If you’re a new author or a self-published author, you need one. Even JK Rowling and Wilbur Smith have them. But what makes for a good author site?
Above all, the site must provide details about your book(s) and also contain links to retailers for purchasing. However, it’s also to help readers connect with you. The website URL should be YourAuthorName.com and not YourBookTitle.com (unless of course you plan on being a one-hit wonder). Assuming you’re not, the website is your library and forum, so set it up as such.
Websites for authors don’t have to, and probably shouldn’t be, large. You want to write books, not update websites. Navigation tabs at minimum should include:
About – Books – Contact
The optional stuff is where your readers get to interact with you, and that’s crucial in gaining a following. So additional navigation can include things like:
Book Trailers/Video – Press/News – Blog – Photo Gallery – Twitter Feed
Contact info is tricky. Many authors work from home, so listing a phone number and address can feel creepy, especially for the gals. So provide a contact form for readers. Links under your “contact” navigation can include all the social media accounts you have, so readers can connect with you there as well:
E-mail – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – RSS Feeds, etc
What other content do you think author sites should have?
Please share examples of author websites with great features or functionality.
