Why I Don’t Recommend a One-Page Author Website!
A one-page website might seem appealing at first. It’s simple, quick to put together, and often very affordable to set up. But as an author, your website has a much bigger job to do than to simply exist online. It’s your digital home, your online bookstore (that sells your books and only your books..woo woo!), and a place for growing your brand and audience. And while a one-page site may check the “easy” box, it often falls short where it truly matters.
Let’s dive into why a multi-page website is essential for authors who want to captivate readers, grow their audience, and build a thorough marketing funnel. We’ll cover the SEO limitations of a one-page author website, as well as the impacts it has on user experience, functionality, and building your author brand.
Ready to start dreaming up your author website?
Grab my free Author Website Blueprint here, it’ll help save you LOADS of time figuring out the exact pages your author website needs.
The Purpose of an Author Website
Your website is more than something you just throw together and hope for the best —it’s your most valuable marketing tool. I know, I know.. But isn’t Tiktok / Instagram the most important place to market my books? Well.. although social media platforms are very important for authors who are in the connection and awareness phase of their marketing endeavors, social media doesn’t create long-term connections in a way that your website can.
Here’s what a successful author website should be doing:
Create a home for your online books: Your website should showcase your work, voice, and personality in a way that resonates with readers. We want your author website to create a vibe around your books. Showstopping branding & good design can immediately hook and capture your potential readers' interest.
Engage Readers: Your website is like a window into your world that your readers can gaze into. Your website can help readers learn more about you, explore your books and stay updated on your author journey and future book events and most importantly, it’s where you should be enticing potential readers to sign up for your newsletter.
I’m going to repeat this a lot but your author website is the KEY to your book Marketing Strategies: It’s actually where you need to be sending your social media traffic to so they can sign up for pre-orders, and learn more about launches, and promotions.
To do all that has been mentioned above effectively, certain pages are non-negotiable: an about page, books page, blog or events page, contact page, and a way to build your email list. Want to see how it all comes together?
Check out my Author’s Guide to Website Design & Branding here.
A website isn’t just a pretty place to park your book. It’s a strategic tool that works 24/7 to market your books and grow your readership.
Why a One-Page Website Falls Short
Limited SEO Opportunities
Search engines love websites with rich, organized content. A one-page site doesn’t offer the structure needed to:
Optimize individual pages for targeted keywords like “[Your Name] Author Bio” or “[Book Title] Summary.”
Build separate pages for each book, improving search visibility for specific titles or genres.
Help readers and search engines navigate distinct areas of your site with clarity.
Think about it this way: if each page on your website is a door, a one-page site is like having only one door. But what if readers are searching for different ways to connect with you? Multiple pages create those individual doorways for readers—and search engines—to find exactly what they need.
Poor User Experience (UX)
One-page websites can feel overcrowded and chaotic, making it hard for readers to find what they’re looking for. Key drawbacks include:
Overwhelming Content: Packing everything into one page can confuse and frustrate users.
Navigation Issues: Without clear sections or menus, readers struggle to locate specific information like your latest book release or blog.
Imagine walking into a bookstore where all the books are piled into one corner with no labels. That’s what a one-page website can feel like—disorganized and overwhelming.
Challenges in Showcasing Your Brand and Work
Your website is your brand ambassador, but a one-page layout limits your ability to:
Highlight multiple books or projects.
Share dynamic content like book reviews, media features, or blog posts.
Build a cohesive, professional image that mirrors the depth of your writing.
Your books, achievements, and personality deserve space to shine. A single page just can’t do it justice.
Related: How Fantasy Author J.E. Harter Uses Her Author Website
The Benefits of a Multi-Page Author Website
Improved SEO and Visibility
With a multi-page website, you can optimize for a variety of keywords. For example, on my website, some LSI keywords I optimize for are:
"Author website design tips" (Homepage).
"Effective author website layout" (Books page).
"Email list building for authors" (Contact or landing page).
Search engines prioritize well-organized sites with diverse content, and a multi-page layout lets you spread the SEO love. Think of it as planting multiple seeds instead of betting everything on one tree to grow.
Better Navigation and User Engagement
Multi-page websites provide a seamless experience:
Readers can explore dedicated pages for each book, learning more about your stories.
A blog keeps visitors on your website longer, which in turn boosts your SEO.
When readers can easily find what they’re looking for, they’re more likely to stick around. And the longer they stay, the stronger the connection they build with you as an author.
Scalability for Future Growth
Planning to publish more books? Host workshops or book signing events? Add services like speaking engagements? A multi-page layout grows with you, giving you the flexibility to expand without overhauling your site.
Think long-term. Your website should grow alongside your career, not hold it back.
Key Pages Every Author Website Should Include
Here are the must-haves for any successful author website:
Homepage: Introduction to your brand as an author.
About Page: Showcase your journey and build a connection with readers.
Books Page: Highlight each book with summaries, reviews, and purchase links.
Blog Page: Share insights, writing tips, or updates.
Contact Page: Make it easy for readers, media, and collaborators to reach you.
Email Signup Page: Drive email list growth with lead magnets or CTAs.
Each page plays a role in telling your story and drawing readers deeper into your world. Together, they form a cohesive narrative that keeps your audience coming back for more.
Addressing Common Misconceptions About One-Page Websites
Misconception #1: “It’s harder to Maintain”
Modern website platforms like Squarespace or Wix make managing multi-page websites a breeze. You’ll have the same tools and ease of use—with way more functionality.
Misconception #2: “It’s Cheaper”
While upfront costs might be lower, a one-page site often requires more reworking as your needs grow. Multi-page templates are affordable and scalable from the start and you can even hide any of the pages you don’t want to use quite yet.
Misconception #3: “Readers Don’t Want Too Much Information”
Dedicated pages make information clearer and more accessible. Your readers will thank you for creating pages with a topic dedicated to each page.
Conclusion
A one-page website might seem convenient, but it’s not equipped to meet the demands of an author’s growing brand. By investing in a multi-page site, you’ll enjoy:
Better SEO and visibility.
A clear and impactful user experience.
The flexibility to grow with your career.
Your stories deserve a website as dynamic and engaging as your books. Ready to take the leap?Check out Website Design Services here: Author Website Design Services
Ready for a Showstopping Author Website of Your Own?
I specialize in creating bespoke websites for authors that captivate readers and grow your audience. With a blend of strategy and creativity, I’ll help you craft a site that works as hard as you do.
Learn more about my Website Design Services here!
Here’s how it works:
We start with YOU—your brand, your books, your goals.
I create a custom game plan to bring your vision to life.
You get a site that’s not just beautiful but strategically designed to engage readers and sell books.
Let’s build a website you’ll love. Contact me today to get started!
Pro Tip: Already have a website but feel it’s not pulling its weight? Let’s chat about a refresh to help you stand out and shine.
More into DIY? Check out my Squarespace Author Templates
Visit the Author Website Template Shop: TEMPLATE SHOP
THE ATWOOD - Squarespace Author Website Template
THE HEMINGWAY - Squarespace Author Website Template
THE GILBERT - Squarespace Author Website Template
