What goes on an author's website?

What’s going to go on it?

Whatever you want. If you have a dozen books out already, you might want a page for each one, or a section for the series. Perhaps a store to sell directly to readers would make sense, since you’re clearly in this pretty deep already.

If you’ve not written anything yet, maybe just a bit of a biography about you, or a tease of the book you’re working on. A cover reveal, a countdown, a story about how you became a writer. Literally anything you like.

Or just a link to all your social media. Want more TikTok fans? Link them over there.

I’m going to assume you’re new to all this, and have nothing in particular in mind. Here’s what I think a brand new author needs:

• A memorable (or at least easy to spell) domain name. Maybe your magnum opus is the ‘Glarxenwyrd Heptalogy’, but consider how someone you meet is ever going to find that.
• A professional looking layout that works on all devices (desktop, phone, tablet). 
• Something to catch the eye.
• A mailing list signup.
• Links to find you wherever you are.

I’ve got a separate section on why you need a mailing list, but the short version is very similar to why you need a website. Social media wants you to pay to advertise to your fans. Facebook will show your latest post to maybe 4% of the people who clicked to follow, and then nag you to cough up if you want to reach the rest. They’re your fans, and someone’s holding them hostage. Start a newsletter.

If you’re an established author, the list is basically the same - except I’d add one item:

• Links to buy your books

That can be just a simple Amazon link, a list of links to every store, or (I’d recommend) a universal link that lets readers pick and choose where they go. And don't worry, we're going to cover that in time too.