Most authors assume you don’t need a website because readers never talk about visiting them. But I have proof that some readers do, and I know exactly what they expect to see when they arrive.
Get this right, and it helps you attract more readers, keep them engaged, and turn them into loyal fans who buy more books.
In this post, we’re breaking down a real Reddit thread, comment by comment, to show you what readers actually care about. Then I’ll show you real author websites where this is done properly.
My team and I have worked with 150+ authors building and refining their websites, but the credibility here doesn’t come from me. It comes from readers themselves. This isn’t my opinion or marketing theory. It’s readers, in their own words, explaining when they do and don’t visit an author website.
So let’s get into what to focus on, and what to stop wasting time on.
The Reddit Post: How Often Do You Visit an Author’s Website?
Before diving into the post, I need to bring up one thing. This Reddit post is about seven years old.
You may think that makes it outdated, but I’ve worked long enough in the author website and author marketing space to know that this post is as relevant today as it was back then.
If anything, reader behavior has become even more impatient and even more clarity-driven. And I’m sure once you see the comments, you’ll understand what I mean.
The Reddit post asks a valuable question for authors, and I’m sure you’re itching to get into it, so I’ll just say upfront: the answers that stuck out first are the ones authors don’t want to hear.
The Answer You Won’t Like…”Never”
There are a lot of comments that basically say they never check an author’s website.
Here are some of the comments:
These answers aren’t surprising. Goodreads has a great reputation with readers, making it easy to track the series and authors they follow, but there are a lot of distractions and book-hopping.
And Wikipedia has a large library of information curated by others, so it may not be as accurate as you’d want. Plus, indie authors won’t often find themselves on the site.
Notice Amazon didn’t come up as an alternative. I’d bet that’s because Amazon’s categorization is such a mess, it’s hard for authors and readers alike to make sense of.
More comments echo these sentiments on whether they visit an author’s site:
That last one probably gives you a bit of hope (and I’ll give you a bit more in the next section, I promise).
Otherwise, I’m sure this is where most authors panic.
This part is actually good news for smart authors if you understand why they say “Never.”
What “Never” Actually Means
“Never” means readers are not casually hanging out on author websites.
They don’t explore. They don’t wander.
They arrive with a specific reason, or they don’t arrive at all.
That distinction changes everything.
The word “never” starts to come with conditions.
And those conditions are the real insight.
What Readers Want from an Author Website
The rest of the thread is full of insight into how readers actually think. I’ve broken it down into the key things authors need to focus on when building their site.
This is what readers want from your author website:
1. To check reading order
We’ll ignore the Twitter part, since it’s not even called that anymore, and the algorithm makes it nearly impossible to keep up with authors these days anyway.
The overarching point is what really matters.
As I mentioned earlier, on Amazon it’s often surprisingly hard to figure out what order books should be read in.
You’ll see different editions, box sets, spin-offs, and multiple series all mixed together.
For a new reader, it can quickly become a confusing mess.
This is where an author website really shines.
On a website, you can clearly show readers exactly where to start, what comes next, and which series or books will appeal to which type of reader.
This becomes especially important if you have a large catalogue, multiple series, or books set in the same universe where timeline and reading order actually matter.
2. To look for updates or newsletters
This comment is great, basically confirming what my team preaches to our clients who ask what they need for their platform:
- Readers actually want regular updates from you.
- They want to know what you’re working on next.
- They want your thoughts on the stories you’re writing.
- They want to see your own to‑be‑read list.
Another suggestion I’ve personally seen be a big hit with fans is more lore-related content. Readers want to understand what inspired you to create the worlds and characters they love.
This is exactly why newsletters work so well when they’re done properly.
3. To have a place to go after social media
And this tells us something important: You do need some kind of social media presence.
Some readers prefer to get updates from you there first.
I found another comment in favor of a social media presence, with a bit of a twist:
On the surface, it looks like social media might be the preferred option, but that first line is telling.
They’ve gone to check out their favorite authors’ websites. They wanted to engage there, but authors who stick to social media only are missing out on that entirely.
How many other readers did the same thing, but didn’t make the effort to stay in touch on social media?
Keep in mind, 7 years ago, social media algorithms hadn’t made it this hard to keep up with authors.
Social media works best as the entry point.
If your website houses a deeper, more complete resource, readers can click through from social media whenever they want more detail, clarity, or context.
4. To find out from the author what’s coming next
This is another version of the same need: readers want to know what’s next.9
Readers, like most humans, are nosy and want to know what’s coming next for you and your new releases as soon as you’re willing to share. Obviously, only share what you’re comfortable with personally, but in terms of updates around your career, that’s a must, as these two comments say:
Readers want to know about your next book. For example:
- How far away is it from release?
- Is it available for pre-order yet?
- Are you offering signed copies, special editions, or deluxe hardcovers with things like gold page gilding?
When a reader loves your work, they’re always hungry for your next book or series. They genuinely want to know when they can get their hands on your next book and start reading it.
Fans love your style and your themes, and will be eager for the next addition to your catalogue. Make sure to keep them in the loop so they don’t forget about you!
5. To contact the author directly
One reader in this thread mentions visiting an author’s website just to find a way to contact the author:
This is far more important than most authors realise.
It’s how your biggest fans reach out to you. They’ll try to connect through social media, but nothing is more personal than an email.
This is also how media outlets, podcasters, or journalists contact you for features or interviews.
Making it easy to get in touch with you will also open doors for fun opportunities like newsletter swaps, cross-promotions, or collaborations with other authors.
If someone wants to work with you, promote you, or help you reach more readers, your website is usually the first place they look.
I Found The Pattern
Now, when you look at these reasons to visit your site — reading order, updates and newsletters, and finding out what you’re working on — this isn’t casual scrolling or doom‑scrolling behavior.
This is purpose-driven behavior.
Readers visit author websites when they want clarity, depth, and connection.
They leave when they don’t get it fast.
If your website is meant to support readers like this, this is exactly what my author website agency, Rocket Expansion, focuses on when we design author websites for our clients.
Here’s our website portfolio so you can see how we approach this.
Where Most Websites Fail
Most author websites aren’t bad.
They’re just slow to deliver that clarity, depth, and connection. Attention spans keep shrinking. Your website can’t afford to make readers wait.
You should provide as much information up front as possible, proving the value in readers staying engaged with you online.
Want firm proof of this?
Here’s one more point from the Reddit thread I want to bring up…
Example of Success: Brandon Sanderson
The one author who appeared more than once in the thread is Brandon Sanderson.
Not because he’s famous.
But because his site shows book progress and news updates about the author more clearly.
Here’s what actual readers had to say:
Even though this was posted 7 years ago, he still has those progress bars for his works in progress. He’s included even more content to enrich the user’s experience:
His site doesn’t scream fantasy, but it’s still professional and delivers on content.
Because of this, readers know what he’s up to, what’s being worked on, what’s next, and when to expect it.
That’s not hype.
That’s respect for the reader.
And an understanding of his audience, which helps establish and strengthen his community.
His notoriety bloomed around 2007, and now he’s one of the biggest authors on the planet.
But You’re Not Brandon Sanderson…
You might be thinking, of course, this all works for him. He’s one of the most famous fantasy authors on earth right now.
Well, guess what… Readers don’t visit an author’s website just because the author is famous.
What really determines whether they come back is whether the website feels alive.
Several readers in this thread mention the same issue.
They stop visiting their favourite authors’ sites when those sites are “dead.”
In other words, they’re static, rarely updated, and don’t give readers any reason to return.
Readers come back when a website shows signs of life.
Updates.
Progress.
Connection.
A sense that the author is still actively creating and communicating.
Realistic Examples Indie Authors Should Follow
Let me show you what this looks like when it’s done properly for everyday authors. Not mega-famous ones.
Just clear, intentional websites.
Here’s a great real-world example of this done properly from an author website built by my agency, Rocket Expansion.
T.A. White’s website
Her website clearly separates her different series, and the reading order is immediately obvious.
The featured series on her homepage is also updated regularly to show the latest released book, so readers instantly know what her newest book is the moment they land on the site.
No confusion. No guessing.
She also has a dedicated section for extras you won’t find in her books.
This is exactly the kind of bonus content readers in that Reddit thread said they appreciate.
You can also sign up for her newsletter through the menu or at the bottom of every page, and in return, readers get an entire free ebook.
Not a short sample. A full book they’d normally pay for on Amazon. Who doesn’t love free stuff?
She also has an active blog, updating fans with what she’s working on.
And if you look at the comments, you’ll see readers engaging, responding, and coming back.
When you compare this directly to what readers said they wanted in the Reddit thread, she’s doing everything right, making it the perfect example for indie authors to follow.
If T.A. White’s website is the kind of website you want as an author, simply book a call through this quick inquiry form, and you’ll meet with me, Matt, to discuss your website design needs.
The Real Role of an Author Website
An author website is not a bookstore.
It’s not social media. It’s usually not about selling directly.
It’s a reader support system.
And when it works, it quietly supports everything else you do.
What This Means For Authors Like You
The simple takeaway is this: readers aren’t coming to your website to browse. They come with specific questions. Answer those questions clearly, and readers stay, engage, and keep coming back. Leave them confused, or leave those questions unanswered, and they leave too.
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what your website actually needs to do.
And if building all this yourself feels like a lot, my team and I would love to help. We work with authors every day, and we’ve gotten our process down to a science. Check out our page here to see how we approach these projects, or book a call and let’s talk through your website goals.
