Author Website
How to Build an Author or Book Website
(this is a chapter from my upcoming book Mini Book Marketing which is available for pre-order on Amazon, you can click here to pre-order it)
Your author website is your ultimate tool for connecting with readers and driving book sales.
With a clear structure, your website becomes a strategic hub. The website guides visitors to discover your book, engage with your content, and take action. (remember FAN?) The HOMEPAGE framework breaks down the eight essential elements that turn a good site into a great one.
Let’s dive into how you can make your author website work harder for you.
*NOTE* You can use this structure for your author homepage or a page or site specifically for your book!
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H - Hero Section
The first impression of your website is everything.
Your hero section should captivate visitors with a compelling headline that addresses their needs or desires. Pair it with a subheadline that clearly explains how your book delivers value. Add a bold call to action, like “Get the Book Now” or “Join My Reader’s List,” to prompt immediate engagement.
A strong hero section sets the tone and guides your readers to take the next step.
Example: “Discover the proven steps to transform your mornings with my book, Sunrise Success—get your free chapter now!”
O - Opportunity Cost
Readers need to understand what they’ll miss if they don’t take action.
Use this section to highlight the challenges they’ll continue to face without your book. Frame their current pain points and show how your book offers the solution they need. This creates urgency, positioning your book as a must-have resource.
When readers feel the cost of inaction, they’re more likely to act.
Example: “Without a clear marketing strategy, you could waste months spinning your wheels—don’t let that happen!”
M - What’s in It for ME?
Your readers want to know what they’ll gain.
Clearly outline the benefits of your book, whether it’s solving a problem, teaching a skill, or sparking inspiration. Use relatable language to connect with their desires and explain how your book can help them achieve their goals or dreams.
When you answer, “What’s in it for me?” you make your value undeniable.
Example: “Learn how to write, publish, and market your book with confidence in just 30 days.”
E - Empathetic Guide
Readers want to trust you before they invest their time or money.
Share a personal story that shows you understand their struggles. Briefly explain why you wrote your book and how your experiences align with theirs. This builds trust and positions you as a relatable guide who genuinely wants to help.
Empathy transforms visitors into readers who feel connected to you and your message.
Example: “I’ve been where you are—struggling to finish my book. That’s why I wrote Finish Strong: A Guide to Overcoming Writer’s Block.”
P - Plan
Sometimes readers hesitate because they don’t know what to do next.
Lay out a simple, step-by-step plan for how they can engage with your book. For instance, step one might be downloading a free chapter, step two reading the book, and step three applying its lessons. A clear roadmap removes doubt and motivates action.
With a defined plan, your readers can confidently move forward.
Example: “Step 1: Grab your free chapter. Step 2: Read it tonight. Step 3: Start transforming your mornings tomorrow.”
A - All the Details
Some readers need more information before making a decision.
Use this section to provide key details about your book. Include excerpts, testimonials, and answers to common questions. Address any objections head-on and build confidence in the value your book delivers.
When readers feel informed, they’re more likely to say yes.
Example: “Read what readers are saying: ‘This book completely changed how I approach my mornings!’”
G - Guide Video
Nothing builds connection faster than seeing your face and hearing your voice.
Create a short video to introduce yourself and explain your book’s purpose. Share your story and how your book helps readers solve a problem or achieve a goal. Keep it authentic and conversational to establish trust.
A guide video makes your website feel personal and engaging.
Example: “Hi, I’m Chris, author of Mini Book Marketing. Let me show you how this book can help you sell more books starting today!”
E - Everything Else
Your website needs a space for everything that doesn’t fit elsewhere.
Use this section to link additional resources like your blog, podcast, or social media. Add a footer with contact information and navigation links. Finish with a strong call to action, ensuring visitors know exactly what to do next.
A well-organized website leaves a lasting impression.
Example: “Don’t miss my latest blog post on how to create irresistible book titles!”
Your author website is more than a digital placeholder—it’s a powerful tool to connect with your readers and grow your audience.
By using the HOMEPAGE structure, you ensure your site is clear, compelling, and reader-focused. Each section, from the Hero to Everything Else, guides visitors toward discovering your book, engaging with your content, and taking meaningful action.
When you implement this framework, your website becomes an active partner in your success, turning casual visitors into dedicated readers.
This week I’ll be releasing a new tool called the Author Website Architect, that uses your books manuscript(s) to generate copy for each section of your website.
Also I’ll be including an easy to build website template in Canva, so you can swap out images, book covers, and text, and you can do it in under 1 hour!