Six Steps to Grow Your Author Platform
If you want to sell more books, you have to extend your reach beyond family and friends. You need to grow your author platform so that people know who you are. You need to stretch, get your name out there, and become an influencer.
But how?
- Develop a Plan: Nothing happens in life without a road map. You can think you’re moving forward, but unless you know your intended destination, you’re merely circling the block. A plan allows you to put a goal in sight and course a direction. Even if your plan is simply a running list of things to-do that you review and update every week. It forces focus.
- Author Website: Think of it as your home base. But it’s not good enough to just have the website – you need to keep it updated with events and activities reflecting your efforts to sell books and promote yourself.
- Social Media: Become active. Facebook is the number one social media driver. Every author needs to have a Facebook author page. And once set up, build and promote it. If you’re unsure how, check out the videos on YouTube. They make it all seems so easy.
- Blog: Be in control of the message you want to create. Blogging regularly does that. It’s free – and should reflect your unique voice. Participate in a 21-day blog challenge – it helps build content and search engine optimization for your website.
- Publish Articles: Magazines need content. You’re a writer. Think about what topics might work and pitch them. For my book, The Intersect, I’m working on an article that links together ageism, immigration, and homophobia – three key themes running through my novel.
- Speaking: Get out there and let people know who you are. Seek opportunities to stand in front of large crowds and offer your expertise.
Finally, recognize that opportunity is everywhere. The trick is to know how to best spend your time. So focus and make it work for you. Be your own best advocate. Create the author platform that reflects who you are. Given time – and commitment – you’re bound to succeed.