Top 10 Features a Professional Author's Website Needs
You can write a brilliant book, pitch a solid idea, or publish regularly on social media. But what if someone looks you up and finds nothing? Thatâs a missed opportunity.
A strong author website solves that. It provides readers, publishers, and collaborators a place to go when they want to learn more about you. Itâs where your writing lives when itâs not on bookstore shelves or e-readers. And when done well, it tells your story just as clearly as your books do.
Let's learn more about why it's important to have an author's website and the key features it should have to make it stand out from the crowd.
Why You Need an Author's Website
As we discussed earlier, a website advertises you as a brand and gives your audience better visibility to get to know your work. Without it, the work youâve done is scattered across search results, third-party platforms, and outdated profiles. When all of it lives in one place, you control how your story is presentedâboth the books youâve written and the professional path youâre building.
It also saves time. Instead of answering the same questions in DMs or emails, your site can offer everything readers or collaborators need to know. Bio, portfolio, events, media kit, contact details: itâs all there.
This kind of accessibility builds trust. A clean, current website signals that youâre organized, engaged, and ready for opportunities when they come.
Must-Have Features for Author Websites
If youâre serious about presenting yourself as a professional author, your site should be treated with the same level of attention you give your writing.
But what exactly makes a website professional?
These 10 must-have features cover the essentials. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating an existing site, each one helps your platform do its job better.
1. A Clean and Clear Homepage
Your homepage is the first thing most visitors will see, and it sets the tone for the entire experience. It should be easy to scan and focused on guiding readers to what matters most.
Use a strong headline that says exactly who you are and what you write. Include a professional author photo, a short bio blurb, and visible navigation. Avoid clutter. Your latest book or most important project should be front and center.
Consider adding a featured testimonial or quote from a review to establish immediate credibility. You can also use a call to actionâsomething simple like "Read more," "Browse books," or "Join the newsletter."
If you have upcoming events, podcast appearances, or speaking engagements, consider adding a section for highlights or a rotating banner with dates and links. This helps repeat visitors find whatâs new without having to dig through other pages.
2. A Professional Author Bio
Your bio is one of the most visited pages on your site. It's also one of the most important tools for building trust.
Include two versions: a short one for media and event organizers and a longer one for curious readers. The short version should cover your genre, publishing history, and a personal detail or two. The long version can explore your background, writing influences, awards, and career path.
Write in the third person. This makes it easier for others to quote or copy for marketing materials. Include a professional headshot that matches the tone of your brand.
Use plain, confident language. Let the readers know who you are and why your work matters. You can also include downloadable versions of your bio in PDF or DOCX format. This is especially helpful for book bloggers, journalists, or event planners who need your details quickly.
3. Dedicated Book or Portfolio Pages
Your books deserve their own space. Create individual pages for each title or a single portfolio page that links out to details.
Each listing should include:
â Â Â a high-quality cover image.
â Â Â a short synopsis.
â Â Â buy links or âread moreâ buttons.
â Â Â optional extras like editorial reviews, blurbs, or excerpts.
If you write across formats, such as novels, freelance features, or scripts, organize the content so itâs easy to explore. Use categories or tabs to group work by type or genre.
Consider embedding short video trailers, audio samples, or behind-the-scenes commentary for each book. These additions help readers connect with your process and style in a more engaging way.
4. Easy-to-Find Contact Information
It shouldnât take more than a click to reach you. Whether someone wants to book you for a podcast, ask about speaking, or send a message after finishing your latest book, make the process simple.
Use a dedicated contact page with a short form. Include an email address for direct inquiries. If you work with a publicist or agent, list their details as well.
Keep the form clean without any unnecessary fields. Just name, email, message, and maybe a drop-down if you offer multiple services. You donât need fancy plugins. Functionality is the goal here.
You can also include a note about typical response time or availability, especially if you receive a high volume of messages or take regular breaks from email.
5. A Newsletter Signup Section
Social media followers come and go. Email subscribers are yours to keep. A well-placed signup form is one of the most powerful tools on your site.
Offer something in return, like a free chapter, short story, reading list, or exclusive updates. Place the form in high-traffic areas, such as your homepage, book pages, and blog sidebar.
Keep the copy friendly and short. Try something like âWant the latest on new releases and behind-the-scenes updates? Sign up here.â
Utilize an email provider that makes list management easy. Platforms like ConvertKit, MailerLite, and Substack integrate with most website builders.
You can also preview past newsletters or link to an archive page. This shows potential subscribers what kind of content they can expect and gives your writing voice more exposure.
6. Mobile-Friendly Design
Most visitors will see your site on a phone, not a laptop. If it looks broken or difficult to read, theyâll leave quickly.
Use a responsive theme or template that adjusts automatically across screen sizes. Test every page on mobile before publishing. Make sure buttons are easy to tap and text doesnât run off the screen.
Avoid pop-ups or autoplay videos that slow things down or block content. Keep navigation simple. A drop-down menu with clear labels works well on smaller screens.
Consider using collapsible sections for longer text. This keeps pages tidy and easier to scroll on small screens without sacrificing detail.
7. Fast Load Speed and Clean Layout
Your site should load in under three seconds. Anything slower, and people start dropping off. Search engines also penalize sluggish pages.
Compress image files before uploading them. Use JPG for photos and PNG for graphics with transparency. Stick with two or three typefaces, and avoid large script fonts that slow things down.
Avoid clutter. Whitespace is your friend. It draws attention to what matters and makes the site easier to read.
Use simple color schemes that reflect your genre or personal style. Whether you're using black and white or pastels and gold, consistency is more important than complexity. Use a website speed test, such as GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights to identify slow-loading elements. Many platforms also offer built-in performance tools or recommendations.
8. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Basics
You donât need to master SEO, but you do need to cover the basics. They make it easier for people to find you through search.
Use keywords naturally in your page titles and meta descriptions. If you write cozy mysteries, mention that on your homepage and in your bio. If youâre an author and writing coach, say so clearly.
Assign each image an alt tag that describes what it shows. Use heading tags (H1, H2, H3) in order to structure your content. These small steps help both users and search engines understand your site.
Also, include links to your books on major platforms, interviews youâve done, or events youâve attended. This builds authority and improves visibility over time.
Make sure each page has a unique title and meta description. Duplicate content confuses search engines and can lower your rankings.
9. Integrated Social Proof
Social proof adds credibility without having to say, âLook how great I am.â It shows that others value your work, which in turn builds trust.
You can include:
â Â Â endorsements from readers, editors, or other authors.
â Â Â quotes from reviews or interviews.
â Â Â star ratings with links to where they were posted.
â Â Â badges for awards or recognitions.
Place social proof in context. Add a short blurb to your homepage, include reviews on book pages, or add a press section with media links. Another option is a scrolling banner or carousel that cycles through blurbs or praise. This keeps it visible without taking up too much space.
10. A Custom Domain and Branded URL
A professional domain name makes you easier to find and take seriously. It should match your author name if possible. If not, choose something close and easy to remember.
Avoid long phrases, numbers, or special characters. Stick to.com if you can, but.net or.co are acceptable alternatives.
Buy your domain through a reputable registrar. Connect it to your website platform and email address if possible. For example, you can use jane@janedoeauthor.com instead of a generic Gmail address.
A branded URL shows that this is your official presence. Itâs a small investment that pays off with every link you share.
Final Words
Your website speaks for you when youâre not around. It showcases your work, supports your goals, and helps readers, editors, and collaborators connect with what youâre building.
These 10 features arenât bells and whistles. Theyâre essentials.
If your site is missing one or more, nowâs the time to fix it. The tools are easier to use than ever, and the difference they make is real. A professional author website gives your writing the platform it deserves.
