Why Every Author Needs a Website (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

Authors today have more ways than ever to connect with readers - newsletters, social media, podcasts, bookstore events, influencer partnerships, and more. But behind all of those efforts, there’s one piece of digital real estate that quietly does the most long-term work: your author website.

Unlike social platforms or retail pages, your website is the one space you truly own. It doesn’t rely on algorithms, shifting policies, or trends. It’s your online home - and the place readers, reviewers, and media come when they want to learn more about you.

Here’s why it matters so much.

Your Website Makes You Easy to Find

When someone hears about your book, be it at a conference, on a podcast, through a friend, the first thing they usually do is search your name.

A simple, professional author website ensures they quickly and easily find:

who you are
what you write
where to buy your books
how to stay connected

Without it, readers may end up on scattered retailer listings, outdated pages, or other results that don’t truly represent you.

It Builds Credibility With Readers and Industry Professionals

Having an author website signals professionalism.

Librarians, booksellers, reviewers, journalists, and event organizers often check an author’s site before reaching out or responding to an event query. A well-organized website says: “I take my work seriously, and I’m prepared for opportunities.”

For emerging authors especially, it helps bridge the gap between “new voice” and “established presence.”

It Becomes the Hub for All Your Marketing

As a digital marketing myself, I would argue this is one of the most important pieces to having an author website. Your website connects every piece of your author platform:

newsletter sign-ups
event announcements
book pages and purchase links
media kits
blog/news updates
social channels

Instead of sending readers in multiple directions, your website pulls everything together - making it easier for fans to follow and engage.

It also gives you a single, reliable link to share in everything you do- emails, interviews, social posts, podcasts, bios, and more- essentially serving as a landing page that houses your most important author information in one place.

Where to Begin (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

Stressing out over where to begin? Good news! Your author website doesn’t need to be elaborate to be effective.

Start with these basics:

A clean homepage featuring your newest or most important book
A books page with covers, short descriptions, and buy links
An “About the Author” section with a friendly, professional bio
A way to stay in touch (newsletter sign-up or contact form)

Platforms like Squarespace, WordPress, and Wix will make it easy for you to begin, and you can always add more features later, or build as you go!

Final Thought

An author website isn’t just a nice extra - it’s the foundation beneath everything else you do to promote your work. It makes you discoverable, credible, and connected, now and as your career grows.

And if you already have one? A quick refresh can go a long way.

Have more questions on author websites or other digital marketing tactics? Check out our other marketing blogs at: https://www.sunburypress.com/blogs/book-marketing

Not finding what you're looking for? I would love to hear from you! Reach out at kcressman@sunburypress.com