Do authors need websites?
3 reasons why all authors—indie or trad—should have a website.
Let’s face it: social media is taking over the marketing space.
You can get hundreds of thousands of followers, go viral overnight, and exceed your wildest dreams — all for free.
So, are author websites really necessary anymore? 🤔
The simple answer is, yes.
Because websites are still extremely beneficial for any author trying to get books into their readers’ hands.
Here’s why. . .
1) They build connection
Imagine someone walking into your living room for the first time.
Maybe that’s a scary moment for you. Maybe it’s exciting.
But it never means nothing.
By allowing them in, you are giving them the opportunity to really see who you are. What matters to you. What you’re passionate about.
For instance. . .
Are there bookshelves lining the walls? (😉)
Do you hang crisp + professional family photos, elegant paintings, or quotes from people who inspire you? (👀)
What is the color scheme like?
Are things neat + orderly, or a bit more chaotic + playful? (😏)
You can think about your website in much the same way!
It’s your internet “home.”
On a website, you are able to quickly portray your personality to your potential readers + buyers (more on that in a sec) via your style, brand, messaging, and focus.
It’s all introducing people to the kind of storyteller you are. ☺️
And that connection becomes invaluable for the next part. . .
2) They sell books
If you live in a rural area, like me, it’s pretty common to see fruit stands in peoples’ yards — selling their fresh, home-grown produce. Sometimes, you’ll also see firewood for sale, or maybe fresh eggs.
In a city, it might be more common to see something like a yard sale.
But, either way, the idea is the same.
Your books are a business.
And while having them available on online bookshops is huge, similar to grocery stores, certain products might get overlooked in such a large selection + never be seen. . .
Your website is your virtual “fruit stand.” 🍓
Anyone who stops by your website will be able to browse your books + your books only. No competition for better back-cover blurbs, or more eye-catching covers.
3) They come with the territory
In this day + age, readers simply expect authors to have websites!
According to Kit.com, “As an author, your website is often the first place readers visit after discovering your work.”1
It’s that simple.
When someone wants to know more about you, or find out more about your books, they search for your website.
It’s your hub.
It shares everything your readers + buyers need to know before deciding to pick up your books:
What kinds of stories you write
Who you are as a fellow human being
Where your books are for sale
How they can connect with you
Etc.
It’s all in one spot, easy to find.
And the easier it is for them to figure out what they need to know, the less friction there will be between them just casually exploring, to seriously considering purchasing your work. 💛
Bonus Question: “What if I’m not published yet?”
That’s ok! All of this still applies to you. ☺️
Because if you can start to attract a following of potential readers + buyers now, it may give you a leg up later when you do start selling books. 💛
P.S. Your turn! If you were to build an author website today, what vibes would it have❓
https://kit.com/resources/blog/book-landing-page