With AI algorithms defining a new generation of search, direct-to-consumer becoming the norm, and audiobooks growing exponentially, it is essential that your website is fit for purpose in 2026.

Decide your website strategy for now and for the next few years.

Outline goals and outcomes before you start. For example, is your focus direct sales, supporting your authors, or acquiring customer data? Define success metrics such as improved revenue per book, increased user engagement, or a higher email capture rate. Collect information and data everywhere you can—data will matter more, not less, in the future.

Understand the key differences and suitability of platforms such as WordPress and Shopify. WordPress offers deep customization and more control over both physical and digital formats. Shopify, on the other hand, is usually a quick setup with robust hosting, built-in payment processing, and marketing tools—all in one package. Both platforms have their own SEO tools to optimize metadata, site speed, and indexing.

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Why you should replatform/rebuild:

1. To update your code, structure, and content

‍This is essential for improving visibility in search engines and AI algorithms, as well as ensuring better speed, security, and accessibility.
AI platforms look for clean, up-to-date code and well-structured content. Clear content hierarchy and reorganizing information using headings, topic clusters, and linked subtopics helps AI systems map intent and relevance between content pieces.
Rebuilding your website using content blocks is highly recommended, with a focus on reader reviews and endorsements, clearer categorization (extensive use of genre and subject codes), and improved metadata—all of which require regular updates. One quick win is to ensure you have a ‘wiki page,’ for example.

‍2. For fast, simple catalogue management

‍Updating book metadata should be quick and error-free. If your current CMS forces you to rely on developers or repeat manual tasks, you’re losing valuable hours that could be spent on marketing, acquisitions, or author relations—all of which drive sales.

3. For compelling product detail pages

‍Create rich, engaging product listings with high-quality cover images, descriptions, reviews, and multiple formats (paperback, hardcover, ebook). Including samplers is crucial to driving sales conversion.

4. To provide a better user experience with minimal steps to purchase

‍To enhance your sales and support your marketing channels, it's crucial to address user experience and avoid cart abandonment. Instant purchasing is always advised, with as few steps as possible to complete a transaction. Improve load times, update outdated design, and simplify navigation—these issues can significantly reduce bounce rates and increase engagement.

5. To set up clear analytics and measure your website’s performance

‍Your website will have many functions beyond sales and marketing. A modern, intuitive, mobile-first site can keep readers browsing and buying. Collecting data and building user profiles will enable you to target communications more effectively, ensuring relevance and reader satisfaction.

6. To ensure simple integration with trusted partners

‍Your website should enable a seamless end-to-end workflow and easy access to tools that will grow your business. If it can’t link directly to services that ship books, fulfil digital orders, take payments, send targeted marketing, or suggest titles automatically, you’re missing both efficiency gains and new revenue streams.

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To conclude

Modernizing your website with a fully integrated workflow can streamline operations and improve product discoverability. Whether you rebuild from scratch or replatform, this is your opportunity to refocus your strategy and make impactful changes that deliver real ROI and sales growth.

Supadu specializes in websites and eCommerce—contact us for more information.

sarah.arbuthnot@supadu.com

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