One of the first + very important steps to self-publishing is building a website, but it was the thing that I procrastinated most. Hopefully you don't do the same because it's really not as scary as it sounds! Here’s a step-by-step guide to building your author website from scratch. No coding needed (and yes, it’s budget-friendly too).
📌Step 1: Purchase a domain name
A domain is your website’s address. It’s what people type to visit it, like CaputMundiBooks.com. You can buy one from GoDaddy or Namecheap. Use your book name or your author name (whichver one is more unique or memorable). With promos, domains usually cost around $10–15 per year for the first year or two.
📌Step 2: Choose a hosting provider
Websites live on a server, which is like a computer that stores all your site’s files. Hosting is the service that rents you space on that server and keeps your site online. Most use Bluehost, SiteGround, and DreamHost (I use Cloudways**). For an author website, 1GB hosting is plenty, and that’s around $5–10 per month.
📌Step 3: Sign up for WordPress
WordPress is the program that lets you build and manage your website without coding. Most hosts have a one-click WordPress install, and it’s free.
📌Step 4: Pick a theme
A theme is a ready-made design or template. It’s optional, but I think it makes building your site easier. Pick one that looks good and fits your book’s vibe. Free themes are fine, but I’ve found that the paid ones are more user-friendly. Mine is from Feast Design Co.
📌Step 5: Customize your site
This is when it starts to get fun. Add your logo, colors, and pages like Home, About, and Contact. You can always start simple at first and tweak things later as needed.
💵Total cost: roughly $30–50 for the first year if you go simple (just domain + hosting).
**This is my referral link to Cloudways to get $25 off
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