Note: This free course has now been retired.
Thanks for your interest in The Author Website Buyer’s Guide. While the original email course is no longer available, the good news is that all the advice still lives on in our work and philosophy.
Here’s a condensed version of the key takeaways to help guide your thinking:
1. Set your website’s purpose and goals
Before choosing a design or writing a word of content, clarify what your website is meant to do—whether that’s helping readers discover your books, building your email list, or supporting your speaking career.
2. Define your audience
Knowing who your readers are—and what they’re looking for when they land on your site—shapes everything from your tone of voice to your layout and calls to action.
3. Plan your content (and save money doing it)
The more prepared you are before briefing a designer, the more efficient (and cost-effective) the project becomes. Have your content mapped out and ready to go, even if it’s just in rough form.
4. 5 must-have website features
Every author site needs a clear book showcase, an about page with personality, a way to contact you, links to buy, and a way to stay in touch—usually through an email signup. Read our article: Essential pages & features every author website should have
5. How to write a website brief
Good briefs don’t need to be technical. They just need to communicate your goals, audience, features you need, and examples you like (and don’t like)—so your designer can create with clarity.
6. How much should a website cost?
From free DIY tools to high-end agencies, there’s a solution for every budget. What matters is understanding the trade-offs: your time, your money, and how professional you want to look from day one. Or checkout our pricing page.
7. Looking ahead
Your website should grow with you. Choose a platform that’s flexible and easy to update, and think long-term—how will your content and focus evolve over the next few years?
8. Glossary of common website terms
CMS, domain, SSL, responsive, SEO… Even if you’re not doing the tech yourself, it helps to speak the language. A good designer will explain everything plainly, but a little fluency goes a long way.
We still work with authors at every stage, and if you have questions, need honest advice, or want help planning your next steps—just get in touch.
We’d love to hear where you’re at.
– Jin