Who am I and who wants to know? Well, as an author, your audience wants to know everything about the person who is writing those wonderful books. The purpose of an author website is to serve as a central online hub for the author. It allows you to connect with readers, feature your work, and build an author platform. It’s all about building your brand.

Amazon currently boasts 32.8 million titles. How am I going to stand out as an unknown author in this kind of an environment? Back in the old days before the internet (you know, when dinosaurs still feed on one another), unknown indie authors had to network. Face-to-face interactions were all we had. “Let me tell you who I am, what I do, what I know, and how I think. And oh, by the way, it all boils down to what’s on my business card. Here, take one.” Today, my son asks me why should I remember anything that I can Google. I guess no one can argue with the wisdom of youth.

In our current virtual world, an author’s website establishes an online presence and serves as a home base for your online activities, in a sense, much like the old business card, but with huge content potential. It allows readers, publishers, agents, and media professionals to easily find and evaluate you as an author.

A well-designed author website provides the platform to exhibit your writing credentials, bio, and media kit. This helps establish the author’s credibility and professionalism. It provides the podium to highlight your background, awards, accolades, and positive reviews; which can build trust among readers, industry professionals, and the media.

A website also provides the platform to connect directly with your readers. It allows authors to share updates, blog posts, behind-the-scenes insights, and other engaging content. Readers can also leave comments, interact with the author, and feel a sense of community. This is where you create a foundation that includes your loyal reader base, social media following, an audience-based email list, your links to social media, and engage with your content.

An author website can publicize book signings, speaking engagements, virtual events, and other appearances. It allows readers to stay informed about the author’s schedule and provides information on how they can connect with the author in person.

Most importantly, an author’s website is to promote your books, including cover images, synopses, excerpts, and purchase links. This, of course, helps generate interest, inform readers about the author’s work, and drives book sales. As a result, your website can even host an online store for your products and services. Readers can purchase your books, signed copies, merchandise, and other related products. This direct sales channel allows authors to keep more control over their sales and potentially earn higher royalties.

Overall, a website is a powerful tool for authors to showcase their work, engage with readers, and build their brand in the literary industry. It serves as a centralized online presence that helps authors connect with their audience and further their writing career. In the next blog, I will talk about some of the best website techniques used on today’s author websites.

Why Do I Need an Author Website?

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