My Social Media Strategy for Authors: “All, Then One”

Over the years, I have heard from many (so many!) angry authors who tell me that they simply do not have time to manage all of the social media profiles that seem to be required for an effective book marketing strategy.

I get it, dude!  I don’t like it either. Through trial and error I have found something that kind of works, so I will share it with you now. Obviously, once you get your book sales up and running and have an assistant-type person working for you, have them post everything, everywhere, all the time. Until then, just set everything up properly, then focus on one platform you actually like. It’s the best I can offer, ok? You can’t do nothing. You can’t do everything. So, let’s do this.

The “All, Then One” strategy is a smart way to maximize your reach while keeping things manageable. The idea is simple: start by setting up a basic presence on all the major platforms, and then focus your energy on mastering the one you enjoy the most. This approach ensures you’re visible everywhere readers might search for you, but you’re not spreading yourself too thin.

Step 1: Establish Your Presence Everywhere

Start by creating profiles on the platforms where readers expect to find authors. These typically include:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter/X
  • TikTok
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest (optional for visual genres)
  • Goodreads and BookBub (essential for authors)

For each profile, fully flesh it out. Add a professional photo, a banner image featuring your book or brand, and a short, engaging bio. Include links to your website and email sign-up page (do not skip this step. I swear if I meet you and you skipped this step, I am going to flip out). You don’t need to post regularly yet—just share a few updates so the profile looks active and professional. This step is mostly about reputation management and making it easy for readers to discover you.

Step 2: Pick One Platform to Focus On

Once your profiles are set up, choose one platform to prioritize. This will depend on where your readers are and what you enjoy. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

  • Instagram: Perfect for visual genres, quotes, and aesthetics.
  • TikTok (BookTok): Ideal for reaching younger audiences and showcasing fun, creative content.
  • Facebook: Great for connecting with groups or older readers.
  • Twitter/X: Best for conversations and short updates.
  • LinkedIn: Excellent for non-fiction or business authors connecting with professionals.
  • Pinterest: is perfect for visually driven authors and genres like DIY, cooking, romance, and fantasy. As a visual search engine, Pinterest can drive significant traffic to your website, blog, or book sales pages.
  • Goodreads is a must-have for engaging directly with avid readers. As a platform dedicated to book lovers, Goodreads allows authors to interact with their audience through reviews, giveaways, and book lists.
  • BookBub is ideal for authors focused on promotions and reviews. This platform specializes in notifying readers about new releases, discounts, and curated book recommendations. By leveraging BookBub’s extensive network, authors can reach a broad audience of enthusiastic readers who are actively seeking new books. HOWEVER, do not apply for/ buy a BookBub ad until you read this.
  • Reddit offers a unique opportunity for authors to engage with niche audiences and participate in authentic discussions. Subreddits related to your genre or writing in general provide a space to share your expertise, answer questions, and connect with readers who have specific interests.
  • Discord is perfect for authors who want to build tight-knit reader communities. This platform allows you to create private servers where you can host live chats, Q&A sessions, and exclusive events for your most dedicated fans.
  • Twitch is an excellent choice for authors who enjoy live interaction and streaming. Whether you’re streaming writing sessions, reading chapters aloud, or discussing your creative process, Twitch provides a platform for real-time engagement with your audience
  • Medium is great for authors who want to share essays or blog posts. If you enjoy writing thought-provoking articles or exploring topics related to your books, Medium offers a platform to reach a broader audience.
  • Substack is perfect for authors looking to foster loyal subscribers through newsletters. By sharing serialized fiction, exclusive content, or in-depth articles, Substack allows you to maintain a direct line of communication with your readers.

After choosing your platform, spend time learning its strengths. Understand what types of posts perform best, how often to post, and how to leverage its unique features (like Instagram Reels, TikTok Duets, or Twitter threads).

 

Step 3: Get Followers

You’re going to totally hate this part, so brace yourself. The way to get followers on social media is to connect with the fans/ followers of other authors who write what you write. That is why it is so important for you to know yourself/ your genre before you start this whole dumb book promotion game.  If you write YA novels, you are going to need to go where the YA readers are. Those people are following people like Jenny Han, Kasie West, Nicola Yoon, Morgan Matson, Sarah Dessen, Becky Albertalli, and Sandhya Menon, among others. This is why it is really, really important for you to read alot of your competition and know where their fans hang out.

You’ll need to follow the followers of the authors you would consider your “competition,” connect with them, and (if the time is right), ask them to be your beta readers or ARC readers. They know that genre anyway, so they are likely to say yes.  Don’t pay them or ask them to promote your book, and do not come on too strong. Just connect with them, send them your work (via BookFunnel please, just to protect yourself), take their feedback, and wait. Eventually they will become your fans and start advocating for you and your books, because they were there at the very beginning of your career and they “knew you when.” Trust me on this. I have seen this strategy work countless times (for the people who are patient enough to actually do it).

Step 4: Practice Practice Practice

Focus on creating engaging, valuable content that resonates with your audience. Your content mix might include:

  • Promotional Posts: Announce book launches, sales, or giveaways.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share insights into your writing process or your life as an author.
  • Engaging Posts: Ask questions, start discussions, or post fun, interactive content.
  • Helpful Content: Share tips, facts, or stories related to your book’s themes or genre.

Consistency is key, but so is interaction. Respond to comments, engage with other users, and build a community around your author brand.

Step 5: Automate and Repurpose for Other Platforms

While focusing on your main platform, you can keep the others active with minimal effort. Use scheduling tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Later to automate posts. Repurpose your content across platforms—for example:

  • Share TikTok videos on Instagram Reels.
  • Post Instagram Stories directly to Facebook.
  • Turn Twitter threads into LinkedIn articles.

This allows you to stay present across platforms without having to create entirely new content for each one.

Step 6: Revisit and Adjust

Periodically check your secondary platforms to ensure your profiles stay updated. You don’t need to post regularly, but keeping things current helps maintain your reputation. As you grow more confident in your primary platform, you might choose to branch out and actively engage on a second platform.


This strategy gives you the best of both worlds: broad visibility with minimal time spent and the ability to go deep on the platform you enjoy most. Need help choosing your focus platform or brainstorming content ideas? Let me know!

pictures courtesy of pixabay

Why WordPress is the Best Choice for your Author Website + How to Set it Up

As an author, your website is more than just a digital business card—it’s a home base for your readers, a space to share your journey, and a platform to showcase your work. To make the most of it, you need a website solution that’s easy to manage, looks great, and can grow right alongside your writing career. That’s where WordPress comes in. Originally built for bloggers (so you know it’s made for people who love words), WordPress has evolved into a powerful tool that authors of all stripes can use to connect with their audience, sell their books, and build a memorable online presence. Let’s explore why WordPress might just be the perfect fit for your author website.

1. Super User-Friendly
If you’re not a tech guru, don’t worry. WordPress is famously user-friendly. Its built-in tools feel more like working with a word processor than fiddling with code. From drafting new blog posts to tweaking the look of your homepage, you can handle it all without needing any professional web development know-how.

2. Perfect for Blogging and Storytelling
WordPress started out as a blogging platform, so it’s tailor-made for sharing your writing. Whether you’re posting personal updates, book release announcements, writing tips, or behind-the-scenes peeks at your projects, it’s super simple to create and organize fresh content that keeps your readers coming back for more.

3. Tons of Great-Looking Themes
When it comes to first impressions, visuals matter. The good news? WordPress has an enormous selection of themes designed especially for authors and other creative professionals. Whether you prefer a sleek, minimalist look that puts your words front and center, or a more artistic layout that spotlights your cover art, you’ll find endless ways to make your site uniquely yours.

4. Room to Grow and Adapt
Your career and audience might start small, but they won’t stay that way (fingers crossed!). WordPress can grow with you. Maybe you’ll start with a simple blog and a few pages. Later, you can add an online store to sell signed copies, set up a newsletter sign-up form to stay connected with fans, or even host a podcast. The sky’s the limit with WordPress, thanks to its incredible flexibility.

5. Incredible Plugin Ecosystem
Need a tool to boost your site’s search engine rankings? Want to add a special feature, like a gallery of your book covers or a pop-up newsletter form? There’s probably a WordPress plugin for that. With thousands of plugins available, you can pick and choose the exact features you want without cluttering your site with unnecessary extras.

6. Strong Community and Support
Ever feel stuck or have a question about how something works? Don’t sweat it. WordPress has a huge community of users and experts who’ve been there, done that. From step-by-step tutorials and YouTube walkthroughs to online forums and dedicated support teams, help is always just a click away.

7. SEO-Friendly from Day One
You want new readers to find you, right? WordPress is built with clean code that search engines understand, and with the help of an SEO plugin like Yoast or Rank Math, you can fine-tune your site to rank higher in search results. It’s a simple, effective way to get more eyes on your work.

8. Mobile-Ready for Today’s Readers
People read on their phones and tablets all the time, so it’s crucial that your site looks great on any device. Most modern WordPress themes are fully responsive, meaning they’ll automatically adjust to different screen sizes. This ensures your site always looks professional and is easy to navigate, no matter where or how readers find you.

9. Cost-Effective and Budget-Friendly
WordPress itself is free, so you can invest your money where it counts—like reliable hosting, a premium theme, or a few key plugins that streamline your marketing. You can start small and scale up as your website traffic and sales grow, making it a flexible and cost-effective solution.

10. Reliable and Here to Stay
WordPress has been around for a long time and is trusted by millions of users worldwide. It’s regularly updated, well-supported, and constantly evolving to meet new web standards. You can feel confident knowing your author website is built on a platform that’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

TL: DR
If you’re looking for a platform that lets you focus on your writing while offering endless customization, simple growth options, and a supportive community, WordPress is tough to beat. It’s designed with creators in mind, ready to support you as you tell your story, connect with readers, and carve out your corner of the literary world. With WordPress, you can build an online home that truly reflects you and your work.

Are you convinced?  Here are some instructions on how to do it!

How to Create an Author Site Using WordPress

1. Purchase a Domain and Hosting

  • Register your domain: Choose a name that aligns with your author brand, preferably your author name or something closely related. More about why you’re using your own name (and not the name of your book) right here if that interests you.
  • Set up hosting: Sign up for a hosting account. Many hosts have plans optimized for WordPress and include a free SSL certificate (important for security and trust).

2. Install WordPress

  • One-Click Install: Most hosting providers offer a quick WordPress installation feature in their control panel.
  • Manual Install (if needed): Download WordPress from https://wordpress.org/download/, upload the files to your server via FTP, create a database, and run the WordPress installation script. Detailed tutorials are available in the WordPress Codex.

3. Choose and Install a Theme

  • Free Themes: Search “Appearance > Themes > Add New” in your WordPress dashboard to browse free themes. Look for clean, author-friendly designs (e.g., Astra, Neve, or Zakra) with good typography.
  • Premium Themes: Consider premium themes like “Author Pro” (StudioPress) or themes from ThemeForest for more advanced features, built-in customization, and dedicated support.
  • Customization: Go to “Appearance > Customize” to tweak colors, fonts, layouts, and upload your logo or author headshot.

4. Essential Pages to Create

  • About Page: Introduce yourself, your genre, writing background, and personal story.
  • Books/Works Page: Showcase covers, synopses, excerpts, and links to purchase. Consider organizing by series or genre.
  • Blog (optional): Share writing updates, behind-the-scenes insights, reading recommendations, or event recaps.
  • Events/Appearances: List upcoming signings, readings, conferences, and virtual book launches.
  • Contact Page: Include a form (via plugin) for readers, media inquiries, or speaking requests.
  • Press/Media Kit: (Optional) Offer downloadable images, bios, and press-ready information for journalists or event organizers.

5. Install Key Plugins

  • SEO Plugin: Yoast SEO or All in One SEO to optimize pages for search engines.
  • Contact Forms: WPForms or Contact Form 7 for a simple contact form.
  • Newsletter Signup Integration: Connect Mailerlite or another email marketing service to build your mailing list.
  • Caching and Performance: W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache to speed up your site.
  • Security: Wordfence or Sucuri to protect your site from hacks.
  • Backup Solutions: UpdraftPlus or VaultPress to back up your site regularly.

6. Add Images and Branding

  • Author Headshot & Book Covers: Use high-quality images. Optimize them for fast loading using a plugin like Smush.
  • Consistent Branding: Choose a color palette and fonts that reflect the tone of your writing.

7. Navigation and Menu Setup

  • Create a Main Menu: “Appearance > Menus” in WordPress lets you arrange page links, categories, and custom links. Include top-level pages (About, Books, Blog, Contact) for easy navigation.

8. Integrate Social Media and Newsletter

  • Social Icons: Add icons linking to your Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or TikTok.
  • Newsletter Opt-In: Embed signup forms on your homepage or in the sidebar. Consider offering a free short story or chapter in exchange for email signups.

9. Add Additional Functionality (If Needed)

  • E-Commerce (Optional): If you want to sell signed books directly, install WooCommerce. Set up products, shipping, and payment gateways.
  • Events Calendar (Optional): The Events Calendar plugin allows you to list and manage book tours and speaking engagements.

10. Test and Launch

  • Check Responsiveness: Ensure your site looks good on desktop, tablet, and mobile.
  • Proofread Content: Double-check for typos, broken links, and missing information.
  • Set a Launch Date: Promote the site to your mailing list and social followers. After a final review, go live!

Costs and Ongoing Maintenance

  • Domain: ~$10-$20/year
  • Hosting: ~$3-$15/month depending on the provider and plan. More robust hosts cost more.
  • Premium Theme (Optional): ~$20-$100 one-time or annually if it includes support/updates.
  • Premium Plugins (Optional): Prices vary. Many authors stick to free plugins initially.

Ongoing Maintenance Tasks:

  • Updates: Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins for security and performance.
  • Backups: Schedule automatic backups and store them off-site.
  • Content Updates: Keep your blog fresh, update event info, and add new works as you publish more books.
  • Security Monitoring: Ensure your site stays secure with recommended security plugins and best practices.

Pros and Cons of Using WordPress.org for Your Author Website

Pros:

  • Full Ownership and Control: You host your own site, own your data, and have no platform-imposed limitations on customization.
  • Extensive Customization: Thousands of themes and plugins let you tailor functionality to your exact needs—newsletters, book showcases, sales pages, events calendars, and more.
  • SEO-Friendly: With the right configuration, WordPress can excel at SEO. You have granular control over metadata, site structure, and content optimization.
  • Scalability: You can start small and scale up as your audience grows. Need more features? Just add them via plugins or custom development.

Cons:

  • Learning Curve: You’ll need some time to understand how themes, plugins, and hosting work.
  • Maintenance Duties: You’re responsible for updates, backups, and security. This can be a trade-off if you’re short on time or tech-savvy skills.
  • Potential Costs Add Up: While WordPress software is free, premium themes, plugins, and better hosting might increase your expenses.
  • Overwhelm of Choices: The abundance of plugins and themes can be confusing. You need to vet options carefully to avoid conflicts or performance issues.

In Conclusion:
Setting up an author website with WordPress.org is a highly flexible and customizable approach. Although it requires more initial effort and maintenance than a hosted builder like Squarespace, you gain significant creative and functional freedom. For authors who want to establish a strong brand presence, optimize content for search, and have the flexibility to grow with their career, WordPress.org is an excellent choice. With careful planning, consistent updates, and quality hosting, you can create a robust, engaging, and professional online home for your writing.

The Best Author Websites Out There + What’s Great About Them

You asked for it, and you got it!  I have finally (finally!) gotten around to compiling my mega-list of the best author websites.

Below are many examples of author websites that are widely regarded for their design, functionality, and ability to engage readers. In addition to listing some high-quality sites by well-known authors, we’ll break down what makes these sites effective. Whether you’re an aspiring writer looking for inspiration or a curious reader examining how writers build their brands online, these examples showcase what “best-in-class” author platforms can look like. Take a look at each author’s page and make some notes. What do you like about it? What do you dislike? What features and functions can you use on your own site?

Also, this is a screenshot of the mega-fabulous “Warrior Cats” website, based on the books by Erin Hunter. It has so much going for it–an immersive universe with detailed maps, character profiles, and rich lore invites fans to dive deeper into the fictional world, fostering a sense of connection and discovery. Community interaction thrives through engaging forums, fan art galleries, and events that transform visitors into active participants, nurturing a vibrant and dynamic fan community. Meanwhile, multi-platform appeal is seamlessly integrated with merchandise, reading guides, and social links, encouraging exploration across various formats and catering to a diverse range of interests. Ordinarily I don’t recommend that authors build out a whole website over one book (or one series), but this is obviously an exception.

Sorry, got distracted by the Warrior Cats. Here’s the list!!

  1. Neil Gaiman
    https://www.neilgaiman.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Brand Consistency: Signature blend of whimsy and darkness.
      • Robust Content: FAQs, journal, and media appearances.
      • Reader Engagement: Blog updates, Q&A sessions, and community ethos.
  2. Margaret Atwood
    https://margaretatwood.ca

    • Why It Works:
      • Clean Design, Easy Navigation: Straightforward access to her works.
      • Multimedia Integration: Video interviews and social media feeds.
      • Comprehensive Bibliography: Detailed listings of novels, poetry, and essays.
  3. Colson Whitehead
    https://www.colsonwhitehead.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Visual Identity: Bold typography and sharp images.
      • Intuitive Layout: Easy navigation for events, contact, and press.
      • Engagement Channels: Social media and newsletter links.
  4. Stephen King
    https://www.stephenking.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Extensive Content for Fans: Chronology of works and discussion forums.
      • Multi-Platform Links: Audio clips, movies, and merchandise.
      • News and Updates: Regular posts keep the site fresh.
  5. Roxane Gay
    https://www.roxanegay.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Personal Connection: Candid essays and reflections.
      • Media Integration: Links to podcasts, columns, and interviews.
      • Accessibility: Thoughtful design and easy navigation.
  6. John Green
    https://www.johngreenbooks.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Youthful Appeal: Bright, playful visuals.
      • Community and Interaction: Links to YouTube, forums, and social media.
      • Transparent Updates: Announcements on books, tours, and charities.
  7. Brandon Sanderson
    https://www.brandonsanderson.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Fan-Focused Approach: Book timelines and project progress bars.
      • Community and Engagement: Forums and newsletter sign-ups.
      • Rich Extras: Annotations, reading orders, and behind-the-scenes content.
  8. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
    http://www.chimamanda.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Clean, Sophisticated Design: Minimalist layout.
      • Multimedia Integration: TED Talks, interviews, and essays.
      • Global Perspective: International media coverage and event listings.
  9. James Patterson
    https://www.jamespatterson.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Comprehensive Book Listings: Organized by series and audience.
      • Interactive Elements: Contests and reading group guides.
      • Frequent Updates: News on books, adaptations, and initiatives.
  10. Dan Brown
    https://danbrown.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Thematic Cohesion: Sleek design reflecting mystery and intrigue.
      • Engaging Media: Interviews, audio samples, and puzzles.
      • International Accessibility: Multilingual support and global events.
  11. Seth Godin
    https://www.sethgodin.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Email-Centric Engagement: Newsletter-driven content.
      • Minimalist Design: Clean and uncluttered interface.
      • Consistent, Valuable Content: Short-form blog posts.
  12. Erin Hunter (Warrior Cats)
    https://warriorcats.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Immersive Universe: Maps, character profiles, and lore.
      • Community Interaction: Forums, fan art, and events.
      • Multi-Platform Appeal: Merchandise, reading guides, and social links.
  13. Rick Riordan
    https://rickriordan.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Extensive Series Guides: Character lists and reading orders.
      • Reader Engagement: Blogs and event announcements.
      • Family-Friendly Design: Reflecting his adventurous stories.
  14. Sarah J. Maas
    https://www.sarahjmaas.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Visually Striking Interface: Elegant, fantasy-inspired imagery.
      • Clear Book Listings and Extras: Reading orders and merchandise links.
      • Strong Social Integration: Email and social media sign-ups.
  15. J.K. Rowling
    https://www.jkrowling.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Organized, Accessible Content: News, FAQs, and project updates.
      • Strong Brand Connection: Links to Wizarding World and thematic imagery.
      • Multi-Platform Ecosystem: Pottermore, social channels, and merchandise.
  16. Diana Gabaldon
    https://www.dianagabaldon.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Notes on research and writing.
      • Q&A and Essays: Personal essays and FAQs.
      • Engaging Fan Community: Inspiration for readers and writers.
  17. Nora Roberts
    https://www.noraroberts.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Author Branding: Professional site reflecting her work.
      • Organized Bibliography: Comprehensive series information.
      • Reader Engagement: Announcements and events.
  18. Claire Keegan
    https://www.clairekeegan.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Literary Focus: Emphasizing quality over quantity.
      • Simplicity & Elegance: Minimalist design.
      • Insight into Craft: Interviews and event listings.
  19. Stephenie Meyer
    http://www.stepheniemeyer.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Global Branding: Showcasing Twilight and spin-off projects.
      • Fan Engagement: FAQs and multimedia.
      • Adaptation Insights: Leveraging film adaptations.
  20. Colleen Hoover
    https://www.colleenhoover.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Contemporary Appeal: Vibrant, modern visuals.
      • Reader-Centric Approach: Personal connections through guides and events.
      • Social Media Integration: Highlighting active interaction.
  21. Hugh Howey
    https://www.hughhowey.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Behind-the-scenes insights into his writing process.
      • Engages readers through exclusive updates.
      • Fosters community and excitement.
  22. Mark Dawson
    https://www.markjdawson.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Reader acquisition through free content and newsletter integration.
      • Includes resources for indie authors.
      • A professional, resource-rich site.
  23. Bella Andre
    https://www.bellaandre.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Early access to books and exclusive updates.
      • Romance-centric design.
      • Focuses on fan engagement.
  24. Tim Ferriss
    https://tim.blog

    • Why It Works:
      • Valuable content like experiments and exclusive podcasts.
      • Minimalist design aligns with his productivity brand.
      • Practical resources hub.
  25. David Gaughran
    https://davidgaughran.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Actionable advice for indie authors.
      • Free resources and community engagement.
      • Trusted, educational platform.
  26. James Clear
    https://jamesclear.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Habit-building content aligned with his brand.
      • Results-focused site.
      • Weekly updates mirror email value.
  27. Rachel Hollis
    https://msrachelhollis.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Motivational content and event updates.
      • Bright, approachable design.
      • Fosters inspiration and community.
  28. Michael Hyatt
    https://michaelhyatt.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Productivity and leadership content.
      • Tools for time management and growth.
      • Professional coaching platform.
  29. Marie Forleo
    https://www.marieforleo.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Creativity and business advice.
      • Offers courses and tools like B-School.
      • Resource-rich platform for entrepreneurs.
  30. Elizabeth Gilbert
    https://www.elizabethgilbert.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Inspirational and personal storytelling.
      • Updates, essays, and resources.
      • Fosters intimacy and creativity.
  31. Ryan Holiday
    https://ryanholiday.net

    • Why It Works:
      • Reflects Stoic themes with daily wisdom.
      • Minimalist design.
      • Results-driven platform.
  32. Gretchen Rubin
    https://gretchenrubin.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Happiness tips and podcast updates.
      • Practical tools for growth.
      • User-friendly positivity hub.
  33. Jeff Goins
    https://goinswriter.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Resources for writers.
      • Tools for creative professionals.
      • Value-driven site.
  34. Lisa See
    https://www.lisasee.com

    • Why It Works:
      • Insights into research and writing.
      • Elegant design for historical fiction fans.
      • Deepens reader connections.

What Have We Learned?

Here is what all of these websites have in common. I’m linking you back over to the “Author Websites” page so you can see a comprehensive list of website resources we’ve created over the years. Because there are just so, so many.

1. Brand Consistency and Aesthetics:
Your site’s visuals—colors, fonts, imagery—should mirror the tone, style, and themes of your writing. A cohesive brand identity instantly welcomes visitors into your narrative world, enhancing recognition and trust.

2. User-Friendly Navigation:
Keep layouts simple and intuitive. Clear menus, search functions, and logical organization ensure readers can quickly find books, event details, media appearances, or contact information without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Rich, Updated Content and Email Signups:
Fresh content (blog posts, interviews, event announcements) encourages repeat visits. Offer an email signup option for newsletters and release alerts, giving readers a convenient way to stay informed. Embedding social media feeds and podcasts keeps your site dynamic and further signals that you value ongoing engagement.

4. Comprehensive Bibliography and Engaging Extras:
Present a detailed, organized list of works with summaries, excerpts, purchase links, and related resources. Enhance the reader experience with reading guides, behind-the-scenes notes, and interactive elements like quizzes or puzzles to draw visitors deeper into your literary universe.

5. Interactivity, Community Building, and Global Reach:
Foster a sense of community and inclusivity. Offer Q&A sessions, comment sections, forums, and multilingual support. Highlight international events, press coverage, and encourage readers from diverse backgrounds to participate—turning your site into a global meeting place for fans and followers.

6. Multimedia Elements:
Integrate videos, audio interviews, high-resolution book covers, and embedded media appearances. An immersive multimedia environment appeals to various learning styles and engages visitors longer, strengthening their connection to your work.


These combined principles offer a comprehensive framework for creating an engaging, reader-friendly, and globally appealing author website. By applying these principles—anchored by a strong brand identity, intuitive navigation, updated content, a compelling bibliography, interactive community features, multimedia elements, and strategic email signups—you can craft an author website that not only stands out visually and functionally but also builds lasting relationships with readers around the world.

What’s An Author Platform Anyway? A Quick Overview

Authors come to me many times frustrated and confused over this concept of ‘author platform.’ I felt the same way before I learned to market my books, so I’ll break it down here with a brief explanation. In future articles, I’ll discuss each component in much more detail.

Before your book ever hits the shelves—or even lands in an agent’s inbox—it’s crucial to have an organized author platform in place. Think of it like laying a solid foundation before you build a house. When you have an email list, a well-structured website, and an engaging social media presence all set up ahead of time, you’re giving agents, publishers, and readers confidence that you’re serious about your writing career—and that your book will find an eager audience. It also means that once your manuscript is ready to share, you can hit the ground running with promotions, newsletters, and social posts that already reach people who care about what you’re doing. In short, getting your platform organized early shows you’re not just creating a story—you’re creating a sustainable ecosystem that will help your book thrive.

1. Brand Identity

  • Why it’s #1: Your brand is the cohesive “voice” and visual style that ties everything together. It helps readers instantly recognize you—whether they land on your website, see your posts on social media, or come across your Amazon author page. Even if you just start with something like a great photo and a nice color palette you can extend over all of your website and socials, something is better than nothing here. You just want to look like you’re together and are taking your writing career seriously.

2. Email List & Newsletter

  • The Direct Line: Having a mailing list lets you bypass social media algorithms. You can share announcements, book previews, or behind-the-scenes goodies with people who genuinely want to hear from you. A reader magnet (like a free short story) can be a great way to entice signups. Read more (so, so much more) about that here.

3. Author Website/Blog

  • Your Home Base: This is where you showcase your books, author bio, and news—often the first place readers will visit to learn more about you.

4. Social Media Profiles

  • Community Building: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or LinkedIn give you a way to interact with readers and fellow writers in real-time. See my article about my “all, then one” strategy before you get overwhelmed and send me a message that there’s “NO POSSIBLE WAY  YOU CAN DO ALL OF THIS AND STILL WRITE BOOKS OMG.”

5. Presence on Book Sites

  • Key Platforms:
    • Amazon Author Central: Make sure your profile is up-to-date with a bio, photos, and links to your titles.
    • Goodreads: Engage with the reading community, collect reviews, and run giveaways.
    • BookBub: Build a following so readers get notifications about deals and new releases.
    • Other platforms like Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Kobo, depending on your distribution.

6. Published Work & Guest Appearances

  • Proving Expertise: Articles, interviews, or guest posts on other websites, podcasts, or blogs boost your visibility and credibility.

7. Events & Speaking Engagements

  • Face-to-Face Connections: Book signings, readings (in-person or virtual), and workshops let you connect with readers on a personal level.

8. Networking & Collaborations

  • Cross-Promotion: Building relationships with other authors, industry pros, and influencers opens doors to new audiences.

9. Media & Publicity

  • Getting the Word Out: Podcast interviews, news features, and press releases introduce you to readers who might not have heard of you otherwise.

10. Consistent Engagement

  • Staying Top-of-Mind: Regularly interact with your audience—whether through social media updates, blog posts, or newsletters—so your name and work remain fresh in their minds.

Free Promotional Tools For Authors

 

Promoting your work as an author doesn’t have to be expensive. Below is a list of free promotional tools, apps, and platforms that can help you build your audience, market your books, engage with your readers and stay organized effectively. You don’t have to do all of these– just try them out and delve deeper into one or more that appeal to you!


Social Media Platforms

  1. Facebook:
    Create an author page to post updates, engage with fans, and share events. Join relevant groups (e.g., genre-specific, writing groups) to network and promote your work organically.
  2. Instagram:
    Use it to share visually appealing book covers, behind-the-scenes writing moments, or quotes from your work. Engage with hashtags like #Bookstagram or #AmReading to reach readers.
  3. Twitter (X):
    Engage with writing communities and readers using hashtags like #WritingCommunity or #BookTwitter. Host Q&A sessions or participate in genre discussions.
  4. TikTok:
    Share short, creative videos about your books, writing process, or related topics. Use #BookTok to tap into a massive audience of enthusiastic readers.
  5. LinkedIn:
    Ideal for non-fiction authors to build authority and connect with professionals interested in your niche. Share articles, excerpts, or speaking engagements.

Reader and Community Platforms

  1. Goodreads:
    Set up an author profile and list your books. Host giveaways, answer questions, or participate in reader discussions.
  2. BookFunnel:
    Share free book samples or full books to build your email list. Create reader magnets to encourage signups.
  3. Reedsy Discovery:
    Submit your book for review and gain visibility among avid readers.
  4. Wattpad:
    Share chapters or short stories to build a following, especially for YA or genre fiction.

Email Marketing Tools

  1. EmailOctopus:
    Build an email list and send newsletters about new releases, events, or giveaways. Free for up to 2,500 subscribers with great beginner-friendly tools.
  2. MailerLite:
    Great for beginner-friendly email campaigns and landing pages. Free for up to 1,000 subscribers.
  3. GetResponse:
    Offers a free plan for up to 500 subscribers, including landing pages, email campaigns, and automation tools. Great for authors seeking advanced email marketing features.
  4. AWeber:
    Provides a free plan for up to 500 subscribers with basic email templates, sign-up forms, and automation. Ideal for authors just starting to grow their email list.

Content Creation Tools

  1. Canva:
    Design professional-looking graphics for social media, bookmarks, or blog posts. Create promotional content like book teasers or event announcements.
  2. BookBrush:
    Make custom book covers, 3D mockups, and ads tailored for authors.
  3. Lumen5:
    Convert blog posts or excerpts into engaging video content for social media.

Apps and Productivity Tools

  1. Trello:
    Organize your writing projects, marketing plans, and to-do lists with boards and cards. Ideal for tracking progress on book drafts or promotions.
  2. Evernote:
    A versatile note-taking app for storing ideas, outlines, and research. Syncs across devices for easy access anywhere.
  3. Notion:
    A customizable all-in-one workspace to manage writing schedules, research databases, and task planning.
  4. Scrivener (Free Trial):
    While the full version is paid, the free trial offers a rich writing tool for managing long-form projects like books or screenplays.
  5. Focus@Will:
    Enhance focus with background music designed to improve concentration during writing sessions.
  6. Clockify:
    A free time-tracking app to help you monitor how much time you spend writing, researching, or marketing.
  7. Grammarly:
    A free grammar and spell-checking tool that ensures your writing is polished before you share it.
  8. Forest:
    A productivity app that gamifies focus sessions by growing a virtual tree for every uninterrupted work period.

Free Author Website Builders

  1. WordPress.com:
    Create a simple, professional author site. Use it for blogging or hosting your portfolio.
  2. Wix:
    Easy drag-and-drop builder to create an attractive site. Good for showcasing books and events.
  3. Carrd:
    Create a single-page website perfect for highlighting your books and links.

Media and Outreach Tools

  1. PodMatch:
    Connect with podcast hosts for guest appearances to promote your book and expertise.
  2. PressKitHero:
    Build and share a professional press kit to provide journalists, bloggers, or event organizers with everything they need to feature you.
  3. Substack:
    Publish newsletters, essays, or serialized stories directly to your subscribers.

Marketing and Analytics Tools

  1. Google Analytics:
    Track visitor activity on your website to understand what’s working. Monitor traffic sources, bounce rates, and page performance.
  2. Hootsuite:
    Manage up to 3 social media accounts and schedule posts in advance.
  3. Bitly:
    Shorten links and track clicks to measure the effectiveness of your promotions.

Event Promotion Tools

  1. Eventbrite:
    Host free virtual or in-person events, like book launches or writing workshops. Promote the event via their platform.
  2. Zoom:
    Host virtual book readings, writing Q&A sessions, or workshops.
  3. Meetup:
    Create or join writing-related groups for networking and event promotion.

Free Tools for Review Generation

  1. Prolific Works:
    Offer free book copies in exchange for reader reviews. Build your mailing list with reader signups.
  2. BookSirens:
    Distribute review copies to interested readers.
  3. NetGalley (Co-Op Options):
    Some co-ops offer free or discounted NetGalley slots for authors seeking reviews.

Networking Tools

  1. Discord:
    Join or create servers with book lovers, genre fans, or writing communities. Engage directly with fans and potential collaborators.
  2. Reddit:
    Participate in writing subreddits like r/Writing, r/SelfPublishing, or r/Books. 41.
  3. Facebook Groups:
    Search for relevant groups like “Indie Authors” or “Book Review Groups” OR (super secret strategy) create a genre/ niche specific group. Think about it– if you write cozy mysteries, it makes perfect sense for you to be the creator/ admin of a popular cozy mystery Facebook Group (and Page). You will be able to promote your work to your heart’s content, plus you’ll have a fun place to discuss your own genre/ niche!  Get on it!

By leveraging these free tools, you can create a robust promotional strategy without spending a dime. The key is consistency—show up regularly on these platforms, engage with your audience authentically, and keep refining your approach as you learn what resonates with your readers.

Why Authors Must Use Amazon Author Central

Amazon
Photo credit: Bigstock photo. Contributor: graphicphoto

By now I hope most writers know that Amazon provides a valuable “home page” for authors of books they sell.  And you also know that Amazon probably now has in excess of 50 million customers (not all of whom are shopping for books of course) and by now sells something more than 25% of all books sold in America.  And a significant percentage of Amazon’s customers want to know about the writers whose books they shop for.

Amazon’s Author Central provides authors with a great opportunity to let writers to connect with readers through the resources Amazon enables you to post there.  Just like any other marketing opportunity for books and authors, it will take some of your time and effort to set up and maintain your Author Central presence, but the effort is well worthwhile.  The hardest part really is that you must visualize what Amazon shoppers are looking for, and then make sure you give them the kinds of information they will find compelling, engaging and useful – and which will draw them to buy your books.

For example, if you are a nonfiction writer, assume that many Amazon customers are looking for books and authors for business, hobbies and personal development.  So make sure your profile demonstrates how much you know about your subject.  Make sure it’s clear that you are an expert in your field.  A great Author Central page might even gain you more than book sales – we’ve heard of writers getting offers for speaking engagements and writing assignments through Author Central – which makes sense – what better source to find an expert for an event or conference than Amazon, with thousands of author experts available just by clicking!

Fiction writers have a chance to provide background about your work and the kinds of personal details that readers love to learn about their favorite writers.  You can post all kinds of information that will engage and involve readers who already know your work and attract readers who have not yet read one of your books.

It’s a no brainer to assume that book shoppers on Amazon are looking for a reason to buy a book, so why not make it easier to choose yours?  Author Central gives you a chance to show why they should pick your book, right now.  And for authors with multiple books, it’s the perfect showcase for a reader who has read one of your books to find out why she should want to buy and read more of them.

There are some really powerful practical benefits for authors to use Author Central as well as personal marketing.  For example, your Amazon book search results are enhanced by content that appears on your author page.  More content, more key words, all create more opportunity for readers to find you.  And when you have an Author Central account, if there are problems with your book listings, you can reach out to Amazon directly. That can be very valuable when a customer reviewer gives you a low ranking for an unfair reason.  Or when your print book and ebook versions are not linked as they should be.

The best benefit that authors get from Author Central might well be access to sales data.  Publishers pay Nielsen Bookscan a tidy sum every year for reporting of retailer sales data for their books.  Authors and agents are always desperate to know how well their books are selling.  When you know your current sales data, you can have a much better understanding of how effective your marketing is (or isn’t), and you can also see where in the country your books are selling.  Author Central also gives authors access to their Amazon sales data, including ebooks, which is very useful indeed.

Having access to this information ought to be reason enough to sign up for Author Central right now.

So in short, if you are not already using Amazon Author Central, go here now and sign up.  Since Author Central is really more part of the “setup” process of self-publishing rather than the promotional process, we have moved the actual “What to put on an author central page” material over to the Self Publishing Checklist. Go on over there and check it out!

Go have some fun building connections with readers!