Why Every Indie Author Needs a Website in 2025 (Even If You Think You Don't)Why Every Indie Author Needs a Website in 2025 (Even If You Think You Don't)

You've just finished your book. Or maybe you're three books in. You're posting on social media, you've got an Amazon author page, and honestly? You're exhausted.

The last thing you need is another task on your endless to-do list. Another thing to learn, maintain, and worry about.

So when someone suggests "you should have an author website," you might be thinking: Do I really need one? Can't I just use social media?

Here's the honest answer: Yes, you need one. But not for the reasons you might think—and it doesn't have to be complicated.

Do Indie Authors Really Need a Website?

Let me ask you something: How would you feel if you woke up tomorrow and your Instagram account was gone? Or Facebook changed its rules and your author page suddenly couldn't reach your followers?

It happens. More often than you'd think.

Here's the uncomfortable truth about social media: You don't own it. You're building your author career on rented land. The platform owns your followers, controls who sees your posts, and can change the rules—or even shut you down—at any time.

A website is different. It's yours. Completely yours.

When you have a website and an email list, you own the relationship with your readers. No algorithm decides whether they see your book launch announcement. No platform can take that away from you.

That's independence. Real independence.

What Successful Indie Authors Say About Author Websites

Still not convinced? Let's look at what some of the most successful indie authors have built:

Andy Weir: From Website Blog to Hollywood Blockbuster

Andy Weir, author of The Martian, started by posting his story chapter by chapter on his personal website. His readers loved it so much they asked for a Kindle version. That website-to-book journey eventually became a bestseller and a major motion picture.

Without his own website, Weir wouldn't have had the platform to share his work directly with readers who became his earliest advocates.

Mark Dawson: Building a Seven-Figure Author Business

Mark Dawson, who's sold millions of thriller novels, built his entire author platform around email marketing through his website. His mailing list—grown primarily through website opt-ins—generates consistent six-figure launch weeks.

His website isn't just a digital business card. It's the central hub of a thriving author business.

Daniel Gibbs: Direct Sales Success

Military science fiction author Daniel Gibbs sells thousands of books directly from his author website each year. By owning the customer relationship, he keeps significantly more profit per sale than selling exclusively through retailers.

His website pays for itself many times over.

L.J. Ross: Platform Independence

British mystery author L.J. Ross built one of the most successful indie author careers in the UK, largely by cultivating a direct relationship with readers through her website and email list. Her platform independence allowed her to negotiate better deals and maintain creative control.

The pattern is clear: successful indie authors own their platforms.

The Benefits of Having an Author Website: More Than Just Looking Professional

Let's talk about the practical benefits—the ones that actually matter for your author career.

1. You Own Your Author Platform

On social media, your book announcement gets buried in a feed of cat videos and political arguments. On your website, visitors see exactly what you want them to see: your books, your news, your story.

No distractions. No competing voices. Just you and your work.

This ownership extends beyond just content. You own the data, the analytics, and the relationship with every visitor. That matters more than most authors realize.

2. You Build an Email List (Your Most Valuable Marketing Asset)

Here's a number that matters: Email marketing converts 10 times better than social media posts for book sales.

Let me say that again: 10 times better.

When you launch a new book, your email subscribers will actually see your announcement in their inbox. On social media? Algorithm changes mean most of your followers won't see it at all.

Your website is where you collect those email addresses. Offer readers a free short story or sample chapter in exchange for joining your list, and you're building a direct line to people who actually want to hear from you.

Building an email list is easier when you have a dedicated website designed for reader engagement.

3. Professional Credibility for Your Author Career

When a reader, book blogger, podcast host, or literary agent wants to learn more about you, they'll search your name online.

What do they find?

If you have a website, they find a clean, professional page that shows you're serious about your writing career. All your books in one place. A clear way to contact you. Everything they need.

If you don't have a website? They might find scattered social media profiles, outdated information, or nothing at all. And they'll probably move on to the next author.

4. Long-Term Discoverability Through Search Engines

When someone searches Google for your name or your book title, your website shows up. It stays there. It doesn't disappear down a feed like a tweet or Instagram post.

A blog post you write today about your writing process? Someone might discover it three years from now through search engines and become a fan. That's the power of having your own space on the web.

Social media posts have a shelf life of hours or days. Website content lasts for years.

5. Direct Book Sales Mean Higher Profit Margins

Here's something most authors don't realize: You can sell books directly from your website if you want to.

You don't have to. You can simply link to Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, or wherever you sell. But having the option to sell directly—maybe signed paperbacks or special editions—means you can keep more of the profit.

Amazon takes 30-65% depending on your pricing. When you sell direct, you might keep 90% or more. That difference adds up fast.

Even if you never sell a single book from your site, having all your buy links in one place makes it easy for readers to purchase wherever they prefer. You're not losing the Kobo reader because you only ever share your Amazon link.

"But I'm Not Tech-Savvy..." (You Don't Need to Be)

I hear you. The idea of building a website might feel overwhelming, especially if terms like "hosting" and "domain names" make your eyes glaze over.

Here's what you need to know: You don't need to be a tech expert.

Think of a website like renting an apartment. You need an address (that's your domain name, like yourname.com—costs about $10-15 per year). And you need the apartment itself (that's hosting—around $5-15 per month). That's it for the basics.

There are tools designed specifically for authors who aren't web designers. AuthorPage, for example, automatically generates your entire website from your Amazon Author Central profile—no coding required.

Start simple. You can always add more later.

What Platform Should Indie Authors Use?

The best website platform is the one you'll actually use and maintain. Here are your main options:

WordPress: Maximum flexibility but steeper learning curve (see my WordPress comparison)

Squarespace: Beautiful templates but requires design decisions (Squarespace comparison)

Wix: Drag-and-drop simplicity but time-intensive setup (Wix comparison)

Author-Specific Platforms: Built specifically for authors with automated features (AuthorPage pulls everything from your Amazon profile)

Choose based on your comfort level with technology and how much time you want to invest.

"But I Don't Have Time..." (Your Website Works While You Sleep)

You're wearing a dozen hats already: writer, editor, marketer, cover designer, social media manager. I get it.

Here's what's beautiful about a website: Unlike social media, it doesn't demand daily attention.

Think about it: On Instagram or Twitter, if you're not posting regularly, you disappear. The algorithm forgets you exist. Your followers move on.

A website is different. You set it up once, and it works for you 24/7—even while you're sleeping, writing your next book, or taking a much-needed break.

Update it when you have news: a new book release, a cover reveal, a sale. That might be four times a year. Maybe less. And that's perfectly fine.

Your website isn't a needy child demanding constant attention. It's more like a storefront that stays open while you focus on what you do best: writing.

What Essential Elements Should Your Author Website Include?

Don't overcomplicate this. You need three basic pages to start:

About Page: Connect With Your Readers

A short bio (who you are, what you write, maybe a fun fact or two). Three to five paragraphs is plenty. Readers want to know the person behind the books, but they don't need your entire life story.

Include a professional author photo. It builds trust and makes you more memorable.

Books Page: Showcase Your Catalog

Your book covers, short descriptions, and links to where people can buy them. List them in order if they're part of a series.

Make sure to include buy links for all major retailers—Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play. Don't assume everyone shops at the same store.

Contact Page: Stay Accessible

A simple way for readers, bloggers, or media to reach you. An email address or contact form works fine.

That's it. That's your foundation.

If you want to add more later—a blog, a newsletter signup form, bonus content for fans—great. But you don't need any of that to start.

Simple and clear beats fancy and complicated every single time.

For a deeper dive into creating effective author website pages, check out my guide on essential elements every author website must have.

Author Website vs Social Media: How They Work Together

You might be thinking: "So should I quit social media?"

No! Social media isn't the enemy. It's actually a great tool for connecting with readers and getting your name out there.

Think of it this way:

Social media is where you meet readers. Your website is where you invite them home.

Social media is the party where you make friends. Your website is where those friendships deepen. You use social media to drive people to your website, where they can learn more about you and join your email list.

They work together. But your website is the foundation—the one piece you truly control.

The Smart Strategy: Use Both Strategically

Here's how successful indie authors use both:

1. Social media for daily engagement, building awareness, connecting with readers
2. Website for conversions, email signups, book sales, long-term discoverability
3. Email list (built through your website) for launches, sales, and direct communication

Each platform serves a purpose. Your website is the hub. Social media drives traffic to that hub.

Real Talk: The Costs and Challenges of Author Websites

Let's be honest about the challenges:

It costs money. Not a lot—maybe $100-200 per year if you do it yourself with a basic platform. Specialized author platforms might cost more but save time. When you're already paying for editing, covers, and advertising, every dollar counts.

It takes some time to set up. Even with simple tools, you're looking at a weekend to get everything launched with DIY options. Author-specific platforms can reduce this to an hour or less.

You have to maintain it. Not constantly, but you do need to update it occasionally so it doesn't look abandoned. At minimum, update when you release new books.

These are real considerations. Only you can decide if it's worth it for your situation.

But here's what I'd ask you to consider: What's the cost of not having a website? What opportunities might you miss? What happens if your social media account disappears tomorrow?

How to Get Started With Your Author Website Today

If the idea of building a website still feels overwhelming, know that there are services designed specifically for authors.

You can start with just a simple one-page site—just your name, photo, book covers, and a newsletter signup—and expand it later as you get more comfortable.

The perfect website you launch next month is better than the elaborate website you keep putting off.

Your Simple Action Plan

Here's your straightforward path to getting online:

1. Secure your domain name (yourname.com) before someone else takes it
2. Choose a platform based on your technical comfort level
3. Add your essential pages (About, Books, Contact)
4. Set up email collection with a simple signup form
5. Connect your social media to drive traffic to your site

That's it. You can do all of this in a weekend—or in an hour if you use an author-specific platform that automates the setup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Author Websites

Do self-published authors need a website?

Yes. Self-published authors especially benefit from websites because you're building your career independently. Your website gives you credibility, helps you build an email list, and provides a platform you own completely—not dependent on any retailer or social media company.

How much does an author website cost?

Basic author websites cost $100-300 per year for domain registration and hosting. Author-specific platforms may charge monthly fees ($10-30/month) but save significant time. Custom-designed websites can cost thousands but aren't necessary for most indie authors.

Can I use a free website builder for my author platform?

You can, but free website builders often include ads, limit your features, and don't look as professional. Most successful authors invest in at least a basic paid option to maintain credibility and have full control.

What's the difference between an author website and an Amazon Author Central page?

Your Amazon Author Central page only exists on Amazon and only reaches Amazon shoppers. Your website reaches readers everywhere, lets you build an email list, works across all retailers, and gives you complete control over your content and branding.

How often should I update my author website?

At minimum, update your website when you release new books. Beyond that, monthly updates are ideal but not required. Focus on consistency over frequency—quarterly updates work fine if you maintain that schedule.

The Bottom Line: Your Author Career Deserves a Home Base

You became an indie author because you wanted control over your career. You wanted to make your own decisions, publish on your own timeline, and keep creative control of your work.

A website is an extension of that independence.

It's not about having the fanciest site or the most features. It's about having a space that's truly yours—a home base where readers can find you, learn about your books, and stay connected no matter what happens with social media trends or platform changes.

Yes, it's one more thing to manage. But it's also one of the smartest investments you can make in your long-term author career.

You've already done the hardest part: you wrote the book. Setting up a simple website? You can absolutely handle that.

Ready to Build Your Author Platform?

If you're feeling ready to create your own author website but aren't sure where to begin, you're not alone. Thousands of indie authors have been exactly where you are right now.

The key is to start simple, focus on what matters most to readers, and remember: done is better than perfect.

Your writing career deserves a home on the web. A place that's yours. A place you control.

You've got this.

Need help getting started? AuthorPage makes it simple to build a professional author website in minutes—no tech skills required. Just paste your Amazon Author Central URL, and it'll generate your complete website automatically. Focus on writing; I'll handle the rest.