{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/670185256575842b733a8d7d/67f5c45dfbfca819ff68ccda?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"#015 What Every Author Website Really Needs with Web Designer Kate Cross","description":"<p>Your author website shouldn't just sit there looking pretty—it should work for you. In this episode, I chat with web designer and strategist Kate Cross, who specializes in creating websites that actually help authors sell books, grow newsletters, and connect with readers.</p><p><br></p><p>We get into the good stuff, including:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Why “just having a website” isn’t enough anymore</li><li>How to design a homepage that hooks readers instantly</li><li>The must-have features every author site should include (no, a blog isn't always one of them!)</li><li>Common website mistakes that make authors look unprofessional</li><li>Tips for monetizing your author brand—yes, even if you're just starting out</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Kate also shares her thoughts on the best platforms (Wix vs. Squarespace vs. WordPress), how to build a site that reflects your genre and personality, and why you might be scaring off potential readers with your contact form (yikes).</p><p><br></p><p>Whether you're DIY-ing your website or ready to hire a pro, this episode is packed with practical tips that’ll help you turn your digital home into a powerhouse for your author career.</p><p><br></p><p>You can find Kate Cross on Instagram @<a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/guidedwebdesign/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">guidedwebdesign</a> and her website is <a href=\"http://guidedwebdesign.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">guidedwebdesign.com</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Resources mentioned:</p><p>Kate’s favorite narrator is Imogen Church!&nbsp;</p><p>Squarespace</p><p>Wix</p><p>WordPress</p><p>Shopify</p><p>Pinterest course for authors: <a href=\"https://writersparkacademy.podia.com/pinterest-power-for-authors\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://writersparkacademy.podia.com/pinterest-power-for-authors</a></p><p><br></p><p>For more information about Writer Unblocked please visit <a href=\"http://writerunblockedpodcast.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">writerunblockedpodcast.com</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"Nicole Opdenbosch"}