Online Presence
We live in a world where we are constantly surrounded by technology. We use our phones to check emails, listen to music, and even read books. The publishing industry is almost exclusively digitized now – no more red pens for us! So it’s important that authors follow along with the trend.
Having an online presence seems fairly straightforward, but what does it really mean? We’ll take you through the basics and explain why you, as an author, should take this next step.
Where to Start
The best place to start is by creating your own personal website. By putting your name out there in the public eye, you’ll be able to add your biography, written works, and links to other social media platforms. Getting your website up and running first will allow you to grow from this point and only expand outward.
These days, having one online profile usually means having the ability to share information in various places. With so many different social media platforms to choose from, it is common for users to have their favorite where they have access to the latest news. This means it’s important to try to reach as many followers as possible by joining multiple platforms. Try out Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram first before adding others such as Goodreads and LinkedIn. By linking these sites to your personal website, you should gain followers in no time.
What’s the Point?
So you go to all the effort of creating a website and perfecting your various social media profiles. Now what? At first, it may seem like a waste of time, but this is when your skills as a writer are going to shine. Whether you’re working on your first book or are taking a break before you start your next project, this is the place to gain more readers.
Start out by writing one blog post every week. It may be about something as simple as your writing routine or a list of your favorite music to listen to when you write. People love learning more about the authors behind their favorite books.
By sharing what you’re working on and allowing people to take a look into your life, you’re not just promoting your name; you’re creating a brand. If you make this leap before the editing process of your book even begins, you’ll have plenty of time to promote and hype up your new release. The hope is that many of your followers will pre-order your book, giving it even more publicity before it is even published!
In this age of advancement, authors are being forced to progress if they want to be noticed. Change may seem scary, but it doesn’t have to be. With a simple website and some shared thoughts, you’ll be on your way to bookish success in no time. Good luck!