Since the start of the dotcom era, just about anybody with a personal brand has needed a website.
Now, you might still find some outliers who dislike anything involving the internet and probably still believe that this is a matter for publishers to worry about.
But in reality, many authors have long been using websites to broadcast their messages and books to the wider world. (One big case in point is marketing author Seth Godin, who has been blogging since 2002.)
Even if you could argue that you lack the technical expertise, or believe that there are one too many authors with websites out there already, that does not take away from important, undeniable reasons to have your site showcasing your work.
Why Author Websites Still Matter
Reason #1: Visibility
Say, for example, you only have a modest goal of being a well-known author in your area. You might think that it’s enough to just have your name spread via word-of-mouth at your church, office, schools, etc.
But in reality? Most people are more likely to google your name first. A website is the biggest guarantee that anyone who looks up your name will see you’re an author, your books, and the message you want to send.
Reason #2: Authority
A website helps the clear record because a website will be the one space where you have control over displaying your work.
Reason #3: Networking
Whether it is just for linking your social media page, or all the way to networking with likeminded authors, a website is one way to signal to everybody that you are serious about your work.
A website can serve as the hub through which all visitors can learn about your book, and then perhaps follow you on other platforms. That makes it a big cornerstone for your personal brand.
Reason #3: Networking
On the surface, you might think that everybody gets their updates from social media. But even then, these social media updates are actually sourced from official websites and blogs. As an author, you will find yourself doing the same. If you have a new book or even just some thoughts to share, then a website provides a bigger space that even social media will depend on for its source.
What Should Your Website Have?
So, now that you know several good reasons why you need a website, here are key elements that your website will need. This will make it easier to get the project off the ground (regardless of whether you’ll want to do it yourself or consult a third party to do it for you).
#1. Book Section
A dedicated book section will let prospective readers explore your portfolio of books. Even if you have only published one, this is the space that will set the expectations for all the things you are writing about.
#2. About the Author
Just like with your books, your website will need its own About the Author section to share a bit of your background, what motivates you to write, and everything else about your personal brand.
#3. Blog
Blogs are going to be your main channel for sharing news updates about any events you’ll be going to. The same goes for future publications as well as opportunities to present yourself as a thought leader on your book’s genre.
#4. Links to Other Channels
Lastly, you will want a segment that clearly spells out what platforms you are also active on, whether it is a social media platform or another major platform for content creators (such as podcasts, videos, etc).
All in all, you can think of a website as an expanded calling card for you as an author. You don’t need it merely for the sake of getting visitors, readers, and viewers. You don’t even need it just to compete with other authors.
You are creating it to provide a staple service to anyone who wants to look you up, what you write about, and why you’re sharing your story with the world.
Now, at this point, you might still be worried about more technical matters of maintaining a website (like optimizing it for search and getting visitors). Another bit of good news is that even those of us here at offer website traffic optimization (WTO) services that already go on top of our usual book marketing offers. So if you’d like to get started on a website at this very moment, well you can just give us a call. Let’s talk about it!
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