Header Text - Create a Custom WordPress Author Page Easily

The authors on your WordPress website are the experts and storytellers who bring your brand to life. Highlighting their expertise and background can help strengthen the bond with your target audience and boost your site’s search engine ranking.

However, many themes come with simple, generic author pages that don’t fully capture the author’s unique qualities or the reader’s attention. This is where a custom WordPress author page is necessary, allowing you to add unique details—like a bio, social media links, and a list of the author’s posts—to create a richer experience for your readers.

This guide discusses an author page is and how it differs from an author gallery. We also explore three methods to design a custom author profile page in WordPress that leaves a lasting impact on your visitors.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Custom WordPress author pages help showcase writers and their content, improving reader engagement.
  • Depending on your skills you can create these pages using plugins, page builders, or manual coding.
  • Plugins like Ultimate Member offer an easy way to set up professional-looking author pages without coding.
  • Page builders such as Elementor Pro provide drag-and-drop flexibility to design unique layouts for each author.
  • For complete control, manual creation lets you customize the design using PHP, HTML, and CSS.
  • Include essential elements like profile pictures, bios, social media links, and a list of recent posts for added value.
  • Use a consistent design across all author pages to maintain a professional look and improve user experience.
  • Optimize your pages for SEO with proper headings, meta descriptions, and relevant keywords to increase visibility.
  • A well-designed author page highlights your contributors and keeps readers exploring your site longer.

What is an Author Page?

WordPress author pages are special sections on a WordPress site highlighting each writer contributing to the site. These pages usually include the author’s name, a short bio, and a list of their articles. It’s like a mini profile where readers can get to know the person behind the content they enjoy.

Author pages play a huge role in organizing your WordPress website. Instead of readers searching all over the site, they can go to an author’s page to see the writer’s background, interest, and all their articles in one place. This improves site navigation, helping visitors get where they want faster. It’s also helpful if your site has multiple writers covering different topics.

Having a WordPress author page does not only show the author’s bio; it brings several advantages to your site:

For example, author pages allow writers to share their unique insights and knowledge. A clear bio helps establish their expertise and shows why they’re qualified to write on certain topics. This can build trust with readers and make them more likely to return for more content.

With author pages, it’s simple for visitors to find specific content from their favorite writers. Instead of scrolling through pages or using the search bar, they can go straight to an author’s page to see everything they’ve written. This organized setup keeps visitors happy and encourages them to explore more.

Also, WordPress author pages give readers a personal connection with the writers. By learning more about the author, readers feel they know the person behind the words. This connection can lead to more comments, shares, and overall engagement with the content, helping your site grow.

Author Page vs Author Galleries

When they build a WordPress website, some people use both Author Pages and Author Galleries—but what’s the difference? Let’s break down what each one is and why each is useful.

An Author Page is a dedicated profile page for each writer. It’s a space that highlights the author’s bio, experience, and a list of all the articles they’ve written. For instance, when you click on an author’s name in a blog post, you’re often taken to their author page. This page focuses solely on that person, giving readers a deeper look at their work and expertise. Here’s an author’s page example:

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Author Page

There’s also an Author Gallery, a page displaying profiles of all the authors on the site. Instead of focusing on just one person, an author gallery summarizes each writer with a short bio and possibly their profile picture.

This layout allows readers to see all the contributors on your WordPress site quickly and in one place. It’s like a team page, where visitors can browse through different authors and click to explore more about each one individually.

So, when should you use each of these? If you wish to tell readers more about one specific writer and find all their work, the best option is an Author Page. However, if you want to introduce all your contributors on one page, an Author Gallery is the way to go.

Prerequisites

Before you move forward and create a WordPress author page, it’s important to have at least one author created on your WordPress website. This lets you check if elements like photos and descriptions display properly while customizing the author page.

Here’s how to create a WordPress Author User:

Log into your WordPress Dashboard. Head to Users Add New User.  Enter a Username for the new author. This should be unique and easy to remember. Add an Email for the author. This is required for WordPress notifications and password recovery.

Optionally, fill in the First Name, Last Name, and Website fields to add more personal details. Then, give the new user a Password and confirm it. In the Role dropdown menu, select Author. This role allows the user to write, edit, and publish their posts without having access to the overall site management.

If you’d like WordPress to notify the new user, check the box next to Send User Notification. This sends the author an email with login details. Once all information is filled out, click Add New User to create the author account.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Create Author Account

To complete user account information, navigate to Users All Users. Hover over your desired username and click Edit.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Edit User Details

Now, ensure you’ve filled in the Name section.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Complete Name Section

The Contact Info and About the user sections.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Fill In User and Contact Details

Don’t forget to save your changes. Now, the author’s account is ready to be used. You can assign blog posts to this author, and any custom author page will display the profile, bio, and posts related to them, making your custom author page meaningful and informative for readers.

How to Create a Custom WordPress Author Page

There are 3 ways to create a custom author page:

  1. Use a Plugin
  2. Use a Page Builder
  3. Manually Create Author Page.

Let’s start with the easy approaches first and then discuss more challenging ones.

Use a Plugin

One of the easiest ways to make custom WordPress author pages is by using a plugin, which saves you from coding. There are multiple plugins like SeedProd and WP Post Author that you can use based on your ease and requirements.

We use the Ultimate Member plugin for this tutorial because it helps you create beautifully customized author pages quickly and easily. This plugin offers options to personalize author profiles, making them more engaging for readers.

Here’s how you can use it:

Login to your WordPress Admin Dashboard. Navigate to Plugins Add New Plugin. In the search bar, type “Ultimate Member”. Once the required plugin shows up, click Install Now next to your plugin’s name.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Install Plugin

After installation, click Activate to enable the plugin.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Activate Plugin

After activating the plugin, you’ll notice a new prompt for creating pages. Click on Create Pages. This will automatically generate the following seven (7) default pages:

  1. User page           
  2. Login page         
  3. Register page    
  4. Members page
  5. Logout page      
  6. Account page
  7. Password Reset page.

If you missed clicking Create Pages after activating the Ultimate Member plugin, you can still manually set up a custom WordPress author page.

To do this, navigate to Ultimate MemberSettings. Click on General, look for the Pages section, and click Create Default next to the User page option.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Create Default User Page

Similarly, you can create other default pages as well. Once done with that, click Save Changes.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Save All Default Pages

To see the changes, visit one of your existing author pages by clicking on the author’s name in a blog post.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Access Author Page

Now you’ll see an Ultimate Member module displaying the author’s information. The appearance might be slightly different depending on what WordPress theme you’re using.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Custom Author Page

Customize WordPress Author Page

When you set up the Ultimate Member author page, some basic information from the WordPress User page might appear by default. To customize it further, follow these steps:

Click on the Gear icon to access more settings and select Edit Profile to start personalizing the content.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Edit Author Profile

In the profile editor, you can add a variety of elements that enhance the author’s profile and make it more visually appealing:

  • Profile Photo: Upload a professional or personal photo to give a face to the author’s name.
  • Cover Photo: Add an image distinguishing the author’s personality or work style.
  • Author Bio: Update the bio section with a short description of the author’s background, expertise, or interests. Ensure you keep it less than 180 characters.

Once you’ve finished adding these elements, click Update Profile to save changes.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Customize Author Profile

If you see an empty section below the bio with a message saying, “This user has not added any information to their profile yet”, don’t worry! You’ll add content to this section in the next step.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Seems Empty Profile

To add content to the WordPress author page, go to Ultimate MemberForms in your WordPress Dashboard. Hover over the Default Profile form and click Edit to open the form editor, where you can add fields beyond the basic profile elements.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Edit Default Profile

In Form Builder, click Add Field (represented with the +) to create additional sections for profile details.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Add Additional Fields

Now, a Fields Manager screen will appear; here you can add fields that provide more in-depth information about the author. Some ideas include a website URL and a LinkedIn profile, etc.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Add Additional Fields

To add, click on each field one by one.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Add Website and LinkedIn Fields

Then, click Update to save your form.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Update Default Profile Form

Once you’ve added these new fields, authors can access and update them in their specific profiles. They can do so by clicking the Gear button on their profile page and selecting Edit Profile to see these new fields (e.g., Website URL and LinkedIn, in our case) and fill in their information.

After authors click Update Profile, all the newly added fields, such as social media links and site URLs, will now be visible on their author page.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Edit Author Details

Visitors can also click on the Posts (pencil icon) to view a list of articles or posts written by the author.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Posts Section

This is what our sample WordPress author page looks like:

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Hosted Author Page

This customization process allows you to make each author’s profile page more informative and visually appealing, creating a more engaging experience for your readers. With Ultimate Member, you can transform standard author pages into unique profiles that reflect each author’s personality and expertise.

Create a custom author page that showcases your unique voice and expertise, allowing you to connect with your audience and establish your authority in your niche.
With Hosted.com’s WordPress Hosting, you can ensure your site runs smoothly and efficiently, giving you the freedom to focus on crafting engaging content without worrying about technical issues.

Use a Page Builder

Another way to create custom WordPress author pages is by using a page builder. Page builders give you a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to design pages. You can create unique layouts, add special elements, and customize the look to fit your site. One of the best page builders for this is Elementor Pro.

To begin, you’ll first need to install and activate Elementor Pro. The process is the same as when we installed a plugin in the previous section. However, you must upload the plugin file if you’ve already purchased it.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Upload Plugin Files

With Elementor Pro ready, you can set up an “about the author page” template. To do that:

Go to WordPress Dashboard Templates Theme Builder.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page -

Open Theme Builder

Click Archive (since an author page is a type of archive for posts) and then click Add New.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Add New Archive Page

Elementor offers a wide range of pre-designed templates for archive pages. You can choose a layout that suits your author pages. However, if you prefer to begin with a blank slate, click Close (X) to exit the template library.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Exit Template Library

Personalize Author Page Template

Now that you have an empty template, you can add elements to make the page unique. Here’s how to set up a personalized WordPress author page that includes an author bio, profile photo, and recent posts:

Start by searching for the Author Box widget in Elementor’s Elements section. Drag and drop the Author Box into the area where you want it to appear on your author page.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Insert Author Box Widget

Set the Source to the Current Author to automatically display data in the author’s WordPress profile. Now, customize the Author Box to make the profile engaging and informative. Here are a few elements you can include to create a complete profile:

  • Profile picture: A recognizable image helps readers connect with the author. You can resize the image as required.
  • Author’s name: Display the name prominently to identify the author.
  • Website links: Include links to the author’s website or portfolio.
  • Biography: Add a brief bio to give readers insight into the author’s background and expertise.

You can also change the Layout and Alignment to fit your requirements.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Edit Author Box

If you’re using an archive template, the author’s latest posts should display automatically below Author Box. However, if the posts don’t appear, you can manually add them by searching for the Archive Posts widget in the Elements section. Drag the Archive Posts widget onto the page, positioning it below the Author Box to showcase the author’s recent posts.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Insert Archive Posts Widget

You can customize it further using the Content, Style, and Advanced tabs for the Archive Posts widget.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Edit Archive Posts

Also, if you want to add another widget, like social icons under the Author Box, click on the Add Element button in the top left.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Add Element Using Elementor Editor

Search and insert the Social Icons widget. As with other widgets, you can personalize this as well.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Add Social Icons Widget

Remember, you must select the widget to edit it. Once you’re happy with the design, click Publish in the top right of the Elementor editor.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Publish Page

After clicking Publish, a popup will appear asking where you want this template displayed. Click Add Condition.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Add Condition to Display a Page

Then, select Author Archive from the dropdown. Set this template as the default Author Archive page for all authors by choosing All. This ensures that every WordPress author page on your site will follow this template layout. After that, click Save and Close to activate the author page template.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Set Template as Default Author Archive Page

Now, visit one of the author pages to preview how it looks live. If adjustments are needed, return to the Elementor editor to fine-tune the design until you’re satisfied with the results.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Preview Author Page

Create WordPress Author Page Manually

This method is recommended if you’re comfortable with coding. Creating a custom author page manually gives you the most control over its design and layout. This approach allows you to fully customize the page to match your WordPress website’s style and display the data you want to display.

Before making changes, it’s important to create a child theme. A child theme is a copy of your current theme that keeps your custom changes safe when you update the main theme. If you haven’t created it yet, go through the following detailed tutorial to create a child theme first:

How to Create a Child Theme: Best Practices

Once created, activate the child theme. Now that you have a child theme, it’s time to edit the theme files to create a custom WordPress author page. Here’s how to do it:

Use an FTP client (like FileZilla) or your hosting’s File Manager feature to access your WordPress files. For this tutorial, we use the Hosted.com File Manager. If you’re a Hosted.com user, go to cPanel Files File Manager. You may also refer to the following article if you need any detailed assistance about using File Manager:

How to Use cPanel File Manager

Now, go to your child theme folder by navigating to the following directory:

public_html/wp-content/themes/your-child-theme/.

In our example, the child theme is astra-child.

In your child theme folder, click +File in the top right. A popup window will appear, asking you to name the file. We called it author.php. This file will control the layout and content of your custom author page. Ensure the file is being created in the correct directory. Lastly, click Create New File.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Create author.php File

Now, select the author.php file and click Edit to start coding the structure of your author page.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Edit author.php File

Now, add the following code to the author.php file to create a basic structure for your WordPress author page:

<?php

/**

 * Author Template

 * Displays author profile and their recent posts.

 */

// Get the current author object

$author = get_queried_object();

// Include the header

get_header();

?>

<div class="author-page">

    <!-- Author Profile Section -->

    <div class="author-profile">

        <div class="author-avatar">

            <?php echo get_avatar($author->ID, 120); // Author Gravatar ?>

        </div>

        <h1 class="author-name"><?php echo esc_html($author->display_name); ?></h1>

        <p class="author-bio"><?php echo esc_html(get_the_author_meta('description', $author->ID)); ?></p>

    </div>

    <!-- Author's Posts Section -->

    <div class="author-posts">

        <h2>Posts by <?php echo esc_html($author->display_name); ?></h2>

        <?php if (have_posts()) : ?>

            <ul class="author-post-list">

                <?php while (have_posts()) : the_post(); ?>

                    <li class="author-post-item">

                        <a href="<?php the_permalink(); ?>"><?php the_title(); ?></a>

                    </li>

                <?php endwhile; ?>

            </ul>

        <?php else : ?>

            <p>No posts by this author yet.</p>

        <?php endif; ?>

    </div>

</div>

<!-- Include the footer -->

<?php get_footer(); ?>

Then don’t forget to save your file.

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Add Code to author.php File

This is how it looks on the front end:

How To Create A Custom WordPress Author Page - Hosted Team Author Page

This setup lets you display everything you want on the author page, making it unique to your site.

Best Practices for Custom WordPress Author Pages

Creating custom WordPress author pages is a great way to showcase your writers and keep readers engaged. However, to ensure these pages are truly effective, follow best practices. Let’s dive into the key points.

Consistency

Consistency is key when creating a professional look. All author pages should follow the same design structure so visitors can easily recognize and navigate them. For example, use the same layout, fonts, and colors for every author page. This improves the user experience and strengthens your WordPress website’s brand identity.

Relevance

Focus on including information that resonates with your readers. Highlight the author’s expertise, background, and links to their recent posts. Adding a brief bio and a profile picture makes the page more personal and relatable and displaying recent articles encourages readers to explore more of the author’s work.

SEO Optimization

Optimize each author’s page for search engines to enhance its visibility. Use proper heading tags (H1, H2, etc.) to structure the content. Write compelling meta descriptions for each author’s profile and incorporate relevant keywords naturally within the text. This practice improves your website’s overall SEO and helps readers find your authors through search results.

By following these best practices, you can create author pages that look great, also provide value to readers and boost your site’s online presence.

Strip Banner Text - Unlock the full potential of your site with Hosted.com’s premium WordPress Hosting. [Learn more]

FAQs

Can I create a custom author page without affecting other parts of my site?

Yes, you can! When you create a child theme, you ensure any changes you make to the author page template won’t affect other parts of your website. If you’re using plugins or page builders, they work independently and won’t interfere with your theme.

What’s the difference between a custom author page and an author gallery?

An author page is a standalone page for showcasing an author’s bio, profile picture, and posts. An author box is a page that displays profiles of all the authors on your site. Both are important, but a custom author page offers a more detailed view of the author’s work and personality.

What information should I include on an author page?

To make the page useful and engaging, include a profile picture, author bio, website or portfolio link, social media links, list of posts, and contact information (optional).

How can I make the author page SEO-friendly?

To optimize your author pages for search engines, use clear headings (e.g., <h1> for the title, <h2> for sections). Write a unique meta description summarizing the author’s profile. Use keywords related to the author’s expertise and keep the content natural and easy to read. Add alt text to profile pictures and thumbnails to improve accessibility and SEO.

Should I enable comments on the WordPress author pages?

While you can enable comments on author pages, it’s not common practice. Author pages are mostly used to showcase the author’s bio and posts rather than host discussions. If you decide to enable comments, ensure they’re moderated to prevent spam and maintain quality.

How To Install WordPress On A Subdomain: 2 Easy Methods

How To Use WordPress Tags Effectively And Their Purpose

How to Add WordPress Custom CSS: 5 Easy Methods

How to Redirect a Domain to Another Domain: Best Practices

How to Create an FTP Account A Step-by-Step Guide