how to make your author website feel personal and purposeful
When I began my writing journey in July 2024, I was solely focused on developing my manuscript and sticking to the writing rituals I referenced in The Role of Prayer and Trust in My Creative Life.
But as I neared the end of my draft, I started to consider a few key things:
How do I introduce myself and my writing to my community?
How can I connect with readers in the community?
What’s the best way engage with the readers within the community?
I thought about a few options: social media, writing associations, a newsletter platform but I wanted one space that I owned and controlled. A platform that reflected who I am as a writer.
💡 That’s when the lightbulb went off: a website.
Building a Brand (Spoiler: I’m Still Learning!)
Disclaimer: I’m a novice at branding, okay? If you have tips, please share with the class. 😄
Trying to develop a brand felt a bit overwhelming at first, but I knew I couldn’t skip this step. I wanted my messaging to be clear and consistent across every platform. And most importantly, I wanted you, the reader, to feel like you understood who I am and what I stand for.
So, I simplified things.
I leaned on YouTube University and tapped a few brilliant people in my network. Together, we narrowed down the next steps. Here's what I came up with:
Mission: To inspire and uplift readers by employing the transformative power of storytelling.
Tagline: “Stories that Inspire, Uplift & Transform.”
Next, I chose colors and fonts that reflect not just my mission but my colorful personality.
Pinterest became my best friend. I researched what different colors and fonts communicate emotionally, and voilà. Brand palette complete! (Experts, don’t come for me. I plead innocent.)
The Logo & Imagery: Why the Butterfly?
I was intentional with including a butterfly in my logo. First, because I’ve loved them since I was a wee little girl. But also, because butterflies are the perfect symbol of transformation, a recurring theme in both my life and my writing.
Not to mention, butterflies fly.
Can you say uplifting?
The images you’ll see across my website will be full of my brand colors, whether I’m wearing them, they’re in the background, or even hidden in the smallest details.
You’ll also catch me laughing, smiling, and giving the best smize you’ve ever witnessed (that’s “smiling with your eyes” for anyone who wasn’t glued to America’s Next Top Model back in the day ).
Why? Because I want the imagery to reflect what I want you to feel when you read my writing.
Writer’s Blog: Why I Still Believe in Blogging
Some folks may say blogs are being replaced by reels, shorts, stories, vlogs… you name it.
But I thought, What better way to introduce people to my voice than through quick, soulful weekly reads?
It helps you get to know me.
It gives you a space to respond. Your feedback is always welcome!
And it allows us to build a two-way conversation well before my book hits your tablet.
I’m not just introducing you to my voice, I’m inviting you into my journey. If I learn a lesson worth sharing, you better believe I’ll be hitting that publish button.
Author Newsletter: A Love Letter to My Readers
To deepen the connection, I created a monthly newsletter, the cherry on top.
Not only will you get early glimpses of my voice and style, but you’ll also receive:
Exclusive content before it’s published
Short stories featuring main characters before their official debut
Deleted scenes and alternate chapters (a little behind-the-scenes magic)
Milestones, lessons, and celebrations that I want you to be part of
Now listen. I try to be as inclusive as possible. Exclusion isn’t really my thing.
But for you, dear subscriber, I’m making an exception. 😊
If you sign up, I’ll keep your info safe, sacred, and only for as long as you want me to. It’s a relationship on your terms.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to start thinking about how you want to connect with your readers. Before your book is even published.
Whether it’s a website, social media, newsletter, networking group or a beautiful combo of all the above, just take the first step.
