Do You Really Need An Author Website?

Many authors wonder, Do I really need an author website, or is social media enough?

With platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Amazon Author Pages, it might seem like a website is unnecessary. After all, readers can already find you and your books online—right?

The truth is, an author website isn’t just another platform—it’s the only online space you truly own. Social media algorithms change, Amazon listings get buried, and platforms come and go, but your website remains a central hub for your books, brand, and audience.

However, that doesn’t mean every author must have a website. Let’s explore when an author website is necessary, what it should include, and how to build one without stress or a big budget.

Do You Really Need an Author Website?

Not every writer needs a website—at least not right away. Your publishing goals, audience, and stage in your writing career all play a role in whether a website is worth the investment.

An author website is essential if:

• You’re publishing multiple books and want a central place for readers to find them.
• You’re building a long-term writing career and want to grow an audience.
• You want to collect reader emails for future book releases.
• You’re a non-fiction author who needs credibility in your field.

You might not need an author website (yet) if:

• You’re publishing as a one-time passion project with no plans for future books.
• You’re exclusively marketing through Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
• You don’t want to maintain an online presence beyond social media.

That said, even if you don’t need a website right now, having one can future-proof your author brand. It gives you more control, better discoverability, and a direct line to your readers—something social media can’t always guarantee.

What Every Author Website Should Include

A great author website doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, a simple, well-structured website works better than an overloaded one.

Here are the essential pages every author website should have:

• Home Page – A welcoming introduction to who you are and what you write.
• About Page – Your author bio, including any fun or professional details.
• Books Page – A dedicated page showcasing your books with links to buy.
• Contact Page – A way for readers, reviewers, or media to reach you.
• Email Sign-Up Form – The best way to build a long-term audience.

Optional (But Helpful) Pages:

• Blog or Writing Updates – A space to share news, insights, or behind-the-scenes content.
• Resources for Writers or Readers – Helpful content that keeps visitors engaged.
• Media Kit – For authors who do interviews, guest blogs, or speaking engagements.

If you’re just getting started, you can begin with just a homepage and books page and expand later. The key is having a site that works for your goals.

How to Build an Author Website (Without the Overwhelm)

Creating a website sounds intimidating, but today’s tools make it easier than ever. You don’t need coding experienceor a big budget—just a simple setup to establish your presence.

1. Choose a Website Builder

Some of the most user-friendly platforms for authors include:

• WordPress (Flexible, but requires more setup)
• Squarespace (Easy drag-and-drop builder)
• Wix (Beginner-friendly and visually customizable)
• Carrd (Great for simple, one-page websites)

2. Get a Domain Name

Avoid long, complicated names or ones that might be hard to spell. Your domain should be easy to remember, like:

• YourName.com
• YourNameAuthor.com
• YourBookSeries.com

3. Pick a Simple, Clean Design

Readers should be able to find information quickly. Stick with 3–5 main pages and avoid clutter. A professional author website is about functionality first.

4. Set Up an Email List (Even If You’re Not Sure How You’ll Use It Yet)

Having an email list is one of the best long-term strategies for engaging readers. Even if you don’t plan to send emails right away, collecting sign-ups gives you direct access to your audience for future book launches.

Alternatives to a Full Author Website

If you’re not ready to manage a full website, here are simple alternatives that still give you an online presence:

• Linktree or Carrd One-Page Sites – A simple landing page with links to your books and social media.
• Amazon Author Page – A built-in bio page for authors on Amazon.
• Medium or Substack – Great for authors who want to blog without managing a full website.

These aren’t long-term replacements for a real website, but they work as short-term solutions while you decide if a full site is worth the effort.

Final Thoughts: Should You Build an Author Website?

A website is one of the best ways to establish yourself as a professional author and grow your audience beyond a single book. While you might not need one immediately, having a space that you own and control can be a game-changer for your long-term success.

If you’re planning to write more books, build an audience, or market beyond social media, an author website is a smart investment.

For a great example of an author website that prioritizes simplicity and effectiveness, take a look at Stephen King’s official site. No flashy animations or distracting gimmicks—just a clean, user-friendly design that delivers the essentials.