3. Build and Engage with an Author Platform
Owen Jones
Author of over 1,500 novels and other books bearing his name in the British Library.
Building, and engaging with, an author platform is essential for any writer who wants to succeed in today’s competitive book market. Your platform serves as the foundation for all your marketing efforts, allowing you to connect directly with readers, showcase your work, and ultimately drive book sales. Here’s how to effectively build and engage with an author platform using a professional website, email marketing, and social media.
Website and Blog
Your author website is your online home base — a central hub where readers can learn more about you and your books. A well-designed, professional website not only boosts your credibility as an author but also provides a place for readers to engage with your content.
Start by creating a website that is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and reflective of your brand as an author. Make sure to include essential pages such as an “About” page, a “Books” page where readers can find information about your titles, and a “Contact” page. Additionally, consider including a blog as part of your website. Blogging allows you to provide valuable content related to your books, whether it’s behind-the-scenes insights, writing tips, or discussions on topics related to your book’s genre.
A blog also serves as a powerful tool for attracting new readers through search engine optimisation (SEO). By consistently posting keyword-rich content that is relevant to your audience, you can improve your website’s visibility in search engine results, making it easier for potential readers to discover you.
Importantly, use your website to build an email list. Include sign-up forms throughout your site, offering incentives like a free chapter, a short story, or exclusive content in exchange for readers’ email addresses. An email list is one of the most valuable assets for an author, as it allows you to maintain direct contact with your audience.
Email Marketing
Email marketing is a highly effective way to keep your readers engaged and informed about your work. Unlike social media, where algorithms control who sees your posts, email allows you to communicate directly with your audience, ensuring that your messages reach the people who are most interested in your books.
Start by developing an email list, which you can grow by encouraging website visitors to subscribe through various sign-up forms. Once you have a list of subscribers, send regular newsletters to keep them updated on your latest projects, book releases, and events.
Your newsletters should provide value to your readers, not just promotional content. Consider including exclusive content such as sneak peeks at upcoming books, special offers, or insights into your writing process. You can also use your newsletter to share book recommendations, writing tips, or personal stories that help build a connection with your readers.
Segmenting your email list can also be a powerful strategy. For example, you might create different segments based on readers’ interests or their level of engagement. This allows you to send more targeted content that resonates with specific groups within your audience, increasing the effectiveness of your email campaigns.
Social Media
Social media is an essential tool for authors, providing a platform to connect with readers, share content, and promote your books. However, it’s important to approach social media strategically, focusing on platforms where your target audience is most active.
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Begin by establishing a presence on key social media platforms such as X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn, depending on your audience’s preferences. Be consistent in your branding across all platforms, using the same profile picture, bio, and tone of voice to create a cohesive online presence.
Engagement is key on social media. Don’t just use your accounts to broadcast promotional messages — interact with your followers, respond to comments, and participate in conversations. Joining relevant groups or communities within your genre can also help you connect with like-minded individuals and potential readers. Share content that is relevant and valuable to your audience, whether it’s updates on your writing progress, insights into your characters, or interesting articles related to your book’s themes.
Additionally, use social media to amplify your other marketing efforts. Share links to your blog posts, promote your email newsletter, and direct followers to your website where they can learn more about your books. Collaborating with other authors or influencers in your niche can also expand your reach and introduce your work to new readers.
Building and engaging with an author platform is a long-term investment that pays off in increased visibility, stronger reader relationships, and higher book sales. By creating a professional website with a blog, leveraging email marketing to communicate directly with your audience, and actively engaging on social media, you can create a robust platform that supports your writing career and helps you connect with readers around the world.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your reach, these strategies are essential for any author who wants to thrive in today’s digital landscape.
See you next week,
Onwards, and Upwards!
Owen.
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Google link to complete book: