Author Website vs Book Website - What You Really Need

Should you build a general author platform or a focused book website? The answer depends on where you are in your author journey and what you're trying to accomplish.

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1 Book

Book Website

Multiple

Author Website

Higher

Book Site Conversion

Broader

Author Site Reach

Why This Decision Matters More Than You Think

The biggest mistake new authors make is building the wrong kind of website. They spend weeks creating a broad author platform showcasing everything they've written, when what they really need is a focused book website that sells one specific title.

Here's the truth: author websites and book websites serve completely different purposes. An author website is your long-term platform. It showcases your entire body of work, builds your personal brand, and serves as your central hub. A book website is a sales tool. It has one job: sell a specific book.

Most first-time authors should start with a book website, not an author website. Why? Because you have one book to sell right now. A focused book website converts at 3-5x higher rates than a general author website because it eliminates distractions and drives visitors toward one clear action.

Once you have 3-5 books published, an author website makes sense. Until then, laser focus beats breadth every time. Let me show you exactly when to use each approach.

4 Mistakes Authors Make When Choosing Between Website Types

1. Building an Author Website for Their First Book

New authors often create sprawling author websites with about pages, blogs, and portfolios before they even have an audience. This dilutes their message. If you have one book, build one focused website for that book. You can always expand later.

2. Trying to Sell Multiple Books on One Page

Some authors create hybrid sites that try to promote 2-3 books at once. This confuses visitors and tanks conversion rates. If you have multiple books, either build separate book websites or commit to a full author platform with dedicated pages for each title.

3. Adding Unnecessary Features Too Early

Authors add blogs, newsletters, podcast feeds, and speaking pages before validating what actually drives book sales. Start simple with a book website. Add complexity only after you know what works. Most features distract from your primary goal: selling books.

4. Never Upgrading From Book Website to Author Platform

Once you have 3-5 books, a single book website becomes limiting. Authors who never upgrade miss the opportunity to cross-sell their backlist and build a sustainable author brand. Know when it's time to transition from book-focused to author-focused.

7 Scenarios: When to Choose Each Type of Website

You Just Published Your First Book

Choose: Book Website

Build a dedicated website for that one book. Include the book cover prominently, compelling copy about what the book delivers, reader reviews, sample chapter, and clear buy buttons. This focused approach converts at 15-25% compared to 5-10% for general author sites. You can always add more pages or migrate to an author website later.

You Have 3-5 Published Books

Choose: Author Website

Now an author website makes sense. Create a homepage showcasing your brand, individual pages for each book, an about section, and a blog or newsletter signup. You have enough content to justify a broader platform, and visitors can discover your full catalog. Consider keeping separate book websites for major launches.

You're Running Paid Ads for a Book

Choose: Book Website (Landing Page)

When you're spending money on Facebook, Amazon, or Google ads, you need maximum conversion. Send paid traffic to a dedicated book landing page, not a general author website. Every extra link or distraction costs you money. A streamlined book website with one clear call-to-action will dramatically improve your ad ROI.

You Want to Build Your Personal Brand

Choose: Author Website

If you're positioning yourself as an expert, speaker, or thought leader beyond just selling books, you need an author website. Include your bio, media appearances, speaking topics, and a blog. Your books become part of your broader platform rather than the sole focus. This works well for non-fiction authors and professional speakers.

You're Launching a Series

Choose: Book Website (Series-Focused)

For a fiction series, create a book website focused on that series rather than your entire author catalog. Showcase the series world, characters, and reading order. Include pages for each book in the series. This gives you the focus of a book website with room to promote multiple connected titles. Romance and fantasy authors benefit most from this approach.

You Have Limited Time and Budget

Choose: Book Website

A book website is faster and cheaper to build than a full author platform. You need fewer pages, less content, and simpler design. If you're just starting out or working with tight constraints, a book website gets you online and selling in days instead of weeks. You can always expand later when you have more resources.

You Write in Multiple Genres or Pen Names

Choose: Separate Book Websites

If you write romance under one name and thrillers under another, don't combine them on one author website. Create separate book websites or author platforms for each pen name and genre. Readers want consistency. Mixing genres confuses your audience and dilutes your brand. Keep them separate for maximum impact.

Quick Decision Guide: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself

How Many Books Have You Published?

1-2 books: Build a book website focused on your best or newest title. 3-5 books: Consider an author website that showcases your full catalog with dedicated pages for each book. 6+ books: Definitely build an author platform with your complete works, organized by series or genre. The more books you have, the more you benefit from a comprehensive author website.

What Is Your Primary Goal Right Now?

If your goal is to sell one specific book as effectively as possible, choose a book website. If your goal is to build your personal brand, attract speaking opportunities, or showcase diverse work, choose an author website. Be honest about what matters most right now. You can always build the other type later.

Where Will Your Traffic Come From?

Paid ads: Book website (landing page). Social media: Book website if promoting one title, author website if building platform. Email list: Book website for launches, author website for ongoing content. Organic search: Author website for long-term SEO. Speaking events: Author website with professional bio. Match your website type to your traffic source for maximum effectiveness.

Get the Right Website for Your Author Journey

Book Website Builder specializes in focused book websites that convert readers into buyers. Perfect for authors with 1-3 books who want maximum sales impact. Starting at €349 with delivery in 7 days.

Why Start With a Book Website:

Focused message that converts 3-5x better than general author websites
Faster and more affordable to build than a full author platform
Perfect for book launches, paid ad campaigns, and first-time authors
Easy to expand into full author website as your catalog grows
Mobile-optimized, SEO-ready, and conversion-focused design

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have both a book website and an author website?

Yes, many successful authors maintain both. Use a book website as your primary sales tool for new launches and paid advertising, while your author website serves as your central hub for readers who want to explore your full catalog. Just make sure they link to each other appropriately.

What if I plan to write more books in the future?

Start with a book website for your current title. It's easier and faster to launch, and converts better for selling that specific book. As you publish more books, you can either create additional book websites or transition to a comprehensive author platform. Starting simple doesn't limit your future options.

Is an author website better for SEO?

Author websites have more pages and content, which can help with SEO over time. However, a well-optimized book website can rank just as well for targeted keywords related to that specific book. For immediate sales, book websites perform better. For long-term organic traffic, author websites have the advantage.

Do fiction authors need different websites than non-fiction authors?

Fiction authors often benefit from series-focused book websites that showcase connected titles. Non-fiction authors typically transition to author platforms sooner to position themselves as experts. However, both should start with focused book websites for their first 1-2 titles before expanding.

How much does each type of website cost?

Book websites are simpler and cost less, typically €349-€498. Author websites with multiple book pages, blogs, and additional features cost €800-€2,000+ depending on complexity. Most authors should start with a book website and upgrade later when they have multiple titles and more budget.

Can I convert my book website into an author website later?

Yes, book websites can be expanded into author platforms by adding more pages for additional books, a blog, speaking information, and broader author content. The initial book website becomes one section of your larger author platform. This is a natural progression as your catalog grows.

Should I use my real name or a pen name for the domain?

For a book website, use your book title as the domain if possible. For an author website, use your author name or pen name. If you write under multiple pen names, create separate author websites for each. Your domain should match what readers will search for.