Is a Website Worth It? (Spoiler Alert - Yes, Absolutely)

Is a Website Worth It? (Spoiler - Yes, Absolutely)

Why Every Author Should Stake Their Claim Online:

You got words on the page. You finished the book. You might have even put your manuscript through rounds of editing, and heck, maybe you’re already thinking about a cover design. You’re checking off boxes left and right! But how does an author generate excitement for their soon-to-be-published work?

If you're wondering whether a website is really necessary, you're not alone. Between the seemingly never ending accumulation of social media platforms, Amazon author pages, and Substack newsletters, it’s easy to assume a personal website might be redundant. But here’s the truth: a well-crafted website is one of the most valuable tools an author can have. Let’s look at why:

1. You Own the Space

Social platforms come and go. Algorithms change. Your reach fluctuates. But a website? That’s your real estate on the internet. You control the design, the messaging, and the experience. It’s the one place online that’s entirely yours—a home base where readers, media, and industry professionals can always connect with you.

2. Professional CredibilitY

First impressions matter. A clean, professional website tells the world you're serious about your work. Whether you're self-published or traditionally published, readers and collaborators are more likely to take you seriously if you have a dedicated site. It serves as your digital resume, complete with your bio, books, press mentions, contact information, and accolades.

It’s probably because our publishing professionals have a whole podcast and blog on metadata alone!

3. Boost your Discoverability

Search engines LOVE websites. When readers Google your name or your latest book, a website increases the chances they’ll find you—not someone else with a similar name or a random Goodreads listing. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) might sound intimidating, but even basic tactics like using your book titles, genre keywords (hello, metadata!), and author bio can make a difference.

Does this search engine and keyword jargon sound familiar?

4. Centralization

Think of your website as a hub. Your books, blog, newsletter signup, events, links to your socials, and media mentions can all live in one place. Instead of sending someone to your Instagram and having to explain that your username is actually the one with an underscore between your first and last name or maybe it’s the one with 007 at the end of it or was it that other one with your pen name? Anyway, instead of all that, you can say, “Everything’s on my website.” And it is! Or it will be (once you make one).

5. Grow and maintain Your Audience

One of the biggest benefits? Building that email list. We are big fans of an author newsletter. Social media followers are great—but if a platform disappears tomorrow, your audience goes with it. A website with a newsletter signup lets you grow a list of readers who want to hear from you. That’s marketing gold when you’re launching a book or running a promotion.

6. Showcase Your Personality

Your author brand isn’t just your latest book—it’s your voice, your perspective, your world. A website lets you showcase that. Whether through a blog, behind-the-scenes content, or even a quirky “About the Author” page, you can let your personality shine and connect with readers beyond the page.

7. Sell Directly to Your Readers

A website allows you to bypass the middleman and sell your books (or related merchandise) directly to your audience. This not only increases your profit margins, it also lets you create a more personal experience—like offering signed copies, merch bundles, or exclusive extras. As more authors look for ways to diversify their income, direct sales are a powerful tool to have in your corner.

The Author's Guide is just one of the ways our team can support your writerly (and website) endeavors. Check it out!

So… Is a Website Worth It?

Yes. It doesn’t have to be flashy or expensive, but it does need to exist. Your author website is your digital calling card, your 24/7 PR assistant, and your long-term investment in your publishing journey.

If you’ve been putting it off, consider this your sign. Your readers are looking for you—make sure you have a place for them to land.

Need Help Getting Started?

The SPS team is well-aware of the hurdles a newly-published author faces when trying to market their book, develop their brand, and get those pages into the hands of your target audience! As if writing the book itself wasn’t hard enough, right? Check out our services page to see how we might be able to make the business side of this bookish industry a little simpler for you.