An author website does a different job from a social media profile. It is the one place you control, where readers can learn who you are, find your books and join your mailing list. If you are planning a new site or reviewing an existing one, this checklist covers what matters most.
1. A home page that leads with your book
Visitors should know within seconds who you are, what you write and what to do next. Put your latest book and a clear button, such as buy, read an extract or subscribe, near the top. Avoid long introductions before the first call to action.
2. A page for each book
Give every book its own page with the cover, a strong blurb, details such as format and page count, and links to the retailers where it is sold. Individual book pages also give search engines something specific to rank when readers search for your title.
3. An author page written for readers
Your About page should be a short, readable story rather than a CV. Include a photo, a brief bio and a way to contact you.
4. Email sign-up
Social platforms and retailers can change their rules, but your mailing list is yours. Offer something useful in return for an email address, such as a sample chapter or a short story, and connect the form to a tool like Mailchimp.
5. A blog or news section
Regular posts about your genre, research or writing process give readers reasons to return and give search engines fresh content. Focus on topics your readers search for rather than only announcements.
6. A media page
Make life easy for journalists, podcast hosts and bloggers. Include a short and a long bio, a headshot, cover images and contact details in one place.
7. Mobile-friendly design and fast loading
Most visitors will arrive on a phone. Check that text is readable, buttons are easy to tap and images are compressed so pages load quickly.
8. Search basics
Each page needs a clear title and description, sensible headings and readable web addresses. An XML sitemap and Google Search Console help Google find and understand your pages. For more on this, see our Book SEO service.
9. Privacy and legal pages
If you collect email addresses or use analytics, you need a privacy policy, and in the UK and EU you should handle cookies and consent properly.
10. A way to sell directly (optional)
Selling signed copies or ebooks from your own site lets you keep the customer relationship. A WooCommerce store can handle this, and it can be connected to print-on-demand services such as Lulu if you want orders fulfilled without holding stock.
Check where you stand
Try our interactive book launch readiness checklist to see what is already in place. If you would like help building or improving your site, see our author website design service or request a quote.
