A lot of new authors ask us what they should put on their author website. The first step is to secure your domain name as your Author Name, rather than a Book Title, since you may write more books, and so you will want to build your brand, rather than just a single book brand, with your website. The next step is to choose where to build your site. These days, there are many user-friendly, “drag and drop” website builder programs out there.
Once you have your domain and an account on a website builder, it’s time to build pages! Many of them have templates to make it easier. Research other author websites to determine the design and features you like. Be sure to make your website visually appealing!
Most websites have between four and seven pages, or tabs. Here is a handy list from Ingram Spark, with our helpful tips:
Author Bio: This can be in third person or first person, depending on the tone of your website. List any writing achievements, degrees, other books, etc. You may also want to list any organizations to which you belong as a member and any special knowledge or experience that is relevant to your book.
Books: Add links to purchase your books along with book covers, blurbs, and description. Please add a link to Rootstock, too!
Mailing List Signup: Capture those website visitors! This is important even if you don’t have a regular email or blog planned. It’s great to be able to email your fans to remind them about sales, events, or special occasions.
Blog: This is optional and only recommended if you plan to write short entries that you share on other platforms, such as social media or through email. Authors often use blogs to share their writing process, inside information about the book, events or new releases, etc.
Contact: Include a contact form (to remain anonymous) or make your public author email available so people can contact you to schedule a talk, interview, or events.
Media Page: This is an optional place to list reviews and any journals or newspapers that write about your book. Note that Rootstock will maintain a book page with this information.
Events: Add a calendar if you’d like to maintain a list of where you will be speaking or giving readings/signings. You could also substitute the Blog or Media page with your Events page. Rootstock will also always list your events if information is sent at least 30 days prior to the event.
For more tips, visit Ingram Spark’s The Complete Guide to Creating an Author Website.