Effective Strategies to Market Your Stunning Author Website After Launch

Creating a beautiful author website is a significant achievement, but the work does not stop once it goes live. To reach readers, build your audience, and grow your author brand, you need to actively promote your site. Without marketing, even the most visually appealing website can remain unnoticed. This post explores practical, actionable strategies to help you market your author website effectively and attract the right visitors.

Our recently created website for Sydney-based Author Sheryle Bagwell

Make Your Website Easy to Find with Search Engines

Search engines like Google are a primary way readers discover new authors online. Optimizing your website for search engines, known as SEO (Search Engine Optimization), helps your site appear higher in search results.

• Use relevant keywords: Think about what readers might type when looking for your books or topics you write about. Include these keywords naturally in your page titles, headings, and content.

• Write clear meta descriptions: These short summaries appear under your page title in search results. Make them inviting and informative to encourage clicks.

• Create quality content regularly: Blog posts, articles, or updates related to your writing can attract visitors and improve your search ranking.

• Optimize images: Use descriptive file names and alt text for images to help search engines understand your content.

  
  

For example, if you write historical fiction, include keywords like “historical fiction author,” “best historical novels,” or specific time periods you cover.

Use Email Newsletters to Build a Loyal Audience

Email remains one of the most direct and personal ways to connect with readers. Encourage visitors to subscribe to your newsletter by offering something valuable, such as:

• A free short story or sample chapter

• Exclusive updates about upcoming books

• Behind-the-scenes insights into your writing process

  
  

Once you have subscribers, send regular newsletters with engaging content. Keep emails concise and focused on what your readers want, such as book releases, events, or writing tips. Avoid overwhelming your list with too many messages.

A clean and effective author site

Engage with Readers on Relevant Online Communities

Participating in online communities where readers gather can drive traffic to your website and build relationships. Look for forums, book clubs, or groups related to your genre or writing.

• Join discussions and offer helpful advice without overtly promoting yourself.

• Share links to your website when it adds value, such as linking to a blog post that answers a question.

• Consider hosting Q&A sessions or giveaways to encourage interaction.

  
  

For example, if you write fantasy novels, engage in fantasy book forums or Reddit communities dedicated to fantasy literature.

Collaborate with Other Authors, Influencers and book stores

Partnering with fellow authors or influencers in your genre can expand your reach. Collaboration ideas include:

• Guest blogging on each other’s websites

• Hosting joint webinars or live readings

• Cross-promoting on social media or newsletters

  
  

These partnerships introduce your website to new audiences who already have an interest in your genre.

Utilize Content Marketing to Showcase Your Expertise

Beyond promoting your books, use your website to share valuable content that reflects your knowledge and passion for writing. This could include:

• Writing tips and advice for aspiring authors

• Insights into your research process

• Reviews or recommendations of books you admire With links

• Guides to places or real people in your book

• Links to news items and videos of relevant subject matter

• List of topics for a book club to discuss your book

  
  

Content marketing helps establish your authority and keeps visitors returning to your site.

Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly and Fast

Many readers browse websites on their phones or tablets. A website that loads quickly and displays well on all devices improves user experience and search rankings.

• Choose a responsive website design that adapts to different screen sizes.

• Compress images to reduce load times.

• Test your website on various devices to ensure it looks good everywhere.

  
  

A smooth, enjoyable browsing experience encourages visitors to stay longer and explore more pages.

Site for a new author including a blog and subscribe with extract.

Leverage Your Existing Networks

Don’t overlook the power of your current contacts. Share your website with friends, family, colleagues, and readers you already know.

• Include your website link in your email signature.

• Mention your website in any interviews, podcasts, or events.

• Ask satisfied readers to share your site with their networks.

  
  

Personal recommendations often carry more weight than broad advertising.

Track Your Website Performance and Adjust

Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor how visitors find and interact with your website. Pay attention to:

• Which pages get the most visits

• How long visitors stay on your site

• Where visitors come from (search engines, social media, referrals)

  
  

This data helps you understand what works and where to improve. For example, if a blog post attracts many visitors, consider writing more on similar topics.

Offer Exclusive Content or Incentives on Your Website

Give readers a reason to visit and return to your site by offering exclusive content or special offers. Ideas include:

• Early access to new chapters or books

• Downloadable wallpapers or bookmarks featuring your book art

• Contests or giveaways only available through your website

  
  

These incentives create excitement and encourage sharing.

Use Clear Calls to Action

Guide visitors toward the actions you want them to take, such as signing up for your newsletter, buying a book, or following you on social media.

• Place buttons or links prominently on your homepage and blog posts.

• Use simple, direct language like “Subscribe for free updates” or “Buy the book now.”

• Avoid clutter that distracts from your main goals.

  
  

Clear calls to action help convert visitors into engaged readers.

Contact us today to build a great author site - for new and established authors.