Creating a simple, effective website can be one of the most powerful tools for authors and creatives seeking to build their personal brand and promote their books. In today’s digital-first landscape, an online presence isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re launching your debut novel, managing a freelance writing career, or growing your reputation as a speaker, having a clean, clear, and professional website can elevate your visibility exponentially.
TLDR:
Several platforms offer easy-to-use tools for authors to build personal websites with no coding required. Services like Carrd, Squarespace, and BookFunnel cater perfectly to creators with small budgets and big ambitions. Whether you need a landing page, media kit, or mailing list funnel, there’s a simple site solution out there. Focus on function, clarity, and authentic personal branding to get real results.
Why You Need a Simple Website as an Author
Many writers make the mistake of relying on third-party platforms like Amazon, Facebook, or Goodreads as their digital homes. While these are vital channels for exposure, they should never replace a personal website. A site with your name or brand gives you full control of your message.
The key benefits of maintaining your own website include:
- Ownership and control – You decide what goes live and how it’s presented.
- SEO advantages – A personal site helps you rank for your name and titles.
- Credibility and professionalism – A well-designed site builds trust and authority.
- Audience capture – Integrate email signups, blog feeds, and contact forms to build your fanbase.
With that said, let’s dive into some of the best and simplest platforms available for authors to create their online hubs.
1. Carrd – Elegant Simplicity for One-Page Sites
Carrd is a rising favorite among creators for its clean design and ease of use. It’s ideal for authors who want a one-page professional landing site with links to books, social media, a newsletter, and more.
Why Carrd Stands Out:
- Super intuitive drag-and-drop builder
- Lightning-fast load times and responsive design
- Free tier available; Pro plan at an affordable cost (~$19/year)
- Built-in support for forms, embeds, and Google Analytics
If you’re on a budget and time-crunched, Carrd gives you the essentials—no frills, no fuss. You can have a professional-looking author site set up in under an hour.
2. Squarespace – All-In-One Power with Design Freedom
When you need more than a single page—perhaps a blog, gallery, event calendar, or online store—Squarespace is a leading choice. It’s renowned for gorgeous templates and all-in-one functionality tailored for non-coders who want a polished site.
Key Features for Authors:
- Built-in blogging and e-commerce tools
- Integrated email marketing and newsletter signup blocks
- Multiple pages: About, Contact, Books, Press Kit, Blog
- Great typography and image handling for showcasing books
Squarespace is especially useful for authors who want to appear in media, submit to conferences, or offer signed books directly from their site.
One tip: Use a built-in email signup block and offer a free sample chapter or novella to encourage sign-ups.
3. BookFunnel – Functional Funnels for Fiction Writers
BookFunnel isn’t a traditional website builder, but it offers tools critical for indie authors. It allows you to deliver lead magnets, manage reader downloads, and create book landing pages optimized for audience growth.
Best Uses for BookFunnel:
- Create lead magnet pages for newsletter growth
- Distribute advance review copies (ARCs) securely
- Sell direct-to-reader without tech headaches
If your online presence is less about blogging and more about building a fanbase, BookFunnel pages offer a niche weapon. Pair it with your primary site on Carrd or Squarespace for a full-funnel strategy.
4. WordPress.com – Blogging Power with Flexibility
For authors who enjoy creating content and gaining organic traffic through blogging, WordPress.com is a go-to solution. It’s the easiest way to harness the power of WordPress, without the complications of running your own hosting.
Pros for Authors:
- Free tier with domain and branding upgrades
- Vast customizability with themes and plug-ins
- Strong blogging capabilities and content sharing tools
If writing articles, sharing insights, and maintaining long-term content are part of your brand-building, WordPress.com gives you the space to grow while keeping the technical side manageable.
5. Linktree – Micro-Site for Maximum Convenience
Linktree started as a solution to the “one link in bio” problem, but it has evolved into a versatile micro-landing builder for creators. Many authors use Linktree to list books, mailing list links, media kits, press mentions, and more in one mobile-friendly interface.
Strengths Include:
- Ridiculously easy to set up
- Integrates well with Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
- Free and paid plans with advanced analytics
If you’re focusing on social media outreach or just want a digital business card you can share anywhere, Linktree can serve either as a front-facing website or as a complement to a more robust platform.
Best Practices for Author Websites
Regardless of which platform you choose, there are certain practices that can elevate your site and ensure it supports your career growth, rather than being a static placeholder.
Some key elements every author site should include:
- Professional headshot and bio – Let visitors get to know the face and story behind the words.
- Book pages – Every title should have its own page with cover image, synopsis, buying links, and reader testimonials.
- Email signup form – Use compelling CTAs and an incentive like a free story to build your list.
- Media kit – For journalists, bloggers, podcasters, and event organizers to download images, bios, and boilerplate info.
Beyond that, keep your color scheme, fonts, and tone consistent with your brand. Whether you’re edgy noir or romantic and whimsical, your site should instantly reflect your vibe.
Tip: Start Small, Then Expand
Many authors delay launching their sites because they feel overwhelmed by the idea of creating a robust, multi-page platform. But don’t fall into perfection paralysis. Tools like Carrd allow you to start simple and iterate later. Your first version only needs to contain your photo, short bio, and a way for people to read or buy your book.
Over time, you can add features like blog posts, mailing lists, and press kits, as your brand evolves and your audience grows.
Conclusion
In a world of fleeting attention spans and infinite digital content, clarity and simplicity win. The best website for book promotion and personal branding is one you can build quickly, maintain easily, and be proud to share. Fortunately, modern tools make this accessible to every author, even without technical skills or deep budgets.
Whether you choose a minimalistic one-pager on Carrd, a full-featured blog on Squarespace or WordPress, or a reader magnet funnel through BookFunnel, your website should reflect your voice, showcase your books, and invite visitors into a growing community of readers.
Your stories matter. Don’t let them be hidden behind weak digital footprints. Take control of your online narrative—starting today.