“Very simply, a platform is the thing you stand on to get heard. It’s your stage. But unlike a stage in a theatre, today’s platform is not built of wood or concrete or perched on a grassy hill. Today’s platform is built of people. Contacts. Connections. Followers.”— Michael Hyatt, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World
I used to think that building an author platform wastes time. It didn’t seem like something I needed to do. However, as I started writing more books, it made more sense.
If you want to self-publish one book or two. You probably don’t need an author platform. However, if you want to make a business out of self-publishing or have an extensive catalog of books, you need a platform.
I have learned that the better your platform, the better chance you have to regularly sell books and create income. However, it is more than income and book sales.
Let me tell you why…
My Author Platform looks like a boat that has been patched together, barely keeping water out.
I never had a plan for my platform when I first started. I was writing online, and several people gave me the idea to write a book based on content I’d written online.
After a while, it was a task that I took to hand. And sure enough, I wrote my first book, Productivity Success.
Since publishing it in 2019, I have written five more books. Yet, I wrote on different topics and never created a cohesive author platform. Yet, in discovering what it takes, I realize there is a great deal to do.
Today, I wanted to share some of the things I have been learning and what I plan to put into play as I transition my writing to be much more specific to help me create a cohesive and focused author platform.
How to Build an Author Platform Today
Building an author platform is a complex task requiring significant commitment, careful preparation, and constant participation.
In this article, we have looked at many different areas of building an author platform, from building a solid online presence to utilizing social proof and interacting with readers through events and online forums.
Target Audience: Who is yours?
It is essential to know who you are writing to. Is it yourself but five years ago? Is it a specific group of people? You can launch into building your author platform when you define your target audience. Learn more: Who is Your Target Audience with Your Self-Published Books?
Author Brand: Who do people see when they see you?
You must build a strong internet presence and define your author brand. You may leave a lasting impression on readers and business professionals by building a credible website, making the most of social media, and using consistent branding. Learn more: Author Brand: You Are A Brand As A Self-Published Author.
Author Website: Where is your home base online?
This is an essential place to connect people to you. Consider it your online business card and resume. You can connect with readers when you create a clean author website that shares all the valuable information about you and your books. Read more: Author Websites: Do You Need One?
A Case for Social Media as an Author: Why do you need to care?
You can grow your platform by building a devoted following and growing your audience. You can engage with them, share exciting information, and create genuine connections. To learn more: How To Harness The Power Of Social Media With Your Author Platform.
Cultivating an Email List: the author’s best friend.
Email list building and email marketing are crucial for maintaining direct communication with your audience. You may improve connections and increase book sales by continuously giving great content, tailoring messaging, and utilizing analytics. Read more: Email Marketing: The Most Essential Piece of the Puzzle.
Social Proof: Who else likes your stuff?
Self-published authors frequently overlook the importance of social proof and reviews when they are just starting. However, you may build credibility, draw in new readers, and strengthen your relationship and trust with your audience by collecting reviews, presenting endorsements, and requesting them. Read more: Social Proof Is King For Authors.
Forums and Community: creating specific connections.
You may connect with enthusiastic readers, establish yourself as an authority, and broaden your reach within the writing community by actively contributing, offering worthwhile content, and establishing meaningful connections. For more information: How To Leverage Forums and Online Communities for Your Author Platform.
Final Thoughts on Author Platform Building
Always remember that consistency, sincerity, and a genuine desire to connect with readers are crucial as you set out on your quest to develop an author platform. Building an author platform takes time, but with commitment, perseverance, and the tips in this manual, you can create a robust and active platform that supports your writing career.
So go ahead, seize the chances that technology and digital platforms offer, and create an author platform that not only promotes your writing but also enthralls and engages readers. With each step you take, you get closer to reaching and inspiring your audience with your words. Your platform is the cornerstone of your success as an author.
J.R. Heimbigner is a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon who loves helping people grow in their faith and helping writers become authors. You can connect with him on Medium, his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Substack!
Start Here!
Are there other books to read? Sure are. I have two short lists of them in my Writer’s Starter Pack on Gumroad (It’s free; you should check it out). The only other book I want to highlight is my own.
It’s called Transform Your Medium Stories.
Initially written for writers on the Medium platform, the content of this book works for any online content. And it is a great short guide to help you write and publish your first book. So grab your copy today!
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