A book launch is a short window with a lot of attention. The website should be ready before that window opens, not built during it.

At minimum, have a home page that says who you are and what the book is, a book page with the cover, blurb, and buy links, and an email signup that gives readers a reason to join — a free chapter, a short story, or launch news. Add a short author bio and a press-ready media kit so podcasters and event organizers can find what they need without emailing you.

Test every buy link before launch day. A broken pre-order button costs more than a missing page. Make the site fast on a phone, because most social traffic will arrive there.

Finally, plan the first month after launch: one update to your list, one reader question answered, one behind-the-scenes post. The launch gets attention; the follow-up turns readers into a list you can reach again.