Author Website Must-Haves
let's self-audit your site
A good amount of my (author) clients are at the point in our partnership where we audit their websites together, and I assign revisions as homework. Many have been surprised at how much value I place on their websites.
Websites are SO important for two reasons.
Everyone is on social media (hopefully, including you!). As you enhance your brand and content strategy, readers and collaborators are going to stumble upon your profiles, and want to learn more about you/your credibility. Having a professional website allows you to connect on a deeper level, showcase professionalism and enhance your digital footprint.
We do not own our social media profiles. What makes websites and email lists so important in this context is that they’re owned by you. If Instagram were to dissolve today (my nightmare), you’ll still have your website and your subscribers.
Today, I’m sharing my author website must-haves so you can do a self-audit of your site. Let’s get into it:
Clean Design: Full Site
Your website must be easy on the eyes. This is easier to do nowadays with preloaded templates on sites like Wordpress, Shopify and Squarespace (my personal favorite). Once you have branding, ensure your website is on brand and easily accessible for both desktop and mobile!
Audit: Is the content on your website fresh? Check that your copyright year is current and “news” is still applicable. Remove dead social media links. If I see a Google+ link on a website, I know it probably shelters other cobwebs, too :)
Easy Navigation: Full Site, Header
Your header menu should be easy to follow without a million links. My go-to’s for authors are: About, Books, Events, Contact. You can also add Press/Media Kit and/or a Blog if you’re at that point!
Professional Headshot: Home Page, About Page
Specific, but so important. As authors, I know you all have photos, so please make sure they’re visible on the homepage and your about page of your website. Bonus points if you have multiple photos to choose from for on brand versatility!
Bio: Home Page, About Page
These days, many people scan information before determining if they want to commit to reading more. Invest in a short bio for your home page, and save the longer version for your about page. This gives visitors the opportunity to get to know the spark notes version of you, or dig deeper if they choose.
Recent Content: Home Page
If you’re not adding a press page yet, you can share your recent press on your home page. This allows easy access to your shoutouts, showcases timelines and adds credibility.
Book Information!: Home Page, Books Page
Your latest book should appear on your home page, but your full collection can live on your books page. As a rule of thumb, the more books you’ve published, the less information your website needs for each title.
For your debut release, you’ll be proud and excited. With only one book to showcase, you might feature: cover imagery, title and description, noteworthy reviews, several “buy” links, ISBN and a little teaser.
However, if you a bunch of titles (especially in the same genre), simplify to: cover imagery, title, single purchase link and a one-sentence teaser.
Tour Dates: Events Page
We love a book tour! My clients are instructed to share their dates on social media, but a direct link to the tour itself (including tickets and RSVPs where necessary) right on your site is a huge convenience for readers who want to come find you.
Contact Information: Contact Page, Footer
Many authors favor a contact form, but a simple email address on your website is also fine. Journalists typically prefer this more direct method, and if you hope to be interviewed on current topics, you should consider including your agent’s and publicist’s emails as well.
If you’re on Substack or have a mailing list elsewhere, do not forget to collect subscribers! If you feel your contact page is crowded, you may do this in your website’s footer.
PS—If you do opt for a form, check it regularly to make sure it still works!
Alright, that’s the audit! Whether you already have an author website or are starting from scratch, the best philosophy really is less is more. By keeping it simple, your website is easier to construct, and to maintain. And, you’ll minimize typos and broken links while increasing the likelihood that your visitor will take action.
Not only will you make it easier on yourself, but clear, concise content is the ultimate compliment to your reader.
Is this post helpful? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I haven't set up my author website yet, but it's on my near-term list of things to do! This list is super helpful, thank you!
This is very helpful! I just launched my website two weeks ago (no published book yet, but I'm working on it) and now I will do a self-audit based on your post. Also, Google+ link had me in stitches. I forgot about that failed social media platform!