Why You Need an Author Website in 2024

“What’s the point of an author website?” Working with as many writers as we do, this question comes up fairly often. It’s usually followed by “I’m already on Threads, TikTok, Instagram, X, Medium, and/or Facebook, isn’t that enough?” These questions lead to an all-encompassing one: With the variety of social media platforms available, are author websites obsolete in 2024?

No, no, a thousand times no. (And you should side-eye any social media marketing guru trying to tell you otherwise.) If you’re an author or plan to be, “build an author website” should top your to-do list. It doesn’t matter how many followers you have on Threads, likes you get on Instagram, or arguments you participate in on X; choosing to forgo an author website in 2024 in favor of social platforms is a mistake. Here’s why:

It's terrifying how many authors have all their eggs—er, readers—in the Booktok (or Bookstagram) basket. There’s no denying that social media platforms are a great tool for marketing and building a reader base, but they're a tool you don't own. If Twitter's downward spiral into the dumpster fire that is X has shown anything, it's that trusting your ability to connect with readers to a platform you don't control is a dangerous game (and not the Richard Connell kind).

There are too many variables outside of your control. The algorithm changes and your content no longer performs well? You have to relearn how to please the robot overlords. A platform does something unethical, and you no longer want to be associated with them? You have to scramble to get readers to follow you elsewhere. Even if a site doesn’t have a dramatic ending, there’s always the chance it could pull a Myspace—failing to adapt and being outshone by newer, fresher platforms.

Still, all this isn't to say you shouldn't use social media to push your brand and books. You should. What you shouldn't do is rely on social media alone to keep you in contact with your readers. Once you’ve done the challenging work of building a reader base, don’t gamble them away.

Remember: when you have an account on a social media site, you are held to their rules and at their mercy should they decide (rightly or not) that your account is violating their terms of service. Users have been banned for innocuous reasons, losing all their followers in an instant. While that might not be a common problem, the fact that it's a possibility should incentivize you to have a backup plan where you're in control. So, now that risks have been determined, how do authors avoid being a casualty in the next social media platform meltdown?

They build an author website. Your website serves as a home base, a place where your readers know they can find you, regardless of what happens elsewhere online. It doesn’t need to be fancy—you can worry about that later—it just needs to be yours. Having a website means you won’t lose your readers if something goes wrong, and provides an opportunity to reach your readers in new ways, like a newsletter or blog. A few other reasons to make an author website include:

Improving Your Searchability

When people search your name, you want your author site to be, if not the first thing that pops up, one of the first things. The internet has spoiled us all. We want information, and we want it now. Don't assume readers will journey down the rabbit hole looking for you; most won't. Not to mention, the longer a reader has to search for your information online, the greater opportunity there is for something else to catch their attention and sidetrack them.

Create an author site that makes it easy to find you. Depending on the popularity of your name, this could require learning some SEO best practices or getting a hand from a professional. Still, it's well worth it to make sure when readers come looking, they find you easily.

Showing You're Serious About Your Writing

If you plan on trying to find an agent, having a website demonstrates that you're committed to your writing. Creating a website pre-release or pre-querying will only work in your favor. While you don't have to have an elaborate website or blog to land an agent or publishing deal, having a positive online presence will only improve your chances of success. Think of your website as a virtual way to put your best foot forward and show agents that you take your work (and online image) seriously.

Banishing Imposter Syndrome

For writers who struggle with imposter syndrome, creating a website can also offer a sense of credibility. Building a website is another level of commitment to your craft, and can serve as a motivator. Being able to pull up your website and see where you'll be displaying your work can be a source of motivation when you're lost in revision limbo. So, now that it’s been established that social media is not an acceptable alternative to having an author website, it's time for the next big question: when to create it?

If you're asking the question, chances are it's time. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you need to have a book published or be months away from release to build your website. While Google no longer claims that site age plays a direct role in ranking, there are still benefits to posting your site well before your release day. You can build your mailing list, keep readers updated on your book's progress, write blog posts, and link to other pieces you've written.

As a writer in 2024, an author website is a must. Creating a website is likely already on your to-do list, so consider this a sign to make it a priority. Don't trust the little procrastination bug in your brain saying there's no rush; create your author website ASAP, even if you're unpublished.

However, that's easier said than done for many authors, especially if you aren't particularly tech-y. If you're worried about the hassle and expense of setting up an author website, Bardsy can help. Our Elite and Standard membership options both include an easy-to-build webpage, designed just for authors, with specialized templates that you can customize to suit your needs and style.