Why an Amazon landing page is not enough

We're in the process of writing a full report on why authors need their own websites, what these websites should include, and how authors should go about building them. We'll release the paper in a few days, but until then, here's a sneak peak on why author websites are key. Vook and other online retailers provide each eBook with its own landing page. But to ensure higher sales, authors must set up their own websites to feature books on pages independent of the retailers. Here are three key reasons why:

You need a central location. Whether you're guest blogging or networking, you'll want to direct new people to a website that reflects you and your book. When you build your own website, you have control over the content, voice, and design to a large extent (even blogging platforms like WordPress let you build beautiful websites with no knowledge of HTML/CSS). Your website can reflect your book to appeal to its target audience in a way that Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes & Noble do not allow.

You want to be able to link to all retailers. A couple weeks ago, we wrote about the importance of letting shoppers see all retailers that sell your eBook (we even added this feature to our store). Readers have different devices and different needs, but don't trust that they'll take the initiative to seek out your book on the retail channels of their choice. Make it as easy as possible for them to find your book.

It's where you build your fanbase. When you have your own website, you can link to all of your social media platforms, include a newsletter signup form, and direct visitors to a blog. An author website allows you to keep visitors circulating around the site even if they are not interested in purchasing your book right away. You can fill your website with interesting, engaging content to retain visitors that would otherwise have left.

Stay tuned for the full paper as well as other eBook sales, marketing, and production advice from Vook. To learn more about building an eBook with us, visit Vook.com.