How to Build an Author Platform as an Independent Author

An author platform is a collection of online assets that help authors connect with readers and promote their work. It can include a website, social media profiles, an email marketing list, and any other online presence that an author has.

A strong author platform can help independent authors

• Reach a wider audience: With a strong online presence, independent authors can reach readers who would not have otherwise found their work.
• Build relationships with readers: By connecting with readers on social media and email, independent authors can build relationships with their audience and create a sense of community.
• Promote their work: An author platform can be used to promote new books, announce book signings, and share other news about an author's work.

How to Build an Author Platform

There are many different ways to build an author platform. Here are a few tips:

1. Start with a website: A website is the foundation of any author platform. It should include information about your books, your writing process, and your personality. You can also use your website to blog about your writing, share news about your work, and sell your books. This is a critical piece - your website. Having a popular social media page is great, but you own your website. Your Facebook Page and your Twitter, eh, X page, may be popular but guess who owns it? Zuck and Musk. That's right. Those cage fighters. Not you. Get your website going and contact us if you need help. 
2. Be active on social media: Social media is a great way to connect with readers and promote your work. Make sure you are active on the social media platforms that your target audience uses. Share interesting content, engage with your followers, and run contests and giveaways. Pick the platform you feel most comfortable with. If you are not a TikTok video influencer, no worries. Later, you can target the right folks. For now, get comfortable on one platform and go from there. Personally: Twitter, or, X, was great at networking with other writers, but Facebook, seemed better at connecting with actual readers. 
3. Build an email list: An email list is a valuable asset for any author. It allows you to stay in touch with your readers and promote your work directly to them. You can collect email addresses by offering free e-books, signing up for an email newsletter, or running a contest. Admittedly, we need to start building out our list. Again, it must be done. 
4. Network with other authors: Networking with other authors is a great way to promote your work and get your name out there. Attend writing conferences, join online forums, and connect with authors on social media. You want to network with an author? Network with me on LinkedIn. 
5. Get involved in the community: Getting involved in the community is a great way to connect with readers and promote your work. Volunteer at a local library, participate in book clubs or give readings at local schools or bookstores. Taking this to the extreme, I also maintain a local guide website, AcrossNorthHills.com which is dedicated to promoting the shops, services, and communities of the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, which is coincidentally a setting for some of my Midas Files thriller series. Boom. I have a community site where I can run an ad about my book set in this area. Not saying you need your own local guide site, but seeking out local community sites and getting involved in your community, can help get the word out about you. Start local, go national, take over the world. Well, that's my plan. I'll keep you posted. 

Building an author platform takes time and effort, but it is essential for independent authors who want to reach a wider audience and promote their work. By following the tips above, you can create an author platform that will help you connect with readers and achieve your publishing goals.

Additional tips for building an author platform

• Be consistent: The key to building a successful author platform is consistency with your efforts. Post new content on your website and social media profiles on a regular basis. I now have a weekly schedule. I don't always stick to it, but the idea is to post on this website every Sunday. In this regard, do as I say and not as I do. A content calendar will help so set one up. It can be as simple as an Excel spreadsheet. I like to use the web app Trello. 
• Be patient: It takes time to build a robust author platform. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results overnight. Just keep at it, and you will eventually reach your goals.
• Have fun: Building an author platform should be enjoyable. If you're not having fun, it will be challenging to stick with it. So, find ways to make the process enjoyable for you, such as networking with other authors or attending writing conferences. I particularly like writers that share my fondness for a good craft beer. What better way to spend an evening - talking about writing and enjoying a good beer? 

Are you an author who wants to build a platform to reach more readers?

We can help! We offer a variety of services to help authors build their platforms, including:

• Website design and development
• Content marketing
• Social media management
• Public relations
• Book Promotion
• We have a team of experienced professionals who can help you create a platform that is effective, engaging, and professional.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you build your author platform.