What's the point?

Websites are just one marketing tool and are not the end all and be all of your publicity. Most authors do not question if the cost of printing bookmarks is worthwhile, but most authors I know make or have bookmarks made.

While websites are a major investment, they are also a flexible investment. Bookmarks become outdated when the next book arrives. Websites grow and evolve with your writing. You can add content, change content and if your site is interactive (with a built-in blog, contact form, forums, contests, etc.) you’ll bring your readers back frequently, thereby building loyalty. If a reader feels she “knows” you through your site and feels a bond with you she becomes a loyal reader.

Web sites are not the Field of Dreams either. Just because you "build it" does not mean "they will come". You have to do your part in promoting it. Put it in your signature line on all your emails, make sure you list it on all your publicity material. Mythbuster here: Google will not send throngs of site visitors by tomorrow! You have to do your part.