Darla G. Denton | Author Platform Coach

The key to reaching more readers and growing your brand is to build an author website that works for you 24/7.

If you’re serious about your writing career, you need more than just social media. You need a website. Think of it as your digital home, the one place where readers, publishers, and agents can always find you.

Social media is great, but it’s unreliable. Algorithms change. Platforms come and go. You don’t own your audience there. If your favorite social site disappeared tomorrow, how would readers find you? That’s where your author website comes in. It’s your permanent space online, working for you 24/7 to showcase your books, build your brand, and grow your readership.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to build an author website that attracts readers and sells books. You’ll learn how to pick the right platform, set up the must-have pages, optimize for SEO, and keep visitors coming back for more.

By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to create a website that supports your career and grows your audience, without the frustration of figuring it out alone.

Want a step-by-step guide to make this even easier? Download your free copy of Creating Compelling Author Websites: A Guide and get started today.

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Choosing the Best Platform to Build Your Author Website

Let’s be real, choosing the right platform for your author website can feel overwhelming. There are so many options, and everyone has an opinion. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a tech expert to make a great choice.

Your website platform impacts everything, how easy it is to update your site, how professional it looks, and even how well it ranks on Google. Let’s break down the best options for authors, so you can pick the one that fits your needs.

Best Website Builders for Authors

• WordPress – The most powerful option. If you want total control, great SEO tools, and unlimited customization, this is it. But it comes with a learning curve, so be ready to invest time in setup.
• Squarespace – Sleek and user-friendly. If you want a beautiful, professional-looking site without worrying about code, Squarespace is a great pick.
• Wix – The easiest to use. If you just want to get your website up quickly with minimal effort, Wix makes it simple. It’s beginner-friendly but has fewer advanced features than WordPress or Squarespace.
• Hosted Author Pages (Reedsy, Amazon Author Central, etc.) – These are good add-ons but not replacements for a full website. They let you create a basic author profile, but you don’t own the site or control the branding.

So, which one is right for you?

• If you want the best SEO and customization, go with WordPress.
• If you want simplicity with great design, Squarespace is a solid choice.
• If you want super easy setup, Wix will do the job.
• If you just need a temporary online presence, a hosted author page can work as a quick fix.

Choosing the Right Domain Name

Your domain name is your digital identity, so make it count. Whenever possible, grab YourName.com (or YourPenName.com if you write under a pseudonym).

What if YourName.com is taken?

• Try adding “Author” or “Books” (e.g., JaneDoeAuthor.com or JaneDoeBooks.com).
• Keep it short, simple, and easy to spell. Avoid hyphens, numbers, or complicated words that are hard to type.

Think of your domain name like a business card, it should be memorable and professional.

What You Need to Know About Website Hosting

If you choose WordPress, you’ll need website hosting to store your site and keep it online. Think of it like renting a space on the internet where your website “lives.”

Here’s what you need to know:

• Best hosting providers for authors: Bluehost, WP Engine, or  SiteGround.
• What to look for: Fast speeds, security, daily backups, and great customer support.
• What to avoid: Free hosting. It’s slow, unreliable, and often forces ads onto your site.

Bonus Tip: Get an SSL certificate (this gives your site the “https://” in the URL). It makes your site more secure and helps it rank higher in search engines. Many hosting providers include this for free.

Now that you have your platform, domain, and hosting figured out, it’s time to build out the most important pages on your website. These pages will help readers connect with you and make it easy to showcase your books.

Still unsure which platform is right for you? Let’s chat. Get personalized advice on choosing the best website setup for your author brand. Contact me today.

Related Reading: Author Platform: What It Is and Why You Need One

Designing a High-Converting Homepage

Your homepage is the first thing visitors see when they land on your website. Think of it as your virtual front door. If it’s confusing, cluttered, or unclear, they’ll leave before they ever get to know you or your books.

A strong homepage grabs attention, builds credibility, and encourages action. It should introduce you, engage visitors, and guide them toward the next step.

So what should your homepage include? Let’s break it down.

What Visitors Should See Immediately

When someone lands on your homepage, they should instantly understand who you are and what you write. Within seconds, they should see:

• A compelling headline that clearly states your genre and writing style. Examples: Bestselling Mystery Author or Fantasy Worlds That Transport You to Another Realm.
• A professional author photo that fits your brand and makes a strong first impression.
• A clear call-to-action (CTA) that directs visitors toward a next step, such as signing up for your newsletter, downloading a free book, or exploring your published works.

Your homepage should immediately answer three questions:

1. Who are you?
2. What do you write?
3. What should visitors do next?

If these answers aren’t obvious right away, it’s time for an update.

Essential Elements of a High-Converting Homepage

Your homepage should do more than look good. It should work for you by keeping visitors engaged and encouraging them to take action.

Here’s what you need:

• Featured Books or Latest Release: Highlight your most recent or most popular book with a compelling blurb and clear buy now links.
• Newsletter Signup: Give readers a reason to join your email list by offering a free short story, exclusive content, or a sneak peek of your next book.
• Social Proof: Build trust by displaying testimonials, book reviews, awards, or media mentions. Readers are more likely to explore your books if they see others have enjoyed them.
• Easy Navigation: Make sure visitors can easily find your About page, Books page, Blog, and Contact information. If they have to search for it, they might leave instead.

Think of your homepage like a bookstore window display, it should invite visitors in, give them a taste of what you offer, and make them want more.

Common Homepage Mistakes to Avoid

• Too much text: Visitors should be able to understand your brand quickly without scrolling through long paragraphs. Keep it concise and easy to scan.
• No clear call-to-action: If you don’t guide visitors toward an action, they may leave without engaging. Make sure your CTA is visible and persuasive.
• Outdated content: If your homepage still promotes a book you released five years ago with no updates, it can make you look inactive. Regularly refresh your homepage with your latest book, a new blog post, or upcoming events.

A homepage that is clear, professional, and easy to navigate will help keep visitors engaged and encourage them to explore more of your work.

Once your homepage is optimized to attract and engage visitors, the next step is to create the essential pages that complete your author website. Your About page, Books page, Blog, and Contact page each serve a unique purpose in connecting with your audience and building your brand.

Your homepage sets the tone for your entire website. Make sure it represents you and your books in the best way possible. Need help crafting a homepage that works for you? Contact me today to learn more.

Related Reading: 18 Must Have Author Platform Tools to Simplify Your Writing Life

The Essential Pages Every Author Website Needs

A well-structured author website does more than look good, it works for you. It keeps visitors engaged, builds trust, and turns casual readers into loyal fans. Each page on your site should have a clear purpose, whether it’s introducing yourself, showcasing your books, or helping readers stay connected.

Let’s break down the essential pages every author’s website needs and what they should include.

About Page: Connect With Your Audience

Your About page is one of the most-visited pages on any author website. Readers want to know more about the person behind the books. This is your chance to introduce yourself in a way that feels personal and engaging.

What to include:

• A short, compelling bio that highlights who you are and what you write. Keep it professional but conversational.
• Your writing achievements, such as awards, bestseller status, or notable publications.
• A personal touch. Share a bit about your writing journey, influences, or fun facts that help readers relate to you.
• Links to media mentions, interviews, or guest blog posts where you’ve shared insights about your work.

Your About page should make readers feel like they know you. A strong connection encourages them to explore more of your books and follow your journey.

Books Page: Showcase Your Work

Your Books page is where visitors go to browse your work, so it needs to be well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

What to include:

• Book covers and descriptions that hook potential readers.
• Buy links to multiple retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, your direct shop).
• Reviews and endorsements from readers, bloggers, or industry professionals.
• Extras like sample chapters, Amazon previews, or audiobook snippets to give visitors a taste of your writing.

If you have multiple books or a series, group them by category or genre to make browsing easy. The goal is to make it simple and enticing for visitors to buy your books.

Blog: A Powerful SEO Tool

A blog isn’t required, but it can be a game-changer for growing your audience and improving your website’s search rankings.

Why blog?

• Fresh content helps SEO. Google favors regularly updated websites, so even a monthly blog post keeps your site active.
• It attracts new readers. A blog allows you to reach people who may not have found your books otherwise.
• It builds authority. Sharing writing tips, industry insights, or personal stories makes you more relatable and positions you as an expert in your niche.

What to blog about:

• Writing advice and behind-the-scenes content.
• Book announcements, cover reveals, and publishing updates.
• FAQs or discussions about your genre and writing process.

Even one post a month can make a big difference in keeping your site fresh and discoverable.

Contact Page: Make It Easy to Reach You

Your Contact page should make it simple for readers, media professionals, and event organizers to get in touch.

What to include:

• A contact form so visitors can reach out directly.
• Your professional email address (avoid using personal emails).
• Links to your social media profiles to encourage further engagement.

If you do speaking engagements, media interviews, or guest appearances, consider adding a press kit with your bio and high-resolution author photos.

Newsletter Signup Page: Build Your Email List

Your email list is one of the most powerful marketing tools you have. Unlike social media, you own your list, and you can connect with readers directly, without worrying about algorithm changes.

What to include:

• A clear reason to sign up, such as exclusive content, book updates, or early access to new releases.
• A lead magnet. Offer something valuable in exchange for signups, like a free short story, sample chapter, or exclusive sneak peek.
• An easy-to-find signup form. Place it on multiple pages of your website, not just one.

Using an email service like Mailchimp, Kit, or MailerLite can help you automate and manage your email list efficiently.

Now that your site has the right pages in place, it’s time to make sure people can find it easily. That’s where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes in.

Next, we’ll cover how to optimize your website so more readers discover your books through search engines.

Building an author website takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone. Need help setting up your site? Explore my coaching packages for expert support every step of the way.

Related Reading: 6 Author Platform Mistakes That are Costing You Readers

SEO Tips to Get More Visitors to Your Author Website

You could have the best author website in the world, but if no one can find it, it won’t help your career. That’s where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes in. SEO helps your website rank higher in search engines like Google so more readers, agents, and industry professionals can discover you.

The good news? You don’t need to be an SEO expert to boost your website’s visibility. By following a few simple strategies, you can attract more visitors, increase book sales, and grow your audience.

Let’s break it down step by step.

Using Keywords Effectively

Keywords tell search engines what your website is about. If someone types “how to build an author website” into Google, you want your site to show up.

To do that, you need to strategically place keywords throughout your website. But don’t overdo it. Google penalizes sites that cram too many keywords in an unnatural way.

Where to include keywords:

• Homepage headline and subheadings – Reinforce your focus keyword in key areas.
• Page titles and URLs – Ensure your Books, About, and Contact pages include relevant keywords.
• Blog content – Use variations like “best website builder for authors” and “author website design tips” naturally in your posts.
• First 100 words of every page – Search engines prioritize early content, so introduce your main keywords right away.

Think of keywords like seasoning in a recipe, use just enough to enhance your site, but don’t overdo it.

Optimizing Meta Descriptions, Image Alt Text, and Page Titles

Meta descriptions and alt text help search engines understand your website’s content and improve accessibility for users.

• Meta Descriptions:
  These are the short blurbs that appear under your page title in search results. A good meta description includes your main keyword and encourages people to click.
  • Example:
    “Learn how to build an author website that attracts readers and boosts book sales. Get expert SEO and design tips.”
• Image Alt Text:
  Search engines can’t “see” images the way humans do. Alt text describes images so they can be indexed properly.
  • Example:
    “Homepage of an author website featuring a newsletter signup call-to-action.”
• Page Titles:
  Every page on your site should have a clear, keyword-rich title. Instead of a vague title like “Books,” try something like “Fantasy Novels by Jane Doe | Award-Winning Author”.

These small details help search engines rank your site higher and improve user experience.

Internal Linking: Connect Your Content

Internal links connect the pages on your site, making it easier for visitors to navigate and find what they need. They also help search engines understand your website’s structure.

Best internal linking practices:

• Link blog posts to your Books page – If you write a post about writing inspiration, link to a related book.
• Connect your Homepage to your About and Contact pages – Guide visitors to learn more about you.
• Include links in call-to-action buttons – Encourage readers to explore your site further.

The longer visitors stay on your site and click around, the better your rankings will be.

How to Get Backlinks (and Why They Matter)

Backlinks are links from other websites to your site. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the more search engines trust your content.

Ways to earn backlinks:

• Guest blogging – Write posts for book bloggers, writer websites, and publishing communities. Include a link to your site in your bio.
• Podcasts and interviews – Get featured on writing podcasts or literary sites. Many hosts link back to guest websites.
• Media features – Reach out to book review sites, writing magazines, or literary blogs to get your work featured.

Not all backlinks are created equal. A link from a well-known writing website is far more valuable than one from a random, unrelated site.

Improve Website Speed and Mobile Optimization

Google favors websites that load quickly and work well on mobile devices. If your site is slow or hard to navigate on a phone, it won’t rank well.

How to improve site speed:

• Use compressed images to reduce load time.
• Choose a reliable hosting provider like Bluehost or SiteGround.
• Limit unnecessary plugins if you’re using WordPress.
• Test your site’s mobile-friendliness using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.

A fast, mobile-friendly website improves both user experience and search rankings.

SEO isn’t an overnight fix, but every small improvement makes a difference. The more optimized your site is, the more likely readers are to find you.

Next, we’ll talk about how to keep visitors engaged and turn them into loyal fans.

SEO can feel overwhelming, but the right strategies make all the difference. Contact me to learn how to optimize your site for better visibility and discoverability.

Related Reading: Defining Your Author Brand: A Beginners Guide for 2025

How to Keep Visitors Engaged & Convert Them into Fans

Getting visitors to your author website is great, but keeping them engaged is what turns them into loyal readers. You want people to stick around, explore your books, and—most importantly—take action.

The secret? Make it easy and compelling for visitors to interact with your site. Whether that’s signing up for your newsletter, following you on social media, or grabbing a free sample of your book, every page should guide visitors toward the next step.

Let’s break down how to keep readers engaged and coming back for more.

Use Strong Calls-to-Action (CTAs)

Every page on your website should have a clear, direct call-to-action (CTA) that tells visitors what to do next. Without one, they may browse for a few seconds and leave without ever engaging with you.

Some of the best CTAs for authors include:

• “Sign up for my newsletter.” This is one of the most valuable actions a visitor can take. An email list lets you stay in touch with readers and keep them updated on new releases.
• “Read the first chapter for free.” Giving visitors a taste of your book increases the chance they’ll buy it.
• “Follow me on social media.” Encourage readers to stay connected outside of your website.

CTAs should be easy to find. Place them on your homepage, Books page, blog posts, and even in your website header or footer. If visitors have to search for them, they won’t take action.

Use Social Proof to Build Credibility

Readers trust other readers. Seeing that others enjoy your books makes new visitors more likely to take a chance on your work. This is where social proof comes in.

Ways to add credibility to your website:

• Testimonials from readers – Highlight positive feedback from fans who love your books.
• Blurbs from well-known authors – If another author endorses your book, feature their quote.
• Media features – Show off any interviews, guest posts, or articles where you’ve been featured.
• Book awards and bestseller badges – If you’ve won an award or hit a bestseller list, display it prominently.

The more trust and credibility you build, the easier it is to turn visitors into buyers and loyal readers.

Keep Your Content Fresh and Updated

Nothing drives visitors away faster than an outdated website. If your homepage still promotes a book from five years ago and your last blog post was in 2021, it makes it seem like you’re no longer active.

Simple ways to keep your site fresh:

• Update your homepage regularly – Feature your latest book, upcoming events, or newest blog post.
• Showcase reader engagement – Share fan art, reader reviews, or social media interactions.
• Offer behind-the-scenes content – Give insights into your writing process, book research, or upcoming projects.

Keeping your site updated not only engages visitors but also helps with SEO, since search engines prefer websites that are regularly maintained.

Now that you know how to keep visitors engaged, let’s make sure you’re not making mistakes that drive them away.

In the next section, we’ll cover the most common author website mistakes and how to fix them.

Keeping readers engaged is key to long-term success. Let’s create a strategy that keeps your audience coming back for more. Get in touch today.

Related Reading: Author Platform Goals 2025: How to Set Achievable Goals and Grow Your Audience

Final Thoughts

Your website is more than just a digital placeholder, it’s your home base as an author. It’s where readers discover your books, connect with you, and stay engaged. A well-designed site builds credibility, grows your audience, and helps you sell more books.

By following the steps in this guide, you can create a website that works for you. Choose the right platform, design an engaging homepage, and include the essential pages readers expect. Optimize for SEO, keep your content fresh, and make it easy for visitors to take action.

Make your website work for you so you can focus on what you do best: writing.

Get the Ultimate Guide to Building a Compelling Author Website

Creating an author website can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Get expert guidance with Creating Compelling Author Websites: A Guide. This comprehensive PDF walks you through every step of building a website that attracts readers and increases book sales and includes an interactive checklist for each page of your website.

Inside this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to design a high-converting homepage that grabs attention
• The must-have pages every author website needs
• SEO strategies to rank higher on Google and drive more traffic
• How to use social proof and email marketing to grow your audience
• The best website platforms for authors and which one is right for you

Start Building Your Author Website Today. Download your copy now!