Are you stuck as an author on how to take your website's blank screen and make it convey the message you want? You want to capture your reader's attention but not sure where to start?

I got you. 

It's a daunting task. But don't fear. One way to gain inspiration and ideas galore is by analyzing other authors' websites. I’ve got three tips to help you peruse the internet and start making your list of features to add to your site!

#1- Analyze authors in your genre

There are oodles of author websites to gain inspiration from. However, it helps to see how another author has laid out their content, what they share, and what design elements set the tone for the books. With that in mind, start by analyzing authors in your specific genre. 

• Check out long-time authors and debuts to see what they share.
• Look up your favorite authors' websites. 
• Limit yourself this first round to just ten sites so that you don’t get lost in the rabbit hole of research. 

#2- Investigate and Record

Grab a new notebook or online document and write the author's name and website address, and then pretend you are one of your readers. Check out:

• Ease of finding info about their books, events, blog, or newsletter sign-up
• Choices in colors, style, and tone that speak to the reader
• Extra fan resources such as lead magnets, giveaways, or book club sign-ups

Write down both what you like and dislike. Sometimes you learn as much from what you don’t want on a site as what you do. 

#3-Review the Data

Now the fun part! Take your incredible data and list what features overall speak to your vision of a website for your reader. Ask yourself what website elements fit the feeling you want to evoke in the readers who visit. Determine how you want to show the uniqueness of your writing on your website with the inspiration you have gathered. 

You're ready!

Grab your pen and notebook and check out authors' websites at Wild Ink pages to get you started.