Disrupting Your Author Website
A Christmas Day Call to Action
By Lisa Norman
Merry Christmas! As you sip your cocoa (or something stronger—I won’t judge), let’s talk about giving your author website the gift of attention. Yes, the holidays are for relaxation, but they’re also a perfect time to think about fresh starts.
Your author website is one of your most important tools, but too often, it gets ignored in the whirlwind of writing, publishing, and life. Today, I want to challenge you to disrupt the status quo.
Don’t panic—this isn’t about flipping everything upside down overnight. Small changes can breathe new life into your online presence and make a significant impact in the year ahead.
WordPress: To Stay or Go?
WordPress has been the go-to for author websites for years, but let’s face it: the ecosystem is devolving. If you haven't heard about the WordPress Drama, grab some popcorn and go look it up. Just remember: DON’T PANIC. This is the biggest disruption I've seen in the author website space in at least 10 years.
Hopefully, we'll have new Content Management Systems (CMS) in the next year that may replace WordPress. Unfortunately, my crystal snow globe isn’t giving me the full picture, but I do predict exciting new toys in our future.
In the meantime, take a hard look at your current setup. Are you paying for features you don’t need? Is your hosting plan more hassle than it’s worth?
If WordPress is still serving you well, stay with it—but be aware of changes. Keep an eye out for alternatives and be ready to pivot if something better comes along.
AI Disruptions in Discoverability
Have you noticed a drop in traffic to your website? Feeling like you’re alone in the universe?
Not everyone is affected by this, but with the rise of AI powered search results, how people find and interact with websites is changing. What worked wonderfully a year ago may not work next year.
We could look at these changes as a disaster. Or, we can look at them as a powerful shift in the universe that will benefit both writers and readers.
Think about it: When’s the last time you saw a website and were filled with the delight and joy of a Christmas morning discovery? What if we could have that?
Where Are You Now?
First, what type of a website do you have?
Author websites fall into three general categories:
- A simple online presence with the essentials—a bio, books, and social media links. Cheap and low-maintenance but limited.
- A dynamic website with a blog or news section designed to engage readers and build a fan base. Requires regular updates to shine.
- A powerhouse designed for authors who are selling books, services, or merchandise. Costly and time-intensive but often worth it. (If this type of website isn't paying for itself, take time and review your analytics or other data to try and figure out why not.) These websites often include store software (a simplified store is called a shopping cart). People can buy their products and books right on the site.
Where does your site fall? Be honest. Is it serving your needs and your fans? Or is it overdue for an upgrade?
Disrupting Each Type of Website
No matter what kind of site you have, there’s always room for improvement. Let’s check out some creative options tailored to each category.
Basic Business Card
Keep it simple, but make it smart. One platform I've been exploring is Carrd.io. It offers beautiful, professional templates at an incredibly affordable price ($10–$20/year). Integrate MailerLite or other email management program for list-building. This way, you can start connecting with fans without a heavy investment in time or money.
Here's a beautiful example: https://amywintersvoss.com/
These sites won't perform as well with search engines as larger sites, but let's be real: a bigger website that you haven't updated in two years or more isn't performing well, either. Why spend hundreds of dollars each year on something that isn't working? Maybe it's time to downsize!
Blogging Platform
Blogging takes dedication, but tools like Substack can simplify the process. Substack combines blogging with newsletter functionality and even lets you make money on your content. It’s mostly free, with a one-time $50 fee to integrate your domain name.
If you’re not consistent with your blog, maybe it’s time to streamline and focus on connecting with readers in a new way.
And because Substack doesn't make money if you don't, they have tools to help readers find you.
Want an example? https://www.lifeoffiction.com/
Pro Business Site
If you’re selling books, courses, or other products, your site needs to work as hard as you do.
Consider upgrading to Shopify for a dedicated e-commerce (online store) solution. Or, if you’re sticking with WordPress, pair it with a shopping cart like PayHip or ThriveCart to handle sales.
Customers want to see tax and shipping during checkout, and adding these functions to your store can add costs to your setup.
PayHip has a free forever plan that lets you set up your products in their system. They take a small percentage of each sale. They'll handle pesky things like shipping and tax charges while integrating with options like BookVault (physical books) or BookFunnel (epubs).
These platforms are versatile and scalable (start small and grow), making them ideal for professional authors looking to grow their sales.
Examples: https://nancywarrenauthor.com/ and https://aliciamccalla.com/
Want to Build Something Immersive?
For authors dreaming of creating a world fans can truly dive into, World Anvil is a game-changer. It’s more than a website—it’s a platform for crafting detailed, interactive worlds.
The Sage plan ($300/year) supports a custom domain and offers additional features like writing software and a vibrant community that includes motivation and education for authors. World Anvil is your story bible come to life. Lifetime memberships are available, so keep an eye out for sales. There's a free version that you can experiment with, and other cheaper options if you are comfortable not attaching a domain to your world.
Creativity is your friend. For example, you could connect a free world to a Carrd.io site! Add a free Pay-Hip store, and you'll have a powerful presence without a lot of expense.
Imagine your readers exploring character backstories, maps, and alternate story paths. These websites are beautiful and offer a refreshing change from everyday author websites.
For authors who love world-building, this is the ultimate gift to your fans—and yourself.
Check out the best of World Anvil to see what can be done. And don't miss the most beautiful world category. https://www.worldanvil.com/w/hoist-the-colors-kummer-wolfe is a fantastic example of a site that will be a gift for the ideal readers of that author's work.
A Checklist for Disruption
Ready to take action? Here’s your to-do list for shaking things up:
- Update your bio, add your latest books, and prune old posts that no longer serve your goals.
- Your readers are on their phones. Make sure your site looks and works great on small screens.
- Review hosting costs, add-ons, and any unnecessary expenses.
- Add a poll, interactive map, or signup bonus for your readers. Small changes can make a big impact.
- Set clear goals for your site. Do you want to grow your email list, boost sales, or engage more deeply with fans?
The Gift of Renewal
Your author website is more than just an online presence—it’s a tool for connection, growth, and storytelling. This Christmas, give it a little love. Disrupt what’s not working, embrace what is, and set yourself up for a stronger, brighter year ahead.
What’s one small (or big!) change you’ll make to your website? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Merry Christmas, and here’s to a wonderfully disruptive 2025!
* * * * * *
Note: No Stress Writing academy offers a class in Substack for authors and a series of classes for World Anvil. The Press Kits class includes an introduction to Carrd.io. We'll be adding new classes in the new year covering other options as well.
About Lisa
Lisa Norman's passion has been writing since she could hold a pencil. While that is a cliché, she is unique in that her first novel was written on gum wrappers. As a young woman, she learned to program and discovered she has a talent for helping people and computers learn to work together and play nice. When she's not playing with her daughter, writing, or designing for the web, she can be found wandering the local beaches.
Lisa writes as Deleyna Marr and is the owner of Deleyna's Dynamic Designs, a web development company focused on helping writers, and Heart Ally Books, LLC, an indie publishing firm.
Interested in learning more from Lisa? Sign up for her newsletter or check out her school, No Stress Writing Academy, where she teaches social media, organization, technical skills, and marketing for authors!
Top image by Deleyna via Midjourney.
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27 comments on “Disrupting Your Author Website”
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I happened upon this on Christmas Day, so it's timely. I use WordPress and my website has been up for nearly 21 years. I update it frequently and blog 3-4 times a week. I have a type of site that you didn't mention. It might fit between your last two types. I write sci-fi and sci-fi romance, and many of my books take place in an empire of 24 planets. I'm currently updating a "tour" of the empire as if it's a travel guide written by a tour company, and I'm halfway through. I sell ebooks on the site, and I take part in a long-running weekly blog hop. The main goals of my site are to add subscribers to my newsletter, and to entertain readers of my multiple interconnected series. I moved to a new host this year and updated my theme. I have a wonderful go-to designer who handles all maintenance, while I do all the content. When you find someone who gets your dream and shares your passion, it's a marriage made in heaven. 🙂
That is fantastic, Kayelle! I'd say you have a powerhouse site that is earning it's keep and that you've taken the time to learn how to connect with your readers. You can be happy that you're doing well and the tech is working for you!
I'm always happy to hear this!
Merry Christmas!
I've had a WordPress (dot org, not com) for decades. I just had it revamped. My blog is part of the site, although I've recently started posting at Substack (but different content from my blog.) I'll stay with my current site using WordPress, hosted by Siteground, until I see a good reason to move.
Siteground is absolutely one of the safest hosts right now. And staying while also having a Substack backup is a great plan.
Oh Lisa, here I am on Christmas morning thinking I'll take it easy for the day so catch up on my emails. Once I read your words here my brain is zipping around and playing with possibilities.
My site functions well enough but there are a hundred thousand (only a slight exaggeration) things I'd like to refine or add.
Ideally I'd like to build an interactive site but it's not only intimidating it's not likely to be in my budget for now.
Right now WorldAnvil and Substack are not for me, but I do see that WordPress as a content management system may not be serving me as well as I'd like. You say new ones are on the horizon. Is there one now that is forward thinking enough you'd recommend it?
Not yet, Lynette. The drama is so new and a truly viable replacement will take time. There are several things in the works. Within 6 months, I'll hopefully have more. Those staying with WordPress should be fine, but knowing about the instability may encourage you to not spend a bunch of effort here right now, instead taking the time to write and dream about what you'll build in a few months!
I see this as an exciting, hopeful space.
Merry Christmas!
Nice article Lisa! A few things for me to check out. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Matthew! The Internet is full of new toys with more coming.
Lisa,
You are always so inspirational. I left my blogging website because it was talking me away from the writing I am loving, but Substack and World Anvil are totally on my radar. I absolutely love the idea of treating readers to a behind the scenes look at how the world of a story is built. You rock! And this disruption has been a great Christmas gift ... thank you!
WA - 'sage' lifetime, how great would that be!!
Also, thanks for sharing the sample websites - easy to see how they fit, and all are attractive.
You've got me buzzing with the possibilities,
Jennifer, I was so sad when you took that site down! But I do understand how they can react from the writing. I think you're on absolutely the right track... A site that feeds your creativity and entertains readers.
What a great joy to build!
Merry Christmas!
I need to look at my website. I've updated it, but I'm sure there are things I can do.
I blog once or twice a week. Once is a regular spot, but others are times I think of something that needs saying there and then, such as particular 'day', or a reblog of a post that has interested me.
I use WordPress, and have been quite happy with it, but haven't explored substack. I think I'll take a look.
VM - it is a good time to explore. Add up your costs, then decide. Would it be easier to communicate with your fans on something like Substack? Or is the WordPress site still worth the cost? That answer is different for each person. For some, their WordPress is doing exactly what they want and staying makes sense. For others, new options are excited. Just remember, if you do leave you can take your mailing list and content with you!
The WordPress drama has been insane. Neither side has been acting very professionally (Especially in the emails I've been getting as a subscriber) and it's been making me wish there was a decent viable alternative. A lot of people have been moving to Substack as the next big thing, but I think I'll wait and see for a bit.
I know, right? For me, it isn't about saying either side is right, but trying to get someone to see what is happening to those caught in the crossfire. Substack has some really wonderful features and they've announced more website like features coming soon. I think they see the migration and welcome the refugees.
I've been watching what's coming. There will definitely be a "fork" of WordPress. While most forks are somewhat limited in scope, WordPress itself was a fork of another program years ago. And there is enough community support that we might actually get a viable one within the next few months. There have been some big players coming out and saying that they will support this.
There are also people looking at building new things. And because these new things are a result of this drama, they usually include "import from WordPress" options which I feel are so important.
For my suggestion list, I looked at cost and functionality, as well as reader (and author) experience.
Before this drama started, I had seen how expensive WordPress was becoming and I'd been looking for alternatives. No one wanted to challenge WordPress's dominance. 2025 will be a new year with a lot of programmers looking to see what they can build. New toys are coming! Check back in 6 months and we'll see. BookBub is developing something. I haven't been able to see it yet, but just the name has me hopeful (and a little concerned about what the cost might be).
Thank you, Lisa, now I have guilt. LOL
My website needs a good dusting. I've been neglectful for a plethora of reasons. This coming year I need to make some big decisions for it. The site was meant to be dynamic, but I've been pulled in too many directions and it has suffered. Substack is something I plan to consider.
Lot's here to ponder. Great article!
No guilt! No stress! You've had a lot to think about, and I want you to consider: let's suppose you'd taken the month of August and redesigned your website, only to see the drama hit in September. How would THAT feel? See? No guilt. You've just wisely waited to adapt once the drama settles down. (grin)
I love, love, LOVE all of the links and the explanations for these useable tools.
Years ago, I started a blog, started a couple others, and tried different websites. I tried different websites, not liking them, until I created my current website (sharpenedpencilsproductions.com) in 2015, making it my umbrella website, with everything else tied to it. It works! I can have just one About page and one Recommended Reading page, e.g., with links on everything else. (All WordPress.com blogs, but .org for the website.)
Yesterday, I created a fifth blog (drdianashelpdeskforwriters.com) and wanted a simple profile and landing page with a new URL using my name. Your carrd.io. link is the PERFECT solution! Thank you.
This blog post is definitely one I'll be adding to my Recommended Reading list.
Thanks, Diana! I was delighted when one of my teachers showed me Carrd.io. That meets a lot of needs and can help people have more options if they need to leave WordPress.Com for any reason. You've got a website setup that is working for you - YAY! As long as it continues working and you are satisfied, absolutely no reason to switch those. But it does help to have a backup plan just in case these days.
Mine is a nice little landing site. I had a good friend design it for me. All I wanted was a place where people could see what books I have and how to buy them. I did a twice weekly blog by way of WordPress years ago. At first it was fun and then it felt like work. For now I'm concentrating on writing other novels and, hopefully, sign with an agent. Who knows what the future will bring. Excellent stuff here. Thank you.
Excellent, Bryan! Writing and having a website that just does what you need is perfect!
I don't have an actual website, but I do have a lot of social media presence--I know it's not the same.
It isn't the same, but it can be done. The trick is that you don't always have direct access to your fans like you do from a mailing list. If you just had a mailing list without a website attached... you'd capture that traffic. I have a client who lost access to over a million fans once due to changes in a platform she didn't control. It can be tough to lose those and need to start over. (Spoiler: she did start over and they were glad to find her, and she's doing great.)
Really conflicted now and somewhat pressed to reevaluate my wordpress.org site hosted with blue host and Mailchimp account, and just migrate it all to Substack, retaining the domain and simply rebuilding my "site" in Substack. Good or bad idea?? If I want to save web hosting and emailing campaign expenses, and don't need ecommerce or shop features, does it make sense to migrate??
Katie - it absolutely makes sense to migrate! You'll gain the deliverability of Substack along with their engine to send you interested people. That's something you don't get from either WordPress or Mailchimp! Make sure you export your mailing list from MailChimp and import it into Substack. You can also use your RSS feed in WordPress to migrate all of your old blog posts over. (You can also copy/paste them if you want to reformat.) Substack has a tutorial on that, I believe. Your RSS feed will be in your admin area of WordPress, under settings->reading. Depending on how many posts you have, you may need to increase the size of the feed and make sure it sends the whole post, not just the excerpt. Yes, that means I've done it. (grin) And I did still need to do some prettying up and finding of images and such afterwards, but the import worked pretty well.
A Substack publication will look different than a website (for now... new features coming soon, apparently) but you still have options for branding that will help. Have fun!
thank you! getting your feedback and others in my mastermind group is the encouragement and counsel I think I've been needing. I will have to do some more planning and designing... but I think this may be the right answer! thank you for your advice, truly.
Some day, come back and let me know how it went for you!
You bring up some excellent points to consider. I think one of the things I need to look at is purging old posts. I ported my blog to Substack but wonder whether some of the posts fit that platform.
I feel each platform is a bit different and what may fit one platform may not work on another and I find that to be a challenge.