Yes, you need an author website. Here's how to get one started.

As an indie author myself, I like to consider my marketing strategy like a baseball game, and I'm the coach. (Lame, I know.) Instagram is a hit to first base, as you get a decent amount of runners (or even walks) that make it to first base. Second base is my other creative endeavors such as Substack, and my newsletter is third base. Home is my website (and more so when someone makes a purchase from my shop).

You get the gist, lame as it is, right? (No, I won't be apologizing.) Don't get me started on a grand slam.

You get more runners to first and second base than to third, and even when a runner makes it to third, they don't always make it to the home plate, but it's a glorious feeling when they do!

Enough with the analogies.

Your website serves a lot of purposes in your marketing game, from somewhere to capture subscribers for your newsletter, a place to display and link all your books, and stay relevant with blog posts. Here are my thoughts on why you, as an indie author, need to build a website—or if you already have one, why you need to put a little more effort into it.

1. You own it, unlike social media platforms.

Social platforms can change algorithms, shut down, or lock you out, and then suddenly, all your connections vanish. But with your own site, you’re in full control of how your story and brand are presented.

2. Having a website builds credibility.

As you build your brand and release more books, more people will query your name in search engines. A professional, up-to-date site makes a far better impression than a generic templated page.

3. A website is one central hub for everything writing-related.

Your site can centralize your books, blog posts, media interviews, events, creating one big space for potential readers and fans to explore your brand and what you have to offer them.

4. You can build a newsletter list.

Ask plenty of marketing experts and they'll tell you a newsletter is the golden egg of marketing. They allow you to connect directly with readers, with no pesky algorithm between you and them. (I’m looking at you, Instagram.) Your own site makes it easy to capture emails with minimal hassle. (People don't want to jump through hoops to stay connected to you; if you make it hard for them, they're going to lose interest.)

5. Learn a little SEO, and you’ll be more discoverable.

Optimized with thoughtful keywords, page titles, and blog content, your author site helps search engines find you. When someone searches your name or book title, your site can be the first result. Stay tuned for some of my best SEO tips as an SEO Specialist in the marketing industry.

6. You have control over reader engagement.

You decide: blog about writing behind the scenes, share free short stories, post updates—or keep it minimalist. Control keeps it genuine, and a website is an amazing opportunity to show readers who you are as a person.

Building a website is easier than you think. Here are the best site builders for those with little experience.

There’s no need to hire someone who can code or even any need to learn code yourself. Here are some of my favorite platforms I’ve used.

WordPress (Self-Hosted): If you want full control, endless plugins, and future scalability, WordPress is a solid choice. Its user-friendly interface and huge library of plugins and customizable themes make it a top platform. We used WordPress and the Elementor Pro plugin at the last marketing firm I worked at.

Squarespace: Known for sleek, polished templates and minimal tech hassle, it’s perfect for authors who want something beautiful with minimal effort.

Wix: Extremely beginner-friendly with good SEO built-in, which is great for authors who just want a smooth, intuitive editing experience. It's what I'm currently using for this site!

Weebly: Simple drag-and-drop builder with free and affordable plans, so it’s ideal if you’re on a tight budget and want something clean and quick. Also features e-commerce tools.

BookBub Author Sites (beta): BookBub is offering cheap hosting and domain name purchase, all in one package. If you're insisting you want a quick, easy template, it offers an easy way to display your books, keep up a blog, and a way to create a reader magnet and newsletter list signup. It’s cheap, but the templates are limited and not as customizable as other options.

Thinking of saying yes to an author website? Great! Here are the pages you should include.

Once you’ve chosen a platform, the next step is deciding what pages to include in your navigation. Here are the essentials (plus a few optional ideas) for indie authors:

1. Home

Your digital front door. It should immediately introduce you and your work with a clear headline, book cover(s), and a call-to-action (like “Join My Newsletter” or “Buy the Book”).

Allie’s Tip: Keep it clean and focused. One or two main CTAs are better than overwhelming readers with choices.

2. About

Readers love to know the person behind the stories. Share your author bio, writing journey, and maybe a few fun personal tidbits that humanize you.

3. Books

Showcase your titles with covers, descriptions, order links, and reviews. For multiple series, consider child pages or a grid layout to keep it organized.

4. Contact

Make it easy for readers, media, and event organizers to reach you. A simple contact form and links to your social profiles are enough.

5. Newsletter Signup

Your email list is one of your most valuable tools as an indie author. Dedicate a page (or section on the homepage) where readers can sign up for exclusive content, freebies, or updates.

6. Events / News

If you do book signings, virtual launches, or speaking engagements, create a page to highlight upcoming appearances.

7. Blog (Optional)

A blog can help with SEO and reader engagement. Share writing updates, behind-the-scenes insights, or extras related to your books. (If blogging isn’t your thing, skip it—consistency matters more than frequency.)

8. Media / Press Kit (Optional)

For authors seeking press coverage or doing interviews, include a media kit with high-resolution headshots, book covers, bios of different lengths, and contact info for quick access.

So, website? Yes or no?

Having an author website is a powerful asset that gives you professionalism, discoverability, and direct connection with your readers. Choose a platform that matches your comfort level and goals. Want something quick and beautiful? Squarespace or Wix might be your jam. Want control and flexibility to grow? WordPress is your friend.

No matter the tool, the key is ownership. Your website is your space to welcome readers, share your writing story, and build your author brand on your terms.

If you enjoyed this post, I’d love for you to check out the first in my murder mystery series: The Kylie Bell Chronicles! When Snapdragons Whisper is based on the Nancy Drew Series, just with a lot more murder and a little bit of spice. :) I’m also on Instagram, where I share life as an indie author with bipolar disorder.