Readers don’t just buy books; they follow authors. A strong author brand helps people recognise you, remember you and come back for your next release. Whether you write fiction, non-fiction or run a business alongside your books, a clear brand and a professional online home make every other part of your marketing work harder.

Start with your positioning

Before designing anything, get clear on the basics. Who are your ideal readers? What do they get from your books that they can’t get anywhere else? What three words should people think of when they hear your name? Your answers shape everything from your website copy to your social media captions.

Create a consistent visual identity

Consistency builds recognition. Choose a simple logo or name mark, a small colour palette, one or two fonts and a style of photography, and use them everywhere: your website, social profiles, email newsletters, bookmarks and event banners. When everything looks and sounds the same, you appear more professional and more memorable.

Build an author website you own

Social media platforms change their rules all the time, but your website belongs to you. It is where readers, journalists, event organisers and business partners go to learn more. A good author website should include:

• A clear homepage that shows who you are and what you write.
• A books page with covers, descriptions and direct links to buy.
• An about page with a professional photo and a short, engaging bio.
• A way to join your email list, often with a free bonus as a thank-you.
• Contact details and links to your social media profiles.

It also needs to load quickly and look great on phones, since that’s where most visitors will see it.

Help readers find you with SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your website appear when people search for you, your books or your topic. A few simple steps make a big difference:

• Use clear page titles and descriptions that include your name and book titles.
• Write helpful content, such as blog posts, that answers questions your readers are asking.
• Compress images and keep your site fast.
• Link your website from your social profiles, retailer author pages and interviews.

Grow an audience you own

An email list is one of the most valuable assets an author can have. Unlike followers on social media, your subscribers hear from you directly, which makes launches, pre-orders and special offers far more effective. Your website and social channels should gently guide people to sign up.

Let’s build your brand together

From brand strategy and visual identity to website design and SEO, our Creative Services team helps authors and businesses look professional and get found online. Contact us to start building a brand your readers will remember.