As an author, in order to connect with readers, advertise your work, and grow your readership, you have to include an event calendar to your WordPress website.
This makes it easy to spread the word about key dates like book signings, virtual readings, and new releases, keeping your readers in the loop.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to build a WordPress site, and set up and customize a WordPress author event calendar.
By the end, you’ll have a fully functional event calendar that not only keeps your readers updated but also helps you stand out and boost your visibility as an author.
Let’s get started!
Why Authors Need an Event Calendar on Their WordPress Website
1. Keeps Readers Engaged and Excited
A calendar for events helps your fans to know about future book signings or virtual readings and launch events.
It conveys suspense, fosters engagement, and strengthens the bond with your readership.
2. Makes Event Organization Easier
No more scattered event announcements!
A calendar records and stores all of your book-related activities in one spot on your calendar, with easily viewed dates, times, and information.
This allows the reader to easily plan for and attend, thereby avoiding confusion.
3. Boosts SEO and Online Visibility
Regularly updating your calendar with event details helps your website rank better on search engines.
Keywords will draw in readers who are searching for events or book-focused meetups.
4. Increases Website Traffic and Book Sales
An event calendar encourages visitors to return to your website to check for updates.
More traffic means more potential book sales.
5. Enhances Your Professional Image
A well-maintained event calendar makes you look organized and committed to your craft.
It shows that you’re actively engaging with your audience and taking your career seriously.
6. Simplifies Event Promotion
Rather than advertising each item individually via social media, you can post a single link to your calendar.
That way, readers will not miss any of the upcoming events.
7. Provides an Easy Way to Collect RSVPs
A number of plugins for the event calendar’s side can be used to turn on RSVPs or tickets.
This allows you to calculate attendance, interact with participants, and provide special content to those who register.
8. Keeps Fans Coming Back
If readers know they can always find your latest events on your website, they’ll visit more often.
Consistent engagement keeps your audience loyal and invested in your work.
Building Your WordPress Website
Let’s begin with creating a WordPress website before we get to your author event calendar:
1. Pick a Domain Name & Hosting
Pick a memorable domain name that reflects you as an author.
Register it with a reputable hosting service such as Bluehost or Olitt for seamless set up.
2. Install WordPress
Most hosting providers like Olitt offer a one-click WordPress installation—just follow the prompts, and your site will be ready in minutes.
3. Choose a Theme
Select a WordPress theme that matches your style.
There are a number of themes which are also configurable, allowing you to change colors, fonts, and layouts to fit your brand.
4. Customize Your Site
Customise your website by uploading your logo, changing colours, and configuring the main pages like Home, About, Contact, and Books.
5. Install Essential Plugins
Boost your site with must-have plugins for SEO, security, and, well, an event calendar so that your book launches, signings, and speaking engagements are right there for the taking.
6. Add Content
Begin development of blog posts, book updates, and event announcements to entertain and bring visitors back again and again.
7. Set Up Navigation
Organize your menu so readers can easily find your books, blog, and upcoming events.
8. Launch & Promote
Once everything looks great, launch your site and share it on social media, email lists, and author communities.
Having launched the website, the next step is integrating a WordPress author event calendar to easily manage and promote your events!
Picking the Right Event Calendar Plugin for Your WordPress Site
As an author, having the right event calendar plugin can make it easier to manage book signings, virtual events, and workshops.
Let’s break it down:
Free vs. Premium Plugins – What’s the Difference?
Free plugins offer basic features, perfect if you’re just getting started or have simple event needs.
Premium plugins come with extra perks like ticket sales, RSVP tracking, and more customization options—ideal for authors who want a professional touch.
Top WordPress Event Calendar Plugins for Authors
The Events Calendar – A popular choice with free and pro versions. Great for recurring events, Google Maps integration, and ticket sales.
Sugar Calendar – Lightweight and intuitive for use, features with recurring events and Google Calendar integration.
WP Event Manager – Full featured, has an RSVP feature, and integrates well with WooCommerce to sell tickets.
Amelia – More than just an event calendar; perfect if you also take bookings for workshops or coaching sessions.
Modern Events Calendar – Sleek design with over 50 layouts, plus advanced booking and ticketing options.
Must-Have Features for an Author’s Event Calendar
Customization – Make it match your brand.
RSVP Functionality – Let attendees confirm their spots.
Integrations – Sync with Google Calendar, PayPal, or other tools.
Recurring Events – Useful for regular events like book club meetings.
Friendly User Interface – Doable without technical skills.
How to Set Up an Author Event Calendar on Your WordPress Website
Now let’s add an event calendar to your WordPress author website.
The best part? It’s super easy!
Here’s a guide to get you started.
Step 1: Installing and Activating an Event Calendar Plugin
Log into Your WordPress Dashboard
Open your WordPress site and enter your login details.
Go to the Plugins Section
On the left menu, click Plugins > Add New.
Find the Right Event Calendar Plugin
In the search bar, enter The Events Calendar (or a plugin of your liking).
Click Install Now next to your chosen plugin.
Activate the Plugin
Once installed, hit the Activate button. Now, you’re ready to set it up!
Step 2: Configuring the Plugin Settings
Access the Plugin Settings
Following the activation, a new menu with a dialog box will appear in your dashboard (commonly named Events).
Click on it, then go to Settings.
Set Your Time Zone
Make sure your events display the correct times for your audience by adjusting the time zone settings.
Enable Recurring Events (Optional)
If you set up regular events (e.g., weekly book readings), switch on the Recurring Events option to save time.
Create Event Categories
Categorize events, such as Book Signings, Webinars, or Live Q&As. This makes it easier for visitors to find what they’re interested in.
Step 3: Adding and Customizing Events
Create a New Event
In your dashboard, go to Events > Add New.
Fill in Event Details
Title: Give your event a catchy title (e.g., Exclusive Book Launch – Meet the Author! ).
Description: Provide information about the event, what participants will see and do, and why they should come to the event.
Date & Time: Set when the event will take place.
Venue: Add the location (or a link for virtual events).
Customize the Event Page
One of the most popular features of most plugins is that the colours, fonts, and layouts can be altered so that the event takes on the look and feel of your website.
Step 4: Adding the Calendar to Your Website
Use Shortcodes or Widgets
Vast majority of plugins provide a shortcode (a small piece of code) that you can copy and paste anywhere on your site.
Display Events on Your Homepage or Blog
To add the calendar to a page:
Go to Pages > Edit (or create a new page).
Paste the shortcode where you want the calendar to appear.
Click Publish or Update.
To show it in your sidebar:
Go to Appearance > Widgets.
Add a Custom HTML Widget and paste the shortcode.
Publish and Test
After the site is finished, view your site to see if it is looking the way it is supposed to look.
Visitors are now able to view and engage with your event calendar.
How to Optimize Your WordPress Author Event Calendar for More Visibility & Engagement
Want more people to find and attend your events?
Optimizing your WordPress author event calendar for both engagement and SEO can help.
Here’s how to make your event listings stand out.
1. Write Event Descriptions That Grab Attention
Use Keywords Naturally: Include specific event-related words to help search engines rank your event higher.
Highlight the Value: Tell people why they should attend. Will they meet a bestselling author? Get exclusive insights? Make it exciting!
Make It Easy to Scan: Use bullet points for brief information such as date and time, location, and agenda.
2. Boost Google Visibility with Event Schema
Use Plugins That Handle Schema Automatically: Most WordPress event calendar plugins, such as the Events Calendar Pro, provide structured data (JSON-LD) to guide Google in understanding your event information.
Google’s Data Highlighter: Google provides a tool that allows you to tag event data directly in order for it to show up prominently in search results, if your plugin does not.
3. Promote Your Events for Maximum Reach
Social Sharing Buttons: Put these on your event page so attendees can easily post it on social media. More shares = more attendees!
Email Reminders: Leverage email marketing platforms to send reminder events with a powerful call to action (CTA). Automated follow-ups help increase attendance.
Create Related Content: Write blog posts or social media updates about your event to generate buzz.
Best Practices for Managing and Promoting Author Events
Planning and promoting author events doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Here are some simple and effective ways to ensure your events get the attention they deserve:
1. Keep Event Details Updated – Always check that dates, times, and locations are accurate. This builds trust with your audience.
2. Make It Visually Appealing – It should feature professional images, use the brand’s colours and the best designs to get more attendees.
3. Write Engaging Descriptions – Highlight the main perks of your event in a way that excites and informs potential attendees.
4. Use a Reliable Ticketing System – If your event requires tickets, platforms like Eventbrite or WooCommerce make it easy to sell and track registrations.
5. Ease Checkout Process – Eliminate extraneous steps and provide a variety of payment choices to simplify ticket buying.
6. Track Attendance & Sales – Use analytics to see what’s working and adjust your strategy for future events.
7. Promote on Social Media – Share event details on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Boost visibility with targeted ads.
8. Utilize Email Marketing – Develop compelling newsletters that include event information and succinct calls-to-action (CTAs).
9. Engage with Followers – Reply to comments, share behind-the-scenes content, and host Q&A sessions to generate excitement.
10. Post-Event Follow Up – Send thank-you emails including event highlights and ask attendees to continue to stay connected.
11. Collect Feedback – Use surveys to learn what worked well and what can be improved for next time.
12. Encourage Networking – Offer structured networking opportunities to enhance the experience and increase return attendees.
13. Leverage Event Management Tools – Tools such as Swoogo or Cvent can streamline the whole process, from registration through to post-event communication.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, adding a WordPress author event calendar to your site is a simple yet powerful way to keep your readers engaged and informed.
Select the appropriate plugin, configure it correctly, and it should be simple to navigate.
Keep your calendar updated and visually appealing—it shows professionalism and keeps people coming back.
Promote your events using social media and email, to get more readers.
An organized event calendar is more than just a list of events; it creates a sense of community for your work.
It is useful to establish connections, share experiences and to help your author brand develop.
So, start today and make your events unforgettable!