As your modern-day business card, your author website should feature all the relevant information about you as a writer and your projects. But here’s the website element that some authors overlook—it should also have a pleasing, easy-to-navigate design that attracts the reader’s eye. Check out these examples from the Web Design Relief portfolio to see some of the best ways to lay out your author website!
5 Fundamental Design Ideas For Your Author Website
- Focus on your book cover.
 
A website’s main page with a clear focal point will have the greatest potential for attracting new readers. It also allows you to immediately direct visitors’ attention to your latest published work. Making the most of your cover art on your website is a simple way to boost your website’s marketing potential and even increase sales of your book!
- Use footer space effectively.
 
Include social media widgets or buttons in the footer area of your website so visitors can easily follow you on Facebook or Twitter. With the click of a button, readers will be able to connect with the content you share on social media. Another great way to interact with visitors is to include a contact form in the website footer (and it helps you build up your mailing list too!).
And if you’ve been posting lots of writing prompts on Twitter or showcasing fun images on your Facebook page, live social media widgets will show your website visitors your social media feeds in real time. It’s a smart, easy way to gain more fans!
- Incorporate your book’s theme into your website design.
 
If your book has a strong visual theme running through it—for example, the conservation of nature—consider using elements that will reinforce your theme in the design of your website. Not only will this strategy give your website a singular, cohesive look—it will also establish your author brand: who you are, what you stand for, and what you write about. You can also incorporate images and text that tell your personal story into your layout to give your website a personal touch.
- Maximize sidebar space.
 
If you have multiple books that you want to showcase on your author website, featuring them on your website’s sidebar will pique the interest of readers without overwhelming them. Be sure to also include “buy now” buttons so visitors can act instantly on their decision to make a purchase!
- Share your personality!
 
While you definitely want to promote your writing on your author website, you can also give visitors a glimpse into your personality through a short bio, personal photos, or blog posts! Readers who relate to your hobbies or interests will be more inclined to explore more of your website and your writing—and may become dedicated followers of your blog, Facebook page, or Twitter feed!
For more great examples of professional website designs, check out the Web Design Relief portfolio!
QUESTION: What do you think is the most important element of your website layout?
These are great design ideas. It is really helpful for people like me in starting my first blog. Thanks for sharing! 🙂