Transform Your Author Website with 16 Easy Template Customization Tricks
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you purchase a template through one of the links mentioned in this post.
For today's authors, a solid online presence is indispensable. A well-executed author platform (social media, newsletter, and website) can make the difference between your work gaining a broader readership and disappearing into the internet void.
Yes, you still need an author website!
An author website provides an ideal platform for showcasing your work and connecting with readers, allowing you to establish your brand and take control of your online reputation. Think of it as a home base for promoting your books, sharing updates, and engaging with fans on a personal level. And with the ability to directly communicate with your readers and grow your email lists, you can't afford not to have a website. Plus, let's remember the networking potential! By building relationships with industry pros and like-minded writers, your website can open up new and exciting opportunities you never thought possible.
Here's an article about why you need an author website and the secrets to building a fabulous one.
Need some inspiration for your author website?
Check out these posts:
Templates are pre-designed websites.
A template is the easiest, quickest, and cheapest way to build a fantastic author website.
Templates are pre-designed websites. These templates act as a starting point for users to build and customize their websites without creating everything from scratch. They come in various designs and styles, catering to different industries, professions, and purposes, such as portfolios, online stores, blogs, and more.
Templates are great because they’re stylistically polished, affordable, functional, and easy to customize to create a killer author website.
You’ll likely get a better website by buying a template rather than DIY-ing your website.
When it comes to building a website, opting for a template can be a game-changer compared to the daunting task of DIYing your site. Designers have honed their craft and possess the expertise to create effective and visually stunning templates. In addition, they understand the subtle tips and techniques necessary to make your website aesthetically pleasing and capable of converting visitors into loyal fans, listeners, readers, or clients.
By investing a few hundred dollars in a template, you gain access to this valuable knowledge and experience. This means you can confidently showcase your brand, knowing your website is professionally designed and optimized to captivate and engage your audience. Save yourself time, frustration, and the risk of a lackluster website by harnessing the power of a well-crafted template designed by experts.
I love Squarespace templates so much that this website is built from this GoLiveHQ Squarespace template.
Here’s a post on 8 classic Squarespace templates for your author website
Here’s a post on 6 bold Squarespace templates for your author website
You’ll have a lot of design flexibility with each template.
You can edit and change templates without needing to be a tech whiz. You can easily switch up the layout, colors, fonts, images, and more to give your website a unique look and feel that suits your brand and personal style. This level of customization is super empowering because you can ensure that your author's website embodies the essence of your writing.
However, more sophisticated customizations might be more expensive, time-consuming, and require coding knowledge. Avoid the headache by hiring a designer to install and customize your template.
Want our help customizing your Squarespace template? Click here.
You can still use a template using Showit, Wix, or WordPress.
You can still use templates using Wix, ShowIt, or WordPress. These platforms have their own templates, or as WordPress calls them, "themes." These templates and themes are super handy if you're after a cool-looking and easy-to-use website. And the best part? The tips we're about to dive into for tweaking these templates will work whether you're using a template from WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or even Showit.
Key features you should look for when purchasing a template for your author website:
If you plan to use a template for your author website, you might be overwhelmed by the available options and features. So we've narrowed down a list of must-have features to make your decision easier:
Standard Pages: Generally, templates come with a homepage, about page, portfolio page, blog page, and contact page. However, some offer extra pages like shop or book pages. Ensure the templates you're eyeing have the pages you need.
Coordinated Social Media Graphics: Some templates provide matching social media graphics, creating a unified look across your online presence. Grabbing the website and social media templates as a package is a win-win, especially with potential bundled discounts.
Mobile Display: Over half of web visits are now mobile, so double-check how the templates appear on smaller screens. Your website needs to shine on mobile devices just as much as on desktops.
Video: A growing trend is templates with built-in options for videos, a nifty and necessary feature as video content continues to surge in popularity.
Pricing: Templates typically cost between $100 and $300, making them a budget-friendly route to a polished website. Be aware, though, that Showit templates can run up to a hefty $800.
Support: Touch base with the template shop about their support options. Gauge how quickly they respond and the kind of assistance they provide. Excellent customer service is key.
Latest Version: Platforms update regularly, so it's crucial to ensure the template you buy is compatible with the newest version of the platform. This is especially important for Squarespace users. For example, the recent Squarespace 7.1 update means only templates from this version will receive new features and tech updates. So, stick to Squarespace 7.1 templates to keep your website current.
Navigating the world of templates might seem daunting, but with this handy guide, you're on your way to finding the perfect fit for your author website.
Recommended Template shops:
Here’s a list of our favorite Squarespace shops and templates to simplify things:
GoLiveHQ (Use code PowerhouseStrategy10 to get 10% off)
Here’s a list of our favorite Showit template shops:
Here’s a list of our favorite WordPress template shops:
16 ways to customize your template to create a custom author website
Whether you use Squarespace, Showit, Wix, or WordPress templates, templates are the perfect starting point for crafting an exceptional author website. They provide a solid foundation, saving you from the daunting task of starting from scratch.
However, your website should be more than just a template—it should reflect your brand's essence.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore 20 powerful ways to customize your template, ensuring your author website truly reflects your unique voice and style.
Customize your author website's color palette.
When it comes to templates, each one comes pre-packaged with its own unique color scheme. While these default colors may blend seamlessly with the design, they might not fully capture the essence of your brand. This is your chance to experiment!
Take the time to experiment with different shades, tones, and combinations until you discover a palette that truly embodies your brand's personality. Be bold, think outside the box, and push the boundaries of traditional color schemes.
Researching color palettes can also be a valuable step in the customization process. Explore color theory and psychology to understand how different hues evoke specific emotions and influence perceptions. Then, consider the impression you want to make on your audience and select colors that align with your brand's messaging and identity.
Remember, your author website is an extension of your literary world. Colors can evoke emotions, set the tone, and create a memorable visual experience for your visitors.
So, take your time, experiment with various combinations, and find a color scheme that resonates deeply with you and your audience. Then, let your website's palette reflect your brand's ethos, captivating readers from when they arrive.
2. Pick unique fonts.
Fonts can seem like the wallflowers of web design, but in reality, they have a massive impact on your site's overall aesthetics. Your template will come fitted with its own font family. But if these typefaces don’t mesh with your brand's vibe, no sweat!
Squarespace offers many font options, allowing you to modify the typography until it aligns perfectly with your brand identity.
You can also purchase fonts from designers or marketplaces like Etsy and Creative Market and add these fonts to your template.
3. Supercharge your website’s functionality.
A website’s beauty isn’t just skin deep; it's a powerhouse of functionality. Perhaps you want to incorporate a newsletter sign-up form to grow your email list or a booking system via Acuity to streamline your scheduling. Maybe you're thinking of offering exclusive content and need a members-only portal.
These extra features can enhance your website’s experience for your readers and provide valuable services to your audience. So don't be shy about upgrading your website’s capabilities to provide a better experience for your readers.
4. Create pages to suit your digital needs.
Your template will arrive with the classic lineup: 'Home,' 'About,' 'Contact,' 'Services,' 'Portfolio,' and 'Blog.' However, your brand might need something a little more bespoke. You can create custom pages to cater to your unique requirements. For example, you may need a dedicated page showcasing your published works or a blog solely for your podcast episodes.
5. Reimagine page layouts to reflect your content.
Your template’s initial layout is just a suggestion, not a rule. If a section's arrangement feels off or an image's placement isn't quite right, you can rearrange it. You can move, resize, and reorder elements until you achieve a layout that matches your vision. Remember, your site's layout can significantly influence its usability and your audience's experience, so it's worth perfecting it.
6. Replace stock photos with your own.
Your template will come pre-loaded with stock photos. While these images are usually professional and versatile, they lack that personal touch that makes a brand stand out.
Swapping stock photos with your headshots, brand photos, and carefully selected brand photos injects a hefty dose of authenticity into your site. In addition, it allows you to showcase your brand visually. Be it product shots, team photos, or behind-the-scenes snapshots, your images can tell a compelling story about your brand.
7. Personalize your website by infusing your unique content.
Now comes the part where your brand truly comes to life on your site. Your unique content is the magic ingredient that transforms a generic template into a dynamic digital platform for your brand. Spend time crafting compelling content that informs your audience about your offerings and showcases your brand's personality. Your website copy should reflect your brand's voice and ethos, and it's an excellent opportunity to engage directly with your audience. Whether it's a riveting bio, engaging product descriptions, or insightful blog posts, your content can create a lasting impression on your audience.
8. Make a statement with your logo.
Your logo is more than just a pretty design; it's your brand's identity. So make sure your logo takes center stage on your website by replacing the template's default logo with your own. This simple update can make a difference, making your site instantly recognizable to your audience.
And if you haven’t yet designed a logo, Canva is easy to use to create a logo.
9. Add a fun touch with your own graphics.
Incorporating your unique graphics is another way to add personality to your site. Whether it's a set of custom icons, a bespoke infographic, or your brand's signature patterns and designs, replacing the template's default graphics with your own can add another layer of customization.
10. Create advanced features with custom code
Add custom CSS and code injections to upgrade your website. You can use custom code to change elements that aren't ordinarily editable through the site builder. This could include hover effects, unique animations, or specific styling for buttons or headers.
11. Make it easier for you to connect with your reader with custom forms.
Each website platform allows for creating custom forms, which can be tailored to gather the exact information you need from your readers, clients, or visitors. This could be anything from a simple contact form to a complex survey or booking form.
12. Build an e-commerce store to sell your products.
If you're trying to sell books, merchandise, or digital products through an online store, there are various e-commerce customization options for your product pages, checkout process, and customer emails. You can also add features like promotional pop-ups, related products, and customer accounts.
13. Get found on Google by creating SEO content.
When it comes to enhancing your website's visibility and driving more organic traffic, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) plays a crucial role. There are a variety of SEO settings that can be customized to help your site rank better in search engines. This includes meta tags, URL slugs, and search engine descriptions.
One of the most effective ways to rank on search engines is by regularly producing and hosting high-quality, long-form content on your website.
Creating a blog on your website provides an excellent platform to share informative, relevant content that engages your audience and helps search engines understand what your site is about. You can make your blog posts more SEO-friendly by incorporating strategic keywords, crafting compelling meta descriptions, and using clear, hierarchal headings.
Hate writing? How about a podcast or YouTube videos? Hosting a podcast or a YouTube channel can also improve your SEO efforts. Integrating your podcast episodes or YouTube videos into your author website lets your audience engage with varied and dynamic content while improving your search engine visibility. Moreover, you can leverage the show notes or video descriptions to include more SEO-rich text, enhancing your site's searchability.
Remember, SEO isn't just about algorithms and search engines; it's about understanding what your audience is interested in and providing that valuable content. By creating diverse, high-quality content that resonates with your audience, you're more likely to improve your site's SEO, increase your reach, and build a loyal following.
14. Help your readers get to know you by integrating video content.
In the age of digital storytelling, video content is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your brand's appeal. For example, you can use video backgrounds to make your pages more dynamic and engaging or add video blocks to share book content, reader reviews, behind-the-scenes peeks, or any other content that suits your brand. You can also create and customize video galleries if you have a series of videos to share.
Embed video from multiple platforms, including YouTube, Vimeo, Animoto, and Wistia, to easily integrate your existing video content. This integration allows you to maintain a consistent and captivating visual narrative, helping to keep your audience engaged and interested.
15. Craft a fun & helpful 404 Page.
Crafting a unique 404 page isn't just easy—it's also a fun way to express your brand's personality and charm. You can customize your 404 page to your heart's content, turning a potential frustration for visitors into a delightful and memorable experience.
For instance, if you're a mystery author, your 404 page could take on the suspenseful tone of a whodunit. You might write, "The page you're looking for has mysteriously disappeared. Dare to unravel the mystery by exploring other parts of the site?"
But the customization continues beyond witty messages and thematic visuals. You can add practical features to your 404 page. For example, consider incorporating a search bar, links to popular posts or products, or a prompt to return to the homepage. This way, you're not only entertaining your visitors, but you're also directing them back to the main sections of your site.
So take advantage of the opportunity to customize your 404 page. All you need to bring is your brand's unique personality and creativity. Turn what could be a dead-end into a charming detour that leaves a lasting impression on your visitors.
16. Harness the power of headers and footers.
Headers and footers are often overlooked but are some of your website's most valuable real estate. Sitting at the top and bottom of your site, these spaces are visible on every page and offer an excellent opportunity to consistently provide essential information, guide your visitors, and elicit specific actions.
You can customize your headers and footers across your entire site or tailor them for specific pages. For example, your site-wide header could include your logo for brand recognition, a navigation menu for easy site exploration, and a call-to-action button for booking appointments or subscribing to your newsletter.
On the other hand, page-specific headers are a great way to set the context for your visitors immediately. For instance, your blog page header might include a captivating tagline that conveys your blog's value, or your contact page header could provide a brief welcoming message to encourage inquiries.
Footers, meanwhile, are perfect for offering additional navigation options or essential information that visitors might seek, such as contact information, social media links, or a sign-up form for your newsletter. You can also use the footer to display legal information or site policies.
You can ensure your headers and footers are functional and aesthetically pleasing, further reinforcing your brand's visual identity.
Squarespace is the easiest way for authors to build a professional author website.
Squarespace is an excellent choice for authors, as it's an all-in-one platform that helps create an eye-catching and feature-loaded online presence. With various templates designed to display written works, authors can effortlessly find designs that vibe with their unique style and genre. In addition, thanks to the platform's intuitive drag-and-drop editor and customization options, authors can craft a bespoke website without much tech expertise.
Additionally, Squarespace offers essential built-in features like blogging, e-commerce integration for selling books, newsletter sign-ups, and social media sharing options. These features empower authors to share their work and connect with readers, grow their audience, and enhance online visibility.
And let's remember Squarespace's mobile responsiveness, which ensures an author's website looks and works like a charm across devices, offering a silky-smooth browsing experience for on-the-go readers.
Click here to read how Squarespace compares with Wix for an author website.
You don’t have to DIY Your Squarespace Template!
Customizing your Squarespace template might sound exciting, but we understand that only some have the time, patience, or technical skills to tackle it independently. That's where we come in. At Powerhouse Strategy, we're more than just Squarespace enthusiasts; we're experienced designers who know how to make your site shine.
When you partner with us, you get the best of both worlds. Our Squarespace template customization services are more affordable than a fully custom website. However, you'll still have a unique, beautifully designed site perfectly tailored to your brand. Plus, we can complete full customization in two weeks, which means you can launch your site quickly - just in time for your upcoming book launch 😉
But our services don't stop at customization. We also help with content creation, ensuring that your site looks great and is filled with compelling, SEO-friendly content that resonates with your audience.
And if you need help deciding which Squarespace template to use, we're here to guide you. Based on your brand's needs and goals, we recommend a template that will be the perfect foundation for your customized site.
So, if customizing a Squarespace template feels overwhelming, don't worry - we're here to help. Let us handle the technical details so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.
Conclusion: Templates Are The Easy Button to Craft Your Uniquely Stunning Author Website
As we draw close, let's spotlight the incredible potential templates hold for authors. The power of these templates lies not just in their affordability and ease of use but also in their enormous capacity for customization. Creativity and effort allow you to turn a template into a standout, custom author website that beautifully reflects your unique voice and style.
Be bold in exploring the multitude of customization options. Play with color schemes that match your book covers, experiment with fonts that resonate with your writing style, and arrange layouts that guide your readers' journey. Incorporate dynamic features that enrich your readers' experience, such as a blog for sharing behind-the-scenes insights, a page for showcasing your books, or a multilingual option for reaching a global audience.
Remember, a template is only the beginning - a blank page waiting for your story to unfold. By infusing your authorial voice into every page, every section, and every detail, you can create a site that no one would believe started as a template.
And, of course, if the task seems daunting or you're short on time, we at Powerhouse Strategy are here to help.
With our expertise, we can transform your chosen Squarespace template into a tailor-made digital space that genuinely encapsulates your author brand—all at an affordable price and in less time than you might think.
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