Create Your Writer Platform

1. Platform is your visibility as an author and ability to sell books

Platform, simply put, is your visibility as an author.

Your reach matters. Platform encompasses who you are, your professional connections, and the media outlets you can utilize to sell books. It's about your personal ability to market yourself and your work effectively. In today's crowded marketplace, having a strong platform is crucial for attracting publishers and readers alike.

Numbers speak volumes. Publishers are increasingly looking at an author's platform when making decisions. They want to see concrete evidence of your ability to reach and engage potential readers. This can include:

• Social media followers
• Email newsletter subscribers
• Blog readership
• Speaking engagements
• Media appearances
• Past book sales

Build before you need it. Start developing your platform early, even before you have a book to sell. This gives you time to grow your audience organically and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.

2. Giving value to readers is the foundation of platform building

It is in giving that we receive.

Provide genuine value. The key to building a strong platform is to focus on helping your audience. Answer their questions, share valuable information, and enrich their lives. When you consistently provide value, people will naturally want to follow you and stay connected.

Create incentives for engagement. Offer free resources, exclusive content, or contests to encourage people to join your platform. This could include:

• Downloadable guides or templates
• Free webinars or workshops
• Early access to new content
• Giveaways of your books or related products

Foster community. Engage with your followers regularly. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and create opportunities for your audience to connect with each other. This builds loyalty and turns casual readers into devoted fans who will help spread the word about your work.

3. Start small, evolve, and aim for tipping points in your platform journey

Building a platform takes time. Strive for something real—strong channels that will help you sell.

Begin with manageable goals. Don't expect overnight success. Start by focusing on one or two platform elements and do them well. As you gain traction, gradually expand your efforts.

Analyze and adapt. Regularly assess what's working and what isn't. Be willing to adjust your strategy based on:

• Audience engagement metrics
• Feedback from followers
• Changes in your niche or industry
• New platform opportunities

Seek tipping points. Look for opportunities that can significantly boost your visibility:

• Guest posting on popular blogs
• Collaborations with influencers in your field
• Media features or interviews
• Viral content that resonates with your audience

Remember that building a platform is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency and persistence are key to long-term success.

4. Choose a specific niche and become the go-to expert

The broader your niche, the more difficult your road ahead.

Narrow your focus. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, choose a specific area of expertise. This makes it easier to stand out and attract a dedicated audience. For example, instead of "health," focus on "brain health for seniors."

Develop deep knowledge. Become the undisputed expert in your chosen niche. This involves:

• Continuous learning and research
• Staying up-to-date with industry trends
• Developing unique insights and perspectives
• Creating original content that showcases your expertise

Own your space. Position yourself as the go-to resource for your specific topic. Consistently produce high-quality content that addresses your audience's needs and questions. This builds trust and authority, making you the natural choice when people seek information in your niche.

5. Collaborate with others to expand your reach and opportunities

You don't have to go it alone.

Leverage collective strength. Partnering with others can significantly amplify your platform-building efforts. Look for opportunities to collaborate with:

• Other authors in your genre
• Influencers in your niche
• Complementary businesses or organizations
• Media outlets and content creators

Create win-win situations. When seeking collaborations, focus on mutual benefits. This could involve:

• Guest blogging or podcast appearances
• Co-authoring content or books
• Joint webinars or events
• Cross-promotion on social media

Build a support network. Connect with other authors and industry professionals. Share experiences, advice, and resources. This network can provide valuable insights, emotional support, and potential opportunities as you grow your platform.

6. Leverage multiple platform avenues, focusing on your strengths

Pick a few avenues and dive in deep—and don't be afraid to concede failure in one area, then shift gears and plunge into something else.

Diversify your approach. While it's important to focus, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Explore various platform-building avenues:

• Blogging and content creation
• Social media engagement
• Email marketing
• Public speaking
• Podcast or video content
• Traditional media appearances

Play to your strengths. Identify which methods align best with your skills, personality, and audience preferences. Invest more time and energy in these areas for maximum impact.

Be willing to pivot. If a particular avenue isn't yielding results, don't be afraid to reassess and shift your focus. Continuously evaluate the return on investment for your platform-building efforts and adjust accordingly.

7. Create quality content consistently to build authority and readership

What will separate the most trafficked sites from all the other thousands of competing blogs is simply quality and value.

Prioritize quality. Consistently produce high-value content that addresses your audience's needs and interests. This could include:

• In-depth articles or blog posts
• Helpful guides or tutorials
• Engaging videos or podcasts
• Thought-provoking social media posts

Develop a content strategy. Plan your content in advance to ensure consistency and cover a range of relevant topics. Consider creating content series or themes to keep readers coming back for more.

Repurpose and maximize. Make the most of your content by repurposing it across different platforms:

• Turn blog posts into social media snippets
• Create infographics from key statistics or points
• Develop e-books or courses from popular content series
• Adapt written content into video or audio formats

By consistently providing valuable content, you establish yourself as a trusted authority and give people a reason to follow and engage with your platform.

8. Utilize social media strategically to connect with your audience

I think we've been successful for several reasons. One is we fill a need. The second is we don't make it all about us.

Choose platforms wisely. Focus on the social media channels where your target audience is most active. It's better to excel on one or two platforms than to spread yourself thin across many.

Engage authentically. Social media is about building relationships, not just broadcasting. Strategies for effective engagement include:

• Responding to comments and messages promptly
• Asking questions and encouraging discussions
• Sharing behind-the-scenes content or personal insights
• Highlighting and interacting with your followers' content

Balance promotion and value. Follow the 80/20 rule: 80% of your content should provide value or entertainment, while 20% can be promotional. This keeps your audience engaged without feeling constantly sold to.

9. Public speaking and media appearances boost credibility and sales

Very few avenues will give you more instant credibility than having some impressive public speaking gigs under your belt.

Seek speaking opportunities. Start small with local events and gradually work your way up to larger conferences or industry gatherings. Speaking engagements can:

• Establish you as an expert in your field
• Create personal connections with potential readers
• Generate buzz and media attention for your work

Prepare compelling presentations. Develop talks that provide real value to your audience while showcasing your expertise. Use storytelling, humor, and practical takeaways to make your presentations memorable.

Leverage media appearances. Actively seek opportunities for interviews or expert commentary in various media outlets:

• Local and national newspapers
• Radio shows and podcasts
• Television programs
• Online publications and blogs

Each appearance builds your credibility and exposes you to new potential readers.

10. Quantify your platform to demonstrate value to publishers

Numbers matter in this business, so you must find ways to quantify your platform.

Track key metrics. Regularly monitor and record important statistics about your platform, such as:

• Website traffic and engagement
• Social media followers and interaction rates
• Email newsletter subscribers and open rates
• Book sales and reviews
• Speaking engagement attendance
• Media mentions and reach

Present data effectively. When pitching to publishers or agents, provide specific, impressive numbers that demonstrate your platform's strength. For example:

• "My blog averages 50,000 unique visitors per month"
• "I have 25,000 engaged email subscribers with a 40% open rate"
• "My latest Twitter thread received 100,000 impressions and 5,000 retweets"

Show growth trends. Highlight positive trends in your platform's growth over time. This demonstrates momentum and potential for future success.

By quantifying your platform, you provide concrete evidence of your ability to reach and influence potential readers, making you a more attractive prospect for publishers and partners.

Last updated: November 11, 2024