Your website header design might seem like prime real estate for showcasing everything you have to offer, but cramming it full of navigation links is actually doing the opposite of what you want. Instead of guiding readers deeper into your world, you're overwhelming them right out the door.

A literary agent lands on your website, ready to be impressed by your professionalism. Instead, they're immediately put off by typography choices that scream "amateur hour." Before they've even read about your latest manuscript, they've mentally moved on to the next author.

And while reading "Tempests and Slaughter," I dove into Tamora Pierce's online presence and realized — there’s a masterclass in author branding hiding in plain sight on her site. But here's the thing—most authors are missing this goldmine of inspiration sitting right under their noses.

The confusion between domain names, website platforms, and websites themselves is one of the biggest stumbling blocks authors face when building their online presence.

Here's the thing: you wouldn't start writing a novel without understanding the difference between a plot, a publisher, and a finished book.

Similarly, you shouldn't start building your author website without understanding these three fundamental components.

Picture this: A potential reader discovers your book through a recommendation and immediately searches for your website. They land on your homepage and within three seconds—before they've even read a single word—they've formed a negative opinion about you as an author.

The culprit? Your typography.

"Should I use WordPress? What about Wix? Or maybe I need a custom-coded site?"

Sound familiar? If you're an author trying to choose a website platform, you've probably asked yourself these questions. With so many options out there, it's easy to get overwhelmed.

But here's what I've learned from building custom author websites: Squarespace isn't just good for authors—it's perfect for them.

I just finished Ava Reid's A Study in Drowning, and I highly recommend this book. It’s dark and moody, suspenseful and poignant. But more than that, it mirrors a profound shift we’re seeing in today’s society.

When visitors land on your website, you have mere seconds to make a lasting impression. And if you’re a picture book author, your site should feel just as imaginative and engaging as the stories you write. But here’s what I see all the time: websites built on default settings. White background. Black text. Nothing necessarily wrong with that… but for a picture book author? It’s a missed opportunity.

Your website is your digital home, and your books are the star of the show. Let’s talk about why it makes a big difference to feature your books right on your homepage—and how that simple shift can help you sell more copies, connect with readers faster, and build a stronger author brand.

A website’s structure plays a massive role. It’s not just about having a site; it’s about how easily visitors can navigate the site, how quickly they can find information, and how engaged they become with the author’s work. Many authors assume a website with more pages is better. However, a one-page website offers numerous advantages that often get overlooked. Which option is best for you? Let’s dive in and find out!

You need a website, but there are a seemingly infinite number of website platforms where you can build your website (or hire a designer to build your website for you). Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, GoDaddy, Weebly, Nexcess…the list goes on and on. So how to choose?

So yes, the best strategy for a task as time-consuming and important as designing your professional website, is to find a designer and use their Zone of Genius to uplevel your career. After all, no matter where a reader, literary agent, or publisher first hears your name, at some point they’re going to Google you. And when they do, you’ll want to have your best foot forward.