Introduction
Hey, author friends! 😊 Choosing the best website builder for authors can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Let’s find the perfect platform for your author website together. And if you’re curious about the benefits of having a website in the first place, read this post.
So, today, I’ll help you find an appropriate website builder by describing its advantages and disadvantages. This way, you can make the right choice without wasting time researching every website builder for authors.
What to Look for When Choosing a Website Builder for Authors?
Before we start comparing the website builders, let’s see what are the things you should keep in mind when selecting the right platform.
- Ease of Use: Does it require technical skills or is it beginner-friendly?
- Customisation options: Can you design your website that matches your author’s brand or how you like it?
- Cost: It is the most important thing to check out if it is suitable for your budget. How much does it cost to create and maintain the website? Are there any hidden fees?
- SEO & Marketing tools: Will this platform help to improve your website’s visibility on Google?
- E-commerce Features: Does the platform support e-commerce features, if you plan to sell your books directly from your website?
- Support & Maintenance: Does the platform offer technical support, security and updates?
So, these are the few things you have to keep in mind while selecting the website builder.
Not sure where to start? Download my free checklist with the must-have features for an author website!
Start Your Author Website – Free Checklist Inside!
Now let’s compare the top website builder for authors.
Best Website Builder for Authors (Pros & Cons)
1. WordPress.org
Best for: Authors who are serious about the growth of their career and who want full control, customisation and scalability.
Pros:
✔ Affordable hosting options.
✔ You have full ownership of your content and website.
✔ Completely customizable with thousands of themes and plugins.
✔ Excellent for SEO (helps your site rank higher in Google search).
✔ Scalable – great for long-term author branding.
Cons:
❌ Requires hosting setup.
❌ Has a learning curve (but worth it in the long run).
Why WordPress.org is the best choice for authors?
If you want a professional, long-term author website that will develop with your career, WordPress.org is the best option. It provides the most flexibility, the best SEO performance, and complete control over your content—unlike website builders, which limit your design and features. Plus, with my help, you won’t have to worry about the technical part! 😊
2. Wix
Best for: Beginners who want an easy drag-and-drop Builder and Authors who want a simple website without any customization.
Pros:
✔ Super easy to use with drag-and-drop functionality.
✔ No coding skills required.
✔ Stylish templates available.
Cons:
❌ The higher monthly cost for premium features.
❌ Less fixable compared to WordPress.org.
Verdict:
Wix is wonderful for beginners, however, it has limited scalability. If you intend to expand your website in the future, WordPress.org is a better long-term option.
3. SquareSpace
Best for: Authors who want a sleek, aesthetic website with minimal effort.
Pros:
✔ Visually stunning design templates.
✔ All-in-one platform (hosting included).
✔ No technical setup is required.
Cons:
❌ More expensive than other options.
❌ Fewer third-party integrations compared to WordPress.
Verdict:
Squarespace is ideal for authors who wish to create a professional-looking website quickly. However, WordPress.org offers greater customisation and SEO benefits.
4. Weebly
Best for: Authors looking for a budget-friendly option who need a basic website.
Pros:
✔ Has a Free plan.
✔ Affordable and easy to set up.
✔ Simple drag-and-drop editor.
Cons:
❌ Limited design flexibility.
❌ Not ideal for long-term growth.
Verdict:
Weebly is an affordable option, however, it lacks the capabilities and flexibility required for serious authors. WordPress.org is a more effective long-term investment.
5. Shopify
Best for: Authors who directly want to sell their books from their website.
Pros:
✔ You can directly sell your books through the Shopify store in any form, physical, ebook or audiobook.
✔ You will not need web development or advanced technical skills.
Cons:
❌ Limited customization options.
❌ It has processing fees.
Verdict:
Shopify is good for authors who want to sell their books through their website, but it lacks customization options and has processing fees. WordPress.org is better in terms of customization.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
Let’s see the comparison of these five website builders in a table form.
| Platform | Best For | Customization | Cost |
| WordPress.org | Serious authors, Full Control | Full control of Customization | Free (Hosting and Domain Required) |
| Wix | Easy drag-and-drop website | Limited | $17/month |
| Square Space | Elegant, Professional Design | Limited | $25/month |
| Weebly | Budget-friendly, Simple Setup | Limited | Free, $13/month |
| Shopify | E-commerce store | Limited | $5/month with 5% plus 30 cents transaction fees |
Note: The cost mentioned in the table is the cost of the cheapest plan that they have.
Final Recommendation: If you want a professional, scalable website with complete control over your content and SEO, WordPress.org is the best choice for your author’s website.
Next Steps: How to get started with WordPress.org?
If you’ve decided to go with WordPress.org, here’s how to get started:
1️⃣ Choose a hosting provider: Hostinger, Bluehost and SiteGround are great options.
2️⃣ Pick a Domain Name: You can have a variation of your author name. eg: janedoe.com or janedoebooks.com
3️⃣ Install WordPress: Most hosting providers offer one-click installation.
4️⃣ Select a theme: Choose a theme that fits your brand and is author-friendly.
5️⃣ Add Essential Pages: Include a Home Page, About Page, Books Page, Blog and Contact Page.
If you’re planning to build your website on WordPress.org, my free Author Website Setup Checklist will guide you through every step!
Build Your Author Website with Ease – Get the Checklist!
Do you need help setting up your WordPress author website? I provide custom website design services for authors. Let’s work together to create your perfect author website! Check out my services or Contact me now! 😊
Conclusion
Your website serves as the online home for your author brand, so selecting the correct platform is crucial. While website builders such as Wix and Squarespace are user-friendly, WordPress.org is the best long-term option for authors looking for full control, improved SEO, and a professional appearance.
Are you ready to create your author website? Let’s make it happen! 🚀 Check out my services.
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Let’s Chat!
I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any questions, leave a comment below! I’d love to help you! Do you already have a website? What website builder do you use? And what is your favourite feature of your website builder? Please let me know in the comments.
