An author website should have a clear home page, a page for each book with buy links, an about page, a newsletter signup, a contact page and a press or media page. It should load quickly on a phone, state who you are and what you write in plain words and give readers one obvious next step, such as joining your list or buying your book. It is the one marketing asset you fully control.
This guide gives a page-by-page checklist, explains the technical basics that help search engines and AI tools understand your site and lists common mistakes. If you want a site built for you, our author website design service covers design, content and setup. For the larger plan, see a book marketing plan for authors.
Key takeaways
- Your website is the one place you fully own, unlike social platforms
- Give each book its own page with a clear description, buy links and an excerpt
- Put a newsletter signup on every key page, because email builds a lasting audience
- State facts clearly and consistently, so search engines and AI tools describe you accurately
- Keep it fast, mobile-friendly and simple to update
In this article
- Why do authors need a website?
- What should the home page include?
- What should a book page include?
- What belongs on the about page?
- How do I set up a newsletter signup?
- What should I add for press and events?
- What technical basics help search engines and AI tools?
- What mistakes should I avoid?
- How do I keep the site secure and easy to maintain?
- Frequently asked questions
- Services that can help
Why do authors need a website?
Social platforms change their rules and algorithms, and followers can disappear. A website gives readers, journalists, librarians and event organisers one stable place to find you. It lets you collect email addresses, sell direct and present your books the way you want. It also gives search engines and AI assistants reliable facts about you, which helps them describe your work correctly when people ask about it.
What should the home page include?
The home page should say who you are and what you write in a sentence, show your latest book with its cover and a buy button and offer a newsletter signup. Add a short reader-focused welcome, one or two review quotes you have permission to use and clear navigation. Avoid clutter, auto-playing media and long intros. A visitor should understand your genre and know what to do within a few seconds.
What should a book page include?
- The cover, title, subtitle and series information
- A strong description, using the same text as on retailer pages
- Buy links for each format and retailer
- An excerpt or sample chapter
- Review quotes, awards and an honest note about the content if needed
- Details such as the publication date, page count and ISBN
A separate page for each book gives search engines a clear target and gives readers a reliable place to share.
What belongs on the about page?
The about page is often the most visited page after the home page. Write it in the first or third person, in a voice that matches your books. Say who you are, why you write and what readers can expect. Add a professional photo, links to your social profiles and a short and a long version of your bio that journalists can copy. Keep facts such as your name, location and credentials consistent everywhere you appear online.
How do I set up a newsletter signup?
Offer something in return for an email address, such as a short story, a sample chapter or a checklist, and place the form on the home page, book pages and the end of blog posts. Use a reputable email service, state clearly how you will use the address and include an unsubscribe link in every email. Our author newsletter setup service builds the form, the welcome sequence and the first emails.
What should I add for press and events?
A media page saves journalists and podcast hosts time. Include a short and long bio, a headshot, book covers in high resolution, a list of topics you can discuss and contact details. Add an events page if you give talks or sign books. If you hope to be a podcast guest, link to a one-sheet. Our podcast interview booking service uses this material when it pitches you.
What technical basics help search engines and AI tools?
- A clear page title and meta description for each page
- Fast loading, mobile-friendly design and secure HTTPS
- Descriptive image names and alt text
- Structured data for your books and your organisation, which many website tools can add
- A sitemap and links between related pages
- Consistent facts, such as your name, series order and ISBNs
These basics help people and machines find the right information about you.
What mistakes should I avoid?
Do not build a site that is only a list of buy links with no home page or no email signup. Do not hide your books behind slow, heavy design. Do not forget a privacy policy if you collect emails, and do not copy text from retailers that makes your site look duplicate. Update the site when a new book comes out, since an outdated page loses readers. If you blog, write about topics your readers care about, not only announcements.
How do I keep the site secure and easy to maintain?
Choose a platform you can update yourself, keep the software, themes and plugins current and use strong passwords and two-step login. Back up the site regularly, and renew your domain before it expires. Use a privacy policy and a cookie notice if you collect emails or use analytics, following the rules where your readers live. Set a reminder to review the site after each launch and every few months. A simple site that is kept current beats a complex one that is neglected.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own domain name?
Yes. A domain with your name or pen name looks professional, is easy to remember and stays with you if you change platforms.
How many pages should an author website have?
Many have five to eight: home, books, about, newsletter, contact and press. Add more only when they help readers.
Should I sell books directly from my website?
You can, and it gives you customer data and a higher margin, but it adds work. Many authors link to retailers and sell direct at events.
Do I need a blog?
Not required. A blog helps if you write useful posts regularly, but a neglected blog hurts more than none.
How much does an author website cost?
Costs range from low-cost builders to custom design. We give a free quote with a fixed price before any work starts.
How do I keep a website up to date?
Review it whenever you publish, attend an event or change your bio, and check links every few months.
Services that can help
- Author website design
- Author newsletter setup
- Podcast interview booking
- Book marketing services
- Book launch strategy
This guide is part of our book marketing guides and connects to our book marketing services.