control

I think one of the most important feelings for an author, is feeling that your work is presented honestly. The author website gives you complete control over how you, and your work is being marketed, described and explained.

Articles, publisher websites and booksellers’ pages, will describe your book in the way they see fit, in their own words. And this is useful, they will help to sell your book. But, as an author, words are important. Your website, therefore, affords you the freedom to speak about your work in a way that feels authentic to you. Without, publishers or agents, adjusting phrasing or changing word choice.

I hoped I have successfully convinced you of the value of an author website, and if you haven’t already got one, I hope you are setting it up now!

If you are unsure of where to start, reach out to our team and find out how we can help.