Is a One-Page Author Website Enough?
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If you’re a new author—or even not so new—you might be wondering:
Do I really need a full-blown website right now, or can I get by with just one page?
Here’s my honest answer:
Don’t be afraid to start with one page!
A simple, elegant one-page website is infinitely better than no website at all.
In fact, a thoughtfully designed single page can absolutely do the job—especially in the early stages of your writing career. It can introduce you to readers, show off your book(s), and give people a way to stay in touch or connect with you. Best of all, it tells the world:
“I take my work seriously.”
Because here’s the truth:
If your website looks unprofessional or sloppy (or you haven’t bothered to create one at all) readers may assume your writing is poor quality too. And that’s a huge missed opportunity, when you consider the time and talent you’ve invested in your book.
Why one page can be enough—for now
A one-page website can be a fantastic way to:
Plant your flag online and establish your presence as a “real” author
Support your efforts while you’re querying agents or finding your feet with your first book
Start that essential long-term goal of growing your email list
Give you a digital home that looks polished, without having to write (or maintain) lots of content
Related: how to use your author website before your book is published
Example of a one-page author website (since “upgraded” to a larger site).
Your website can grow as you do
One of the biggest worries I encounter is that your website has to be perfect and comprehensive, from the moment it goes live. Not true.
Your website is a living business tool. You can absolutely start small and build as you grow, and in my view, this is the best way to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Once you have multiple books or want to create dedicated pages for events, reader perks, or speaking gigs, then yes—expanding your website makes sense. But you may not need all that from day one.
So, what should you put on your one-page author website?
I suggest the following sections:
Headline, including your name and genre
About your book (or about your writing, if you don’t yet have a finished manuscript)
About you
Invitation to join your email list (ideally, with a lead magnet)
How to contact you, and possibly social media links
Related:
What to put on your author website Coming Soon page
33 reader magnet ideas for authors
When a one-page author website probably isn’t enough
And here’s how to know when you need more:
You have more than one book published
You are a non-fiction author and you have related income streams (like speaking or consulting) that need their own space on the website
You are a non-fiction author with articles or a blog that you’d like to include on the website
You plan to run an extensive advance reader campaign, so you need additional hidden pages to manage applications, gather reviews, and deliver insider perks
You want to offer additional resources to readers, either as “gated” content or available to all
You want to sell books directly from your own website
You’ve taken a look at these suggested pages and see that you need more than a single page
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is important for you. A single page site will limit your opportunities to get discovered by search engines. (Fun fact: I don’t actually recommend SEO as a strategy for every author, but it’s worth discussing!)
So, depending on your genre, goals, and marketing plan, a one-page site might be exactly the right fit for where you are now.
Related: What to include on your author website
You don’t have to do it alone
There are some great DIY tools out there if you are tech savvy or willing to learn.
However, my clients value their time highly and prefer to spend that time on the work that they do best. So if you’d rather skip the trial-and-error and get expert help from someone who’s designed websites for dozens of authors, and published six books herself, I’d love to be your partner in this process.
I work with many new authors and offer a range of packages to meet you where you’re at—whether that’s a smart one-page starter site, or something more expansive.
Regardless, my new Author Website Clarity Call is an excellent first step. In 60 minutes, we’ll explore your goals, options, and what’s realistic … so you can move forward with confidence.
Ready to take the first step? Book your Clarity Call and let’s figure out the best next move for your author website.
Popular resources for planning a powerful author website
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