Every few months I watch another YouTube video telling authors the same thing:
"You need your own website."
"Stop depending on Amazon."
"Sell direct."
"Build an email list before it's too late."
I understand why people say it, but for me, the answer is simple.
I'm not done with Amazon KDP.
And no, I'm not rushing to build a website just to sell my ebooks.
Amazon Already Does the Hard Work
When someone buys one of my ebooks through Amazon, I don't have to process the payment.
I don't have to worry about credit card problems.
I don't have to send download links.
I don't have to deal with taxes in multiple states or countries.
I don't have to answer emails asking where the ebook is.
Amazon handles all of that.
At the end of the month, I receive my royalty payment.
For many independent authors, that's exactly the kind of business they want.
People Already Shop on Amazon
Millions of people visit Amazon every day looking for books.
That's where readers already have accounts, payment information, and trust in the checkout process.
If someone hears about my book, chances are they're perfectly comfortable clicking "Buy Now" on Amazon.
Convincing those same readers to leave Amazon, visit my website, create another account, and purchase directly can actually add extra steps.
Sometimes the easier buying experience wins.
A Website Isn't Magic
Some people talk as if creating a website suddenly means thousands of book sales.
It doesn't work that way.
A website without visitors is like opening a bookstore in the middle of nowhere.
You still have to market it.
You still have to bring people there.
You still have to convince them to buy.
Whether you're selling on Amazon or your own site, marketing is still the hardest job.
KDP Still Works for Me
I'm still publishing.
I'm still learning.
I'm still improving my covers, descriptions, keywords, and book ideas.
That tells me my KDP journey isn't over.
Success doesn't always happen overnight.
Many authors publish dozens of books before one starts gaining momentum.
Every new book becomes another opportunity for someone to discover your work.
That's why I'm staying in the game.
I Like Keeping Things Simple
One reason I enjoy Amazon KDP is that it keeps my publishing process straightforward.
I write the book.
I upload the manuscript.
I upload the cover.
I publish.
Amazon handles the rest.
That simplicity allows me to focus on creating instead of worrying about running an online store.
Could I Build a Website Someday?
Absolutely.
Having an author website can be useful.
It can introduce readers to your books.
It can share updates about new releases.
It can include a blog or media kit.
But I'm not building one because someone online told me I have to.
I'll build one if it makes sense for my goals.
Not because it's the latest publishing trend.
Every Author Has a Different Strategy
Some writers earn most of their money selling directly.
Others make a living through Amazon.
Some combine KDP with print books, audiobooks, speaking engagements, coaching, or Patreon memberships.
There isn't one perfect business model.
The best strategy is the one you'll actually stick with.
Don't Let Social Media Pressure You
One thing I've noticed online is that every creator thinks their way is the only way.
If they sell direct, they tell everyone to sell direct.
If they use Shopify, they say everyone needs Shopify.
If they make six figures with email marketing, suddenly every author is told that's the only path to success.
But publishing isn't one-size-fits-all.
Your goals may be completely different from someone else's.
I'm Playing the Long Game
Publishing is a marathon.
Every book teaches me something new.
Every release improves my writing.
Every reader matters.
I'm not expecting overnight success.
I'm building my catalog one book at a time.
That's a strategy I'm comfortable with.
Final Thoughts
Amazon KDP isn't perfect.
No platform is.
Rules change. Royalties can change. Algorithms can change.
That's why it's smart to keep learning and stay flexible.
But for now, Amazon provides exactly what I need: a global bookstore, secure payment processing, ebook delivery, and monthly royalty payments.
I'm not done with KDP.
I'm not abandoning Amazon because someone on YouTube says I should.
I'll keep writing.
I'll keep publishing.
I'll keep improving.
And if one day I decide to build a website, it'll be because it fits my business—not because I felt pressured to follow someone else's blueprint.
At the end of the day, every author's journey is different. Mine is still being written, and for now, Amazon KDP remains an important part of that story.
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