If you are an aspiring author or a published one, you’ll realize the importance of having a strong author platform. An author’s platform is an online presence or a professional network, which builds your brand and connects you with the target audience. Your platform must reflect your skills, talent, personality, and expertise in the genre you write. Some authors believe that their writing skills are enough, but in today’s digital age, a strong platform is essential to keep up the pace with competition. In this blog, we will discuss strategies and tips to create a strong author platform.

Start By Defining Your Target Audience 👥

As an author, it is essential to identify your niche and the kind of audience that you’re writing for. Defining your target audience could be based on demographics, genre, or interests. Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, create content that resonates with them. Your content should reflect the values, preferences, and lifestyle of your readers. By doing so, you create a personal connection engendering a loyal fan base. It is also advisable to interact with your audience through social media platforms.

A person identifying a target audience using a magnifying glass

Create A Professional Website 💻

Creating a professional website is essential to establish yourself as an author. The website must have an about us section, which includes your bio, genre, and achievements. Make it visually appealing, easy to navigate and ensure that it aligns with your brand. It is advisable to keep a blog and update it regularly, covering topics that interest your readers and align with your niche.

A person designing a professional website on a computer

Leverage Social Media Platforms 📱

Social media is an excellent tool to create a fan base and build connections with other authors, publishers, and readers. Identify which social media platforms your audience most likely uses and create your account on those platforms. Consistency is key, post regularly, and engage with your followers. Conduct giveaways, promotions, announcements, and competitions to keep your followers engaged.

A smartphone with social media icons representing leverage of social media platforms

Publish On Platforms Like Medium & Wattpad 📄

Medium and Wattpad are great platforms that offer authors an excellent opportunity to showcase their work. Publishing on these platforms, in addition to your blog, helps get a larger readership. This increases your visibility and improves the credibility of your platform.

A person publishing on platforms like Medium and Wattpad

Join Writing And Reading Communities 🔐

Joining writing and reading communities is an excellent way to build connections with other authors, reviewers, publishers, and readers. Participation in such groups opens doors for collaborations, discussion, and networking. It could also lead to finding the right beta readers or finding a few good reviewers for your books.

A person engaging in a writing community

Attend Literary Festivals And Book Fairs 📚🎉

Attending literary festivals and book fairs broadens your horizons as an author. It provides an excellent opportunity to network, meet publishers, editors, and fellow authors. Attend panel discussions, workshops and engage in conversations around your niche. Exposure to the literary world keeps you updated on a wide range of topics and helps you stay relevant in the industry.

A person attending a literary festival

In Conclusion 📝

Creating a strong author platform takes effort, consistency and commitment. It requires you to not only showcase your writing skills but also your personality, interests, and values. In short, a strong author platform can boost your book sales and make you an established name in the literary world.

A person sitting and writing in front of a laptop