Having a website is an important part of becoming an author, but it’s one most people neglect. I know I’d never considered it before starting my publishing journey. My focus was on writing compelling stories that let people escape reality for a while, not learning to build webpages.
I drug my feet on building my website. It was a frustrating process that had me ready to punt my laptop down the street more than once. I found myself questioning why I was even putting myself through this. The answer was simple.
Because you need it. Having a website gives you key things you need as an author.
Instant credibility
What will happen if somebody googles you and finds a big ol’ goose egg? Maybe you’ll get lucky, and they’ll see social media. That’s great, but anybody can have an Instagram account. Having a website sets you apart as a professional.
Build your newsletter
You have to have a newsletter. Period. It helps build a dedicated audience to drive sales by promoting your novels and events on a more personal level. You can even find beta readers you know want to see you succeed!
Showcase your work
There are only so many times you can post a promo on social media before people stop looking and keep scrolling. It’s an excellent tool for a release. Don’t get me wrong, but a website lets you dive deep into your work with evergreen content. Social media has character limits. When is the last time you saw a website with one?
Now, I do not pretend to be a website design expert. I’m learning something new every day. If you want to learn more about how to build one that will work, check out A Comprehensive Guide to Creating an Effective Author Website. You won’t regret it.
Erin McKnight 