7 Steps In Building An Author Platform: How to Build Your Author Platform from Scratch for Lasting Success

Building an author platform is one of the best investments for aspiring writers, especially if you’re looking to grow your audience and establish credibility. A well-defined author platform not only boosts your visibility but also fosters a community of readers who are genuinely interested in your work. Here’s a complete guide on how to build your author platform from scratch to set yourself up for long-term success.

Why is an Author Platform Important?

Building an author platform is more than just marketing your book—it’s about building trust, expanding your network, and positioning yourself as a credible writer. Agents, publishers, and readers often look at an author’s platform as a measure of potential reach and engagement. A strong platform can make the difference between standing out and getting lost in the shuffle.

Step 1: Identify Your Unique Voice and Target Audience

Every successful author platform starts with a clear understanding of your unique voice and target audience. Think about what makes your writing style or story angle distinctive, and clarify the message you want to convey. Are you a novelist, poet, or non-fiction writer? What genres and themes do you focus on?

Create a Persona: Think about how you want readers to see you. Authenticity is key, so build your author persona around who you truly are as a writer, rather than trying to fit a mold.

Define Your Genre and Niche: Knowing your niche helps you connect with a community already interested in similar genres or subjects. This makes it easier to target the right audience with your content.

Step 2: Set Up Your Online Presence

To build your author platform, you’ll need a home base—typically a website—and a presence on social media. Your website serves as a professional hub where readers, agents, and publishers can find information about you and your work.

Create a Website

Your website is the foundation of your author platform. It should be simple, easy to navigate, and reflective of your brand.

• Domain Name: Ideally, use your name or pen name as your domain to make it easier for readers to find you.
• Author Bio and Photo: Introduce yourself with a compelling bio and a high-quality photo to make a memorable impression.
• Blog Section: Blogging is a great way to connect with readers, share insights, and improve your SEO. Write about topics relevant to your niche to attract organic traffic.
• Email Newsletter Signup: Building an email list is one of the most effective ways to nurture long-term connections. Add an email signup option to your website and consider offering a free resource as a sign-up incentive.

Social Media Presence

Select one or two social media platforms that align with your audience demographics. Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are popular choices for authors, though LinkedIn may also work well if you write non-fiction.

Engagement Over Promotion: Focus on connecting with readers, sharing insights, and discussing your genre. Reserve self-promotion for when it truly matters, like book launches.

Consistency is Key: Post regularly and maintain a consistent tone and style that reflects your author brand.

Step 3: Start Producing Valuable Content

Content is the lifeblood of your author platform. The more valuable and consistent your content, the more likely you are to attract and retain followers. Think beyond promotional posts and aim to provide real value.

Guest Blogging: Contribute guest posts to well-known blogs or websites within your genre to increase visibility and attract new readers.

Blog Articles: Write blog posts on topics that appeal to your audience. Share your thoughts on writing, discuss book themes, or even offer tips for aspiring writers.

Videos and Podcasts: Video content and podcasting are becoming increasingly popular. Consider hosting a podcast, starting a YouTube channel, or simply posting short clips about your writing journey.

Steps 4: Build Relationships with Other Writers and Influencers

The literary world is a community. Building your author platform includes fostering connections with other writers, influencers, and thought leaders in your field.

Collaborate with Influencers: Connect with bloggers, book reviewers, and influencers who have an audience similar to yours. They can help you promote your work and expand your reach.

Engage with the Writing Community: Attend book events, participate in author panels, and join writing groups. The writing community can provide valuable support, networking opportunities, and connections with potential readers. Example of a writing community is Scribcity.

Steps 5: Utilize SEO to Improve Visibility

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is essential for ensuring that people find your content organically. With a strong focus on SEO, your blog posts, website, and content can rank higher on search engines, increasing visibility.

Add Meta Descriptions and Alt Text: Include a brief description of your post that uses the keyword naturally. Add alt text to your images for additional SEO points.

Research Keywords: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to find keywords related to your genre, themes, and author platform. Include these in your blog posts and website content.

Optimize Blog Titles: For example, using the phrase “author platform” in titles and subheadings makes your content more discoverable for that search term.

Steps 6: Establish Your Email Marketing Strategy

An email list is an invaluable part of your author platform. Email marketing allows you to keep your readers updated about book releases, appearances, and any special offers.

Engage Your Readers: Use your newsletter to foster a more personal connection with readers. You can also offer free resources, discounts, or early access to chapters.

Send Regular Updates: Send a newsletter regularly—monthly or bi-monthly—to share exclusive insights, book excerpts, and any other valuable content.

Steps 7: Stay Consistent and Authentic

Building an author platform from scratch takes time and consistency. Success is unlikely to come overnight, but authenticity and persistence will pay off.

Be Patient: Building a dedicated audience takes time. Celebrate small milestones and keep producing valuable content.

Stay True to Your Voice: Readers are drawn to authentic voices. Let your personality shine through your platform and content.

Final Thoughts

Building your author platform from scratch may seem like a big task, but with patience and dedication, it can be an incredibly rewarding journey. By understanding your audience, creating valuable content, and engaging authentically, you can grow a loyal readership that supports your work for years to come. So, start today, stay consistent, and watch your author platform evolve.

With these steps, you’re well on your way to a successful and sustainable author platform that can set you apart in today’s digital landscape.