Publishing a book independently means shouldering responsibilities that publishers typically manage. As an indie author, you must handle essentials like securing an ISBN for your book and addressing less obvious tasks, such as ensuring your author website is optimized for mobile devices. With more people relying on smartphones to browse the internet, a mobile-friendly website has become indispensable for book publicity. No longer can authors afford to overlook this detail. When your site is easily discoverable and accessible, your books are more likely to reach and resonate with your target audience.

Even for knowledgeable authors, the demands of today’s digital landscape can be unclear. Collaborating with web designers and digital marketers can be valuable, as they understand the nuances of online visibility. Your website’s content must be crafted with search engine optimization (SEO) in mind—strategic keyword placement and compelling, relevant writing are vital. A well-optimized, mobile-friendly site increases the likelihood that your book will be discovered by readers interested in your subject matter. Ultimately, success comes down to reaching those most likely to engage with your work.

Don’t underestimate the power of visuals and their role in search engine optimization. Using descriptive image alt text can improve your site’s visibility, and optimizing images for fast loading is essential. What may seem like a minor technical detail can impact your website’s success. In the past, website visitors had limited options and tolerated slower sites; today, they have endless alternatives and little patience for sites that load slowly or are hard to navigate. Ensuring your site loads quickly and is easy to use keeps visitors engaged and encourages them to learn more about your books.

Visitors come to author websites for many reasons: to learn about a book, discover more about the author, or research a nonfiction topic. Designing your website with your audience’s needs in mind is the best way to provide a user-friendly experience. If your content isn’t engaging or helpful, visitors will quickly move on. Search engines also reward sites that deliver excellent user experiences. As you enhance your content, site speed, and mobile compatibility, you’ll notice a rise in traffic. Consider adding a blog to your site—a regularly updated blog can further improve search rankings.