Creating an Author Website: The Homepage

            Last month, I wrote about how I created my website and why I decided to include the things I did (see Building a Website). Now I want to dive even deeper into some of those things. I briefly touched on what I included on my homepage, but there are so many options, and I also want to explain more as to why I (and many authors) include certain things on our homepages.

            The main purpose of a homepage is to attract attention. That happens through briefly introducing yourself and/or your work, stating what you can offer, and encouraging the visitor to interact more. You will see this on any homepage, not just on author websites, which means it works. Everyone’s website will be different, but including these elements can help you gain as much attention as possible, especially after you have been published.

            You don’t have to include all of these. It’s better to have a clean homepage than one so full of clutter the viewer doesn’t know where to go or what to do next. Just choose a few things you think would attract viewers most and stick with those.

Above the Fold

            Above the fold refers to the very top of the homepage. It is the first thing a visitor sees before they scroll or click any navigation. Treat it like the first page of a book – you need to somehow reel the visitor in, so you must introduce something exciting. It isn’t as dramatic as the first page of a book, but it does have to introduce you in a way and/or convey important information.

            In the above the fold on my page, I have included my name, my mission, and a picture of myself. This does both things I just mentioned: introduces me and gives important information. Viewers know my name and what I look like (and even my favorite color if they notice the color of the font and my shirt), and they know that I write spice-free fiction for YA readers. And this is all before they have even scrolled or clicked anywhere on my website. Will this make visitors want to see more? I certainly hope so!

            We already know that first impressions are very important, and that is exactly what the above the fold part of your homepage is. Keep it brief and uncluttered, but also draw visitors in. You never know who may stumble upon your website!

Recent Works / New Releases

            Now that the scary part of the homepage is over with, it is time to include some important elements. Again, these are optional, but depending on what you have to offer, some of these may be vital to drawing in visitors or help them find what they’re looking for.

            One of the sections I included in my homepage is a new releases section. You can title it that way or call it “recent works,” but either way, you are presenting your newest books or stories. This can include your newest story or perhaps the most recent three (I wouldn’t go beyond three). Visitors may come to your website to look for your newest works, so this will help them find them without searching deeply. It also demonstrates that you are, in fact, published. You may want to provide a button that takes them to another page for more information or to a store (like Amazon or Barnes and Noble) where they can purchase or pre-order. I also provided a description of my story, but you don’t have to (you may want to at least give a little snippet of synopsis like “In a world full of darkness, one girl seeks light” to attract readers).

Coming Soon

            I will include his once I have a publishing date, but a coming soon section is also a great way to bring in visitors. It shows that you are active and still publishing, and it also gives viewers (especially if they know you) something to look forward to. Like under new releases, you can provide a link for a pre-order or more information. If you have one, provide the cover to generate more excitement (because yes, some readers do judge a book by its cover).

Recent Blog Posts

            Another section I included is recent blog posts. All it does is show my three most recent posts, but it also shows visitors that I have a blog. If you have a blog, you can include this as well and either feature your newest posts or your most viewed one(s). This will draw more attention to your blog and to your newest / best posts.

Podcast / Videos

            Like with recent blog posts, you can include a section that contains featured videos or podcast episodes. You can also provide a link to these for easier navigation and to make sure the visitor finds you on whatever platform you use for podcasts and videos. This will garner more attention to not only your podcasts and videos but also to other platforms you may be on, especially if your podcasts and videos are a separate from what you write.

Author Introduction

            By author introduction, I mean brief author introduction. Your About page is for fully introducing yourself and your writing. But if you provide maybe three sentences about yourself (like if you’ve been on any bestselling lists, won any awards, etc.), then that will help the viewer become a little more interested. Bestselling authors often include their status in the above the fold part of the homepage, so that is something else to consider. After you briefly introduce yourself, you can guide visitors to your About page if they want to learn more.

News

            A News section linked to a News page on your website can let visitors know what you’re up to. If you’re appearing anywhere, doing book signings, or have a book coming up, this is a great way to inform them. Linking it to another page will also guide them toward more news about you.

Call-to-Action

            The call-to-action is an absolute must on any page of your website, not just your homepage. This can take the form of a pop up and/or a form on the side or bottom of the page. Call-to-action basically encourages readers to interact with you and to subscribe. Encouraging readers to subscribe to your email list and newsletter are important if you want to maintain a consistent readership and keep your audience. Call-to-action also includes links to your social media sites and your podcast (if you have one). You are letting your visitors know where to find you, how to reach you, and how to keep updated.

            These things above are things that can help make your homepage a welcoming place for visitors, whether they’re new or already fans. Always remember to do what works for you and what you can offer. Your homepage is your first impression, and everything from the above-the-fold to the call-to-action must draw visitors deeper into your website.

            I hope these were helpful! If you already have a website and would like to mention something you included on your homepage, leave a comment below!