Customising a MaxiBlocks WordPress homepage for a novelist: step-by-step guide

The MaxiBlocks WordPress homepage design template for authors and novelists offers an ideal way to showcase your books, highlight your author journey, and engage with your audience. This blog post will walk you through each section of the template, providing customisation tips and examples to make your site truly unique. If you’re looking for a beautiful, easily editable WordPress homepage, MaxiBlocks offers excellent flexibility for showcasing creative content, books, and even

Header section: introduce the author

The header of this homepage template serves as the first point of connection between the author and the reader. With the headline “The mind behind the tales”, the header introduces the creative force behind the books. This section also includes a captivating image of an individual holding a book, adding a playful and personal touch.

10 tips for customising the header section:

1. Rewrite the headline: to reflect your author persona, e.g., “The voice that breathes life into stories”.
2. Update the call-to-action button: to be more compelling, such as “Read my story” or “Discover my journey”.
3. Replace the image: with a professional or creative author photo, adding authenticity.
4. Include an animated number counter: to feature book sales or awards, drawing immediate attention.
5. Add a quote: below the headline to give readers insight into your philosophy or storytelling style.
6. Change button colours: to match your branding, making them pop against the background.
7. Use a logo pattern: to reinforce your branding right from the first glance.
8. Add a subtle animation: to the headline text to make it stand out.
9. Consider adding icons: to represent different aspects of your writing, such as genres or accolades.
10. Incorporate a background pattern: from the MaxiBlocks pattern templates to add visual interest.

Introduction section: engaging storytelling

This section is where you dive deeper into what your stories are all about. With the heading “Dive into tales of adventure,” it invites readers to explore your books in more detail.

10 tips for customising the introduction section:

1. Rewrite the headline: to reflect the genre you write in, e.g., “Step into realms of mystery and wonder”.
2. Include a quote: from one of your novels to add a personal touch.
3. Use a high-quality image: related to your stories to enhance the visual impact.
4. Include a block pattern text: overlay to make the introduction eye-catching.
5. Add icons: representing key genres or story elements to help readers easily identify your writing themes.
6. Change the layout: to make it more image-focused, adding a carousel of book-related visuals.
7. Incorporate video content: to give readers a behind-the-scenes look at your writing process.
8. Use subtle animations: to draw attention to the text as users scroll.
9. Add social proof: by including a line mentioning reviews or accolades.
10. Link to relevant WordPress blog posts: that expand on the themes you explore in your books.

Featured novels section

The “Featured Novels” section is an eye-catching display of book covers, allowing visitors to browse your top works. Each book cover includes a brief description and CTA buttons for purchasing.

10 tips for customising the featured novels section:

1. Update book covers: to include your latest titles.
2. Add links: to where readers can buy each book, such as Amazon or a personal bookstore.
3. Include a WooCommerce plugin: to let users buy directly from your website.
4. Use a custom colour palette: that complements your book cover designs.
5. Add a rating icon: or badge to highlight books that have received awards.
6. Include a CTA button: like “Read sample” to encourage readers to engage with your books.
7. Add icons: to indicate the genre of each book for easy identification.
8. Use a slider format: to showcase a greater number of books.
9. Incorporate hover effects: to reveal additional details like reader reviews.
10. Add testimonials: below each book to showcase feedback from readers.

Testimonial section

This section features a large image of a reader along with a testimonial. The testimonial itself is a powerful way to showcase the impact your books have had on readers.

10 tips for customising the testimonial section:

1. Replace the testimonial image: with one that represents your ideal reader demographic.
2. Use a heart or book icon: next to the testimonial for added flair.
3. Add multiple testimonials: and display them using a WordPress accordion.
4. Add a headline: like “What readers are saying” to introduce the testimonial section.
5. Use different fonts: to make the testimonial stand out from the rest of the text.
6. Include a CTA button: like “Share your thoughts” to encourage more reviews.
7. Animate the testimonial text: to make it appear dynamically as users scroll.
8. Change the background colour: to help the testimonial section stand out.
9. Incorporate a slider: for testimonials if you have several you’d like to showcase.
10. Link to more reviews: on platforms like Goodreads or Amazon.

Engagement section

This section features interactive cards that encourage your audience to engage in various ways, such as “Join a community” or “Connect with people who share your interests.”

10 tips for customising the engagement section:

1. Update the cards: to include engagement opportunities like book clubs, newsletter subscriptions, or events.
2. Add an email subscribe form: to easily collect visitor information.
3. Use icons from the WordPress icon library: to visually distinguish each engagement opportunity.
4. Change the colour scheme: of each card to match your branding.
5. Add animations: to make the cards more engaging when users hover over them.
6. Include CTAs: that lead to an event homepage template.
7. Use different text for each card: to match your personal tone of voice.
8. Highlight a featured engagement: using a larger card or different colour.
9. Link to a 404 page: with a custom message for added character.
10. Incorporate testimonial quotes: within the cards to add credibility.

Book signing event section

This section highlights opportunities for readers to connect with you in person, such as book signings or virtual Q&As.

10 tips for customising the book signing event section:

1. Replace the event image: with an image from a previous event, showcasing engagement.
2. Rewrite the text: to provide a personal invitation to your event.
3. Add icons: to highlight the types of events, e.g., online vs. in-person.
4. Include a CTA button: like “Reserve your spot” to make it easy for readers to register.
5. Use a pricing table: if the event requires tickets.
6. Add an animated countdown timer: to show when registration ends.
7. Use bright colours: to emphasise the event details.
8. Add links to related events: for those who want to see more.
9. Incorporate a video: to give a teaser of the event.
10. Use the WordPress navigation menus: to include an “Events” section that links to this area.

Footer section

The footer ties everything together, including social media links, contact information, and important navigation elements.

10 tips for customising the footer section:

1. Update social media icons: with the platforms where you’re most active.
2. Include a short CTA: like “Subscribe for the latest news”.
3. Use a logo pattern: to reinforce brand identity.
4. Add an animated number counter: showing the number of books sold or readers reached.
5. Include links: to your most popular WordPress blog posts.
6. Use a contrasting background colour: to make the footer stand out.
7. Add navigation links: to other parts of the site, such as FAQ pages.
8. Include a testimonials design: link to showcase positive reviews.
9. Add a quick form: using a WordPress contact form for feedback or questions.
10. Incorporate website icons: to make each link more visually appealing.

Different types of websites that can use a WordPress homepage

The MaxiBlocks WordPress homepage template is highly adaptable, making it suitable for a variety of industries and use cases:

• Health websites: Perfect for promoting health services or community health initiatives.
• Travel websites: Highlight different destinations and package deals using beautiful visuals.
• Event websites: Perfect for event planners showcasing previous events, testimonials, and services.
• Consulting websites: Ideal for consultants who want to feature their expertise, team, and client testimonials.
• Photography websites: Use this layout to present your portfolio in style.
• Non-profit websites: Bring attention to your causes, initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.

Check out MaxiBlocks’ collection of homepage design templates to find the perfect fit for your website needs.

By customising each section of the MaxiBlocks WordPress homepage template, you can create a website that effectively showcases your work, engages readers, and promotes events. Use these tips to bring your creative vision to life while making sure your site feels personal and true to your brand.