High-functioning author websites are a cornerstone of book publicity today. If you're about to publish a book and planning a site, keep these crucial success factors in mind. First, If you are hiring a designer to create your website, ideally find one who has experience with authors or subject-area experts. Request samples and ask about the creative process works and fees for updates/maintenance/training for you to update on your own. Make sure to show your creativity and personality. The look and image of your website communicate what you want people to know about you – appeal to your target audience.
Once you're underway, update your website frequently. It does not need to be overly time consuming, but do make sure to delete anything that is expired, i.e., old dates, event announcements, etc. For example, if your book is mentioned as coming soon, and the publication date was last month, make sure to update the site. If you are blogging, post routinely to keep content updated. Always add photos from events, and links to news stories about you, etc. The purpose is to showcase your personality, author brand, share interesting information. When done well, it should entice readers to buy your book.
Clean and well-designed websites make a better impression. Keep yours free from ads and third-party pop-ups. When you look more credible, the site will be more effective in accomplishing your goals. When you're initially putting together your design and content, visit some of your favorite author's sites for ideas. It's good to see what baseline information is standard. Also, don't oversell because people visiting your site know you are selling a book (or series, and perhaps other tie-in products or services). Always make sure your website and blog posts lead with content, information, education, news, etc.
Content such as your backstory can be interesting to your fans. You can share the reasons you choose to become a writer, what inspires you, research, or travel connected to the book, trivia about yourself, etc. If you are selling books directly from your site, give readers an incentive to buy direct from you. For example, provide autographed copies, a white paper, of free ebook downloads of an older title. Have your social media icons on every page to attract new followers and have a contact page with appropriate contact information. Lastly, remember search engine optimization (SEO) for your site.
