Launching Your Author Website: What to Include Before You Publish
If you’re an unpublished author, you might wonder what to put on your website. It’s not just about showcasing what you’ve already written, but also about building a presence that attracts potential readers. Here are some essential elements you should consider adding to your site.
1. Talk About What You’re Working On
Even if you haven’t published a book yet, your website is the perfect platform for sharing your progress and inspiring your audience. Start by discussing the projects you’re currently working on. It could be a teaser of your upcoming novel, a writing process journal, or perhaps a collection of short stories. Mention your favorite books for inspiration and share reading tips that help you sustain your creativity.
2. Give Writing Tips That Work for You
Being a writer involves more than just penning words. How you craft your sentences, how you use different characters, and the environments you set are all valuable insights. Share these tips with your audience. For instance, if you find that walking your dog helps you plot your next book, write about how you channel that energy into your writing. Include specific techniques or exercises that you find helpful, and encourage others to share their own writing tips on your site.
3. Talk About Your Lifestyle and Inspirations
Exploring the connections between your personal life and your writing can be immensely fulfilling. What inspires you to write? Do you have a routine or habits that help you stay creative? Is there a specific place, like walking your dog in the park, where you find your most creative ideas? These anecdotes, while personal, can be very engaging for readers. Share stories about your day-to-day life, the things that keep you motivated, and how they influence your writing.
4. Follow Best Practices for SEO Optimization
Just because you’re an unpublished author doesn’t mean your website should be a one-pager. Here are some strategies to make sure your site is worth visiting:
Homepage
Homepage Goal: Your homepage should be the central hub for gathering potential readers' email addresses. Clarify what your site is about and make it obvious. Include a sign-up box prominently and make sure it stands out with contrasting colors. Avoid cluttering the top of your page; people scroll on mobile devices, so give your content room. Say who you are at the top, and include your genre (e.g., “Joanna Bloggs, author of mystery and romance”).
About Page
This page is where you get personal and tell your unique story. Be captivating and real. Include 5-10 little-known facts about yourself or an interesting story that led you to become an author. This helps create a connection between you and your readers. Make sure to bring the conversation back to your current work-in-progress or published short stories. Include a professional photo of yourself and mention your preferred ways to be contacted.
Work Page
Share details about your work-in-progress, promoting it as a teaser for your readers. Offer a sign-up form or free story as a lead magnet to grow your email list. If you have published short stories, share them here, especially if they’ve won awards. Remember, the content here must be of top quality to attract readers and convert them into subscribers.
Contact Page
List your preferred methods of communication, such as email, social media, and direct messages. Use contact forms instead of displaying your email address to reduce spam. Include links to your social media accounts, encouraging interaction. Also, include these links in your footer for easy access.
Conclusion
Your author website is more than a personal space; it’s a tool to grow your audience and connect with potential readers. By focusing on these essential elements and adapting best practices, you can create a site that not only reflects your unique identity but also serves as a strong foundation for your writing career.