Why Every Author Needs a Website
Many new authors ask, “Do I really need an author website if my book is already on Amazon or other bookstores?” The answer is yes.
A dedicated book website helps you:
Build credibility with readers, media, and publishers
Connect directly with your audience
Promote your book online in a central, professional space
There are many reasons why a website is a vital tool for authors, including:
Establishing Credibility with a Professional Author Website
A professional website can help you establish credibility and show publishers, media, and readers that you are who you say you are. Whether you are starting the process of getting your book out there, or you are a seasoned pro, readers and publishers need to know who you are and what you are writing about. A website allows editors, publishers, and readers to learn more about you and see that you are actually offering what you say you are.
Be Easily Found Online with Search-Friendly Author Pages
A professional author website allows you to be found online by potential readers. Many avid readers search for book recommendations or look up information about authors online before buying, and if you don’t have an online presence, you could be missing opportunities. On your website, you choose the content, highlighting your book, and helping your audience easily find you and your book online. A dynamically optimized website, through integrated SEO practices, can help readers find your site easily. Contact Solazzo Designs if you are interested in optimizing your website’s SEO.
Centralize Detailed Book Information in One Place
Typically, websites that promote a book or author will include a Home page, an About the Author page with an author bio; a Book page with cover art, a synopsis, and links to purchase; a Press page with a media sheet and links to press covering the book launch; a Contact page where interested readers or press can contact you; sometimes a Blog page featuring articles promoting the book; and occasionally a page or section with a Free Download to collect contact information of interested readers. Your website allows you to organize all of the information about your book, giving readers a centrally located place to find all the information you would like them to have. Instead of sending potential readers to Amazon, bookstores, or other outside platforms to purchase your book, you can send them directly to your website.
Provide Direct Selling Links and Accessibility
Hosting an author website gives you multiple options for how readers can purchase your book. Some authors choose to sell directly on their website and fulfill shipments themselves, which is a great option if you have the means and time to do so. Many authors instead utilize their website as a tool to feature the links where readers can purchase their books, like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or a publishing house. A centralized hub of different purchasing platforms increases the likelihood of book sales.
Offer a Media Kit for Press and Events
An online media kit is a digital package of information about you and your book that press or potential collaborators would want to know about you. It typically includes your bio, headshot, contact details, book information, and a speaker sheet of talking points for potential media contacts and event organizers who may be interested in scheduling interviews or podcasts about your new book. Media Kits can typically be found on the Press page or Speaking page, which typically also include clips of any media coverage your book has received.
Engage Your Audience with Updates and Content
Frequent updates to your website’s Press, Events, or Blog pages help keep readers informed on new updates about your book. These pages allow authors to share behind-the-scenes insights, writing inspiration, and any information on upcoming events or potential book signings. Consistent updates can help turn readers into fans who will continue to look to you for more information and new books.
Build Relationships with Your Readers
Your website gives you a dedicated platform to connect with your readers. Website forms, newsletters, and social media integration all help you connect with interested website visitors and can turn readers into fans.
Let’s Build Your Author Website
At Solazzo Designs, we’ve helped authors showcase their books online in ways that reflect their voice, promote their book, and engage readers. Take a look at some of the authors we’ve worked with here.
If you are a new author ready to build or update your online presence, we can help you create a website that reflects your voice, connects with readers, and drives sales. Book Your Free Consultation to get started.