Author's website - what are the must-do's?
Recently, I had a call with “the publisher” (aka, a person taking care of me as an author). He has visited my website and asked if I will be using it as my author’s page.
I knew that my website, lexiejanson.com would need a refresh as I wanted it to become my Author’s page. At the previous state this website was made as my general portfolio as a content creator. I actually have 2 websites, so I can just move that stuff to my other website, no hard feelings.
The idea of what I needed to change? Well, most of it. I am currently working on that, but if you want to join the newsletter there - I will be starting with the news and updates soon-ish.
So, John and I discussed the potential changes (I wonder what he’ll say about the website now) and I want to share all of the important points with you:
In other news - my website has been refreshed - be sure to sign up for a newsletter there not to miss out on the book updates and offers!
Website & Newsletter:
My plan: To change the Home page to fit more of an author style. I will also create a page for “my books” as well as “events”, “coming soon” (for new books) and bonus content.
And actually… if you now go to my website - you’ll see what I’ve done there. So you can look at the text below + the visuals.
Fun fact: While creating the website I understood that my fantasy REALLY fits the Dark Fantasy Theme that I have been given. Before I believed for it to be just an epic fantasy.
What’s important in the website structure?
Here’s the current website structure and why I made it like that:
Home page:
The header picture with info on where to buy the book and when the release date is - such an info should be the first thing that people see when entering the website. Keeping things simple.
Section with links - I know it’s the same up on the header, but some graphics added to links for the pages may be useful.
Coming soon section
Events section
Books section
Now available - this will be the section I’ll add once the book is on pre-sale showing people that it is already available and can be bought. With a purchase link, obviously. (Currently it has a link to the pre-order reminder/stripe account for last chance pre-orders from me)
This is currently a “Coming soon section”
A small About me (the previous one was outrageous)
Newsletter sign up (with bonus content)
Kinda pretty footer with info
My Books Page: Considering the fact that The Crown Of Shadows is the first book in a series - I will obviously have more books. I was also considering changing the cover of my older non-fiction book, but I have not decided yet.
Events: I won’t lie - I want to sign up for in-person events such as public speaking, book clubs, events I’ll be attending (like fantasy balls), as well as some lectures etc. It will allow people to see that I can be met in person. It will also show bookstores etc. that I can be booked for such stuff!
Coming Soon: Again, Crown Of Shadows is the first book in a series. This means I will obviously do my best to publish them all (first goal: sell 2.000 books to get the next contract signed!). It’s a good place to start the marketing of the first book while it is being written.
About: Info on the author - so I am less of an alien to my readers (and you)
Blog: Well, actually that’s a link to this substack :D
Ok… that will cover the website…
Important points of the website
Make sure your social media links are correct - I cannot tell you how many times I click on someone’s instagram to be taken to “page doesn’t exist”.
The main picture and info should show the most recent book (or your debut book for the time before it gets published)
The logo (or your name) should be simple to read (and be visible)
Blog/most recent news section - make sure that your website looks updated and looks as if you take care of it (because you do!)
Newsletter - if all the social media goes to the abyss - newsletter is what will save you and keep you connected with your fans and potential readers. How to hook them up? Bonus content, early access information, exclusive information.
Menu should be simple and easy to read - white letters on white backgrounds won’t do.
Make sure your website is responsive - people tend to visit websites from different devices. Mobile and desktop are absolute minimum.
Contact options for potential public speaking gigs etc. - Make sure that you can be contacted. Yes, not everyone will use it as it’s supposed to be used, but better to have an option.
SEO optimization. - Your name, surname, book title, series title, genre, etc. Whatever comes to mind - be sure that you are searchable.
I think that’s all of the important points. Have I missed something? Hopefully not!
Remember to spend some serious time building up your website and filling it in with information. Not too much, not too little.
The good-looking website can sometimes be a life changer. Trust me, I gave up on some authors that seemed not to care about that.
