When you’re trying to grow your author platform, being highly visible is the goal. This can mean having a presence in many online spaces. And every little bit helps. But nothing is as powerful as having your own website. Below, we’ll cover three unique benefits an author website offers that outside platforms don’t. Because having your own website is your opportunity to grow your brand, cement your authority, and connect on a deeper level with your audience.  

1- One of the Biggest Benefits an Author Website Offers is Control of Your Content and Your Brand.

One of the biggest benefits an author website offers is control. With your author website, the content is yours and you have control over what you share, how it is seen, and when It is seen. You also have control over the layout, the look and the message. It’s all yours! It is the homebase for your author brand. 

Sure, you can share content on social platforms and even customize the look of them to an extent. Unfortunately, whether or not that content will be seen is left up to an algorithm.

On your author website, you don’t have to limit your content by word or character count. It also won’t be buried or disappear in the never-ending tide of new content produced on that platform daily.

Plus, an author website is your space to showcase you and your books. Readers can find out the deeper details they may be looking for on your website too. This can create a sense of connection. 

2- A Website Offers a Direct Connection to Your Audience

Speaking of connection, another one of the benefits an author website offers is the ability to directly connect with your audience. This means everything from using it to build your email list to promoting your upcoming events and book releases. Your readers can come to your author website for direct-from-the-source information and content. They can also reach you directly. 

This type of connection is invaluable, and the content you create won’t be missed like it would via scrolling a social media site, whether your audience is following you or not. 

 Plus, if you optimize your website and your SEO is solid, people will be able to find you and your content when they’re searching for it! Another benefit of having an author website is the ability to have a domain name directly related to you, or your books. This makes it easy to find you, and your website easy to remember!

All of your website content, from your About page to your blog is your opportunity to speak directly to your audience, in your voice and in the way you want. And that content will be discoverable and viewable for as long as you want it to be, which isn’t a promise with social media platforms. 

3-A Website Means Increased Visibility and Authority

Not only does a website send the message that you are committed and professional, it can be used as a resume of sorts. Because your website and its content are yours, and permanent, it is a major tool for increasing your visibility and authority. This increased authority and visibility are both part of the benefits an author website offers and can work in conjunction with your other online profiles to grow your author platform.  

When you write blog posts related to your topic, you build your authority. You can also add downloadable assets like your speaker or author one sheet. This makes your website a go-to resource for those who may offer opportunities, like media coverage and speaking events. 

You can also compile your media coverage there and link to articles you’ve written for outside publications. An author website also allows you to showcase your accomplishments via your Bio and About me pages. 

When you link your website url to all of your social profiles and vice versa, this equals higher visibility and a larger online presence, which in turn makes you more discoverable. 

The Benefits an Author Website Offers are Unique 

To sum it up, there are many benefits an author website offers that other online platforms don’t, but these three are the biggest. Websites are unique from other online spaces. When you hold control of your content and brand, have a direct connection to your audience, and increased visibility and authority, you have a solid foundation for your author platform. A website is your homebase for your brand and your most powerful marketing tool. Being present elsewhere online is great too, but nothing really replaces an author website.

Remember, an author website offers what other platforms do not:

  • Control
  • Connection
  • Authority

Want to know more about author websites? Do you have questions about what they should look like, or the content they should contain? Are you seeking tips for making yours stand out? We’ve got you covered. Just go to our blog page and click on the search bar!