Why Every Author Needs a Website Health Check (And How to Get One)
WEBSITE HEALTH CHECK
If you’re an author with a website, congratulations—you’re already ahead of the curve. You understand that your website isn’t just a digital business card. It’s your author hub, your online bookstore, your event promoter, and the key to connecting with readers. But here’s the million-dollar question: Is your website working for you or against you?
Sometimes appearances can be deceiving. Even if your site looks sleek on the surface, a closer look might reveal slow speeds, outdated content, broken links, or a user experience that sends potential readers running. That’s where a Website Health Check comes in.
Let’s talk about why every author (yes, you!) needs one and how it can help you sell more books, build your brand, and stay ahead of the competition.
Why Your Author Website Needs a Health Check
Your Readers Demand Speed (And Google Agrees)
Did you know that 53% of visitors will leave your site if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load? According to Google’s Page Speed Insights, load time plays a major role in both user experience and SEO rankings. If your website is dragging, so are your book sales. A website health check uncovers technical issues like slow load times and gets your site back up to speed.
Outdated Websites Kill Trust
If your last blog post was from 2018 or your homepage still promotes your “latest release” from two books ago, readers might wonder if you’re even still active. An outdated site makes you look disconnected and hurts your credibility. According to HubSpot, updated content and consistent maintenance can improve trust and conversions.
Your Books Deserve to Shine
Your website should highlight your books like the stars they are. Is your site set up to guide visitors to purchase? Is it easy for fans to sign up for your newsletter or see what’s coming next? If not, you’re leaving money on the table.
Broken Links? Big Problem.
There’s nothing more frustrating than clicking a link that leads to an error page. Whether it’s a buy link for your book or a contact form that doesn’t work, broken links mean lost opportunities. Use tools like Broken Link Checkerto identify problem areas—then fix them.
Stay on Top of SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
If your readers can’t find you on Google or other search engines, how will they find your books? SEO helps your site show up in search results, but the rules change constantly. A website health check pinpoints missing keywords, outdated SEO strategies, or backend issues hurting your rankings. For example, tools like Ahrefs and Yoast SEO can help fine-tune your approach.
What’s Included in a Website Health Check?
A professional website health check goes deeper than you might think. It’s not just about what your site looks like, it’s about how well it works. Here’s what you can expect:
Performance Analysis: Checking site speed, load times, and overall functionality.
Content Review: Identifying outdated information, missing book promotions, or content gaps.
SEO Audit: Reviewing your keywords, meta descriptions, and search performance.
User Experience (UX): Ensuring your site is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and reader-focused.
Technical Check: Fixing broken links, errors, and backend issues.
In short, it’s like taking your car to a mechanic for a tune-up so you can hit the road (or the bestseller list) without a hitch.
THE PROCESS AND THE PLAN
“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining!” ~John F. Kennedy
How a Website Health Check Can Sell More Books
Your website isn’t just a pretty space—it’s a tool to grow your author career. Here’s how a health check transforms your site into a sales machine:
More Traffic, More Readers: SEO fixes make it easier for fans to find you.
Better First Impressions: A clean, modern, and error-free site builds trust with visitors.
Streamlined Book Sales: Make it simple for readers to buy your books with clear call-to-action buttons and updated links.
Engage Your Audience: Optimize your newsletter sign-ups and blog to keep readers coming back for more.
Trusted Tools and Resources to Keep Your Site Healthy
Here are a few trusted tools to help monitor and improve your site:
Google Search Console: Analyze your site’s search performance.
GTmetrix: Test your site speed and identify areas for improvement.
Yoast SEO: Optimize content for better search rankings.
Broken Link Checker: Find and fix broken links.
Mobile-Friendly Test: Ensure your site works perfectly on phones and tablets.
Ready for Your Website Health Check?
As an author, your website is one of your most powerful tools, but only if it’s working properly. At ImaginePublicity, we specialize in designing and fine-tuning author websites to make sure they’re polished, professional, and poised to sell books.
Here’s How We Can Help:
We’ll perform a full health check of your website.
We’ll provide you with a detailed report of what’s working and what needs fixing.
We’ll implement the changes—so you can focus on writing, not tech headaches.
Your readers deserve a seamless, enjoyable experience. Your books deserve the spotlight. And you deserve a website that works for you.
Don’t Wait—Book Your Website Health Check Today!
Let’s get your website performing at its best. Whether you’re launching a new book, building your brand, or refreshing an outdated site, a Website Health Check is the first step to success.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Here and let’s bring your author website back to life!
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Why Working with a Small Business Might Be the Best Move for Your Website and Social Media Needs
From Boomers to Alpha: A Social Media Marketing Journey Through the Generations
