Optimizing the traffic and user engagement on your existing author website doesn’t require a complete redesign. In fact, Lancing Light LLC knows that a simple yet impactful change can significantly improve your website’s performance: social media integration.

This one simple change makes a measurable difference because people spend more time scrolling through social media feeds than actively searching for new websites. By linking your website and your social media accounts, you create a gateway to a much larger audience. Here are our best tips for seamlessly integrating social media into your website.

Include Icons

Social media icons are an excellent way to direct web visitors to your social media profiles, especially when placed in a prominent location. Lancing Light LLC recommends featuring social icons in your header or near your author headshot to drive the most traffic between your website and your social networks.

Install Widgets

Social media widgets can add interactive features to your website. For example, you can feature a live feed of your Twitter account if you post frequently. If you often share photos, an Instagram gallery widget can also be a captivating addition to your site.

Use Share Buttons

Writers often use share buttons at the bottom of blog posts, allowing information to be easily shared on social media platforms. However, you can also include share buttons on specific pages, like a book page or an events calendar, to encourage visitors to share details about your latest work or readings. You can add share buttons for almost any social media platform available.

Create a Hashtag

At Lancing Light LLC, we see more authors promoting hashtags on their websites in addition to their social media posts. Create your own hashtag and encourage website visitors to use it. This will boost both your social media numbers and your website traffic. Here are some examples:

• #yourauthorname
• #yourauthornamewrites
• #yourbooktitle

The Benefits Of Incorporating Social Media

Increased Engagement

Often, author website visitors simply look and leave because there are no interactive features. With social media widgets and share buttons, visitors can scroll through your various feeds, learn more about you and your writing, and share your interesting content with their own followers.

A Fresh Look

With content that updates daily (or even hourly, depending on how active you are), your website will always feel fresh and up-to-date. Even simply featuring the latest social media icons on your author website will give it a timely and modern appearance.

More Followers

Having more ways to read, share, and access your social media accounts will boost your following. For writers, this can lead to increased readership, a wider audience for new projects, and a boost in followers who are interested in your writing.

Social Media Integration Mistakes To Avoid On Your Author Website

Making your website only about social media.

While social media is vital for writers hoping to expand their online presence, it shouldn’t overshadow the other important content on your website—especially content that visitors expect to see. Your author biography, list of publications, and contact form should still be the primary focus of your website.

Linking to inactive accounts.

If you haven’t updated your Facebook page since 2008, there is no point in linking it to your website. Integrating inactive social media accounts only makes your website look dated—possibly even abandoned—and will cause visitors to leave and not return.

Getting too personal.

The line between connecting with your followers and oversharing can become blurry on social media platforms. Be sure to keep your author website professional. We recommend only linking to your official author pages or professional platforms like LinkedIn—not your personal social media accounts.

Integrating social media into your author website is a small but powerful change that can help you reach more potential fans and encourage active engagement from your visitors. It’s a great way to increase your online visibility without a major overhaul, and Lancing Light LLC can be a great resource for all of your website needs.

---

More Resources

1. The Ultimate Guide to Social Media for Writers: A comprehensive guide to leveraging social media platforms for authors, including tips for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more.
2. How to Build an Author Platform: An article detailing the importance of social media for authors and how to choose the right platforms for your brand.
3. Author Website Tips: 6 Ways to Engage Your Audience: An article focusing on integrating visuals, social feeds, and mobile-friendly features for an engaging author website.
4. Building a Fan Base for Authors: This resource provides strategies on how to use social media, including creating groups and engaging with your community, to build a dedicated fan base.