New Writer Questions: How Do I Build An Audience?
Question five in a series of six questions
Don Martin, Real-Life Writer, is an email newsletter & blog exploring down-to-earth writing. Most installments are free, some for paid subscribers only.
New writers usually need to build a following for their work. They may seek advice on building an author platform, promoting their writing through social media and other channels, and connecting with readers in order to get more followers and subscribers.
Building an audience as a new writer is essential for establishing your presence, gaining recognition, and connecting with readers who appreciate your work. Here are some methods and strategies on how to build an audience.
Your target audience
Define your target audience. Before you can effectively build an audience, it’s important to identify who your ideal readers are. Consider the demographics, interests, and preferences of your target audience, and tailor your marketing efforts to appeal to them. It’s OK to start without this. If you continue, one may start to reveal itself.
Always try to offer content that is informative, entertaining, or inspiring to your audience. This could include blog posts, articles, short stories, poetry, essays, or other forms of writing that showcase your unique voice and perspective. Your writing voice is also something you may discover as you work at writing.
Build a presence online through an author website or blog where readers can learn more about you and your work. Your author platform will serve as a central hub for your writing, providing information about your books, upcoming events, writing process, and more.
Try to have meaningful interactions with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and emails promptly. Show appreciation for your readers’ support and feedback, and cultivate a sense of community around your writing.
Social media
Leverage social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tictoc, and Pinterest to promote your writing and connect with readers. Share regular updates about your writing projects, behind-the-scenes glimpses into your creative process, relevant articles or resources, and engage with your audience through polls, Q&A sessions, and live events. YouTube videos, even shorts, can help your readership and your SEO.
Offer free gifts or incentives such as sample chapters, short stories, writing prompts, or exclusive content to entice readers to subscribe to your email list. Building an email list allows you to directly communicate with your audience and nurture relationships over time.
Other writers
Partner with other writers, bloggers, reviewers, and/or influencers in your genre to reach new audiences and expand your network. Collaborative projects, guest posts, interviews, or joint promotions can help you reach a wider audience and gain credibility within your niche. Never publish anything without your link.
Participate in, or visit writing events, book fairs, author readings, and literary festivals to connect with fellow writers, industry professionals, and potential readers. Networking opportunities at these events can lead to valuable connections and exposure of your work.
Offer or host giveaways, contests, or limited-time promotions to generate buzz and attract new readers to your books. Encourage readers to spread the word about your writing by offering incentives for referrals or social media shares, membership, or subscriptions. Amazon’s KDP has a good and hands-off, automatic program for this if you wish to participate.
Last words
Building an audience always takes time and consistent effort. Stay committed to creating quality content, engaging with your audience, and promoting your work consistently over time. Don’t expect any of your efforts to go “viral.” Stay the course. Be patient and persistent, and your audience will grow steadily as you continue to build your author platform and establish yourself as a writer.
By implementing these strategies and staying dedicated to connecting with your audience, you can build a loyal following of readers who appreciate your writing and support your creative endeavors.
Start with a couple of these and add a couple of others to these until you are using most of them. Remember you are not in a race, or you will burn out.
New Writer Questions: How Do I Even Start Writing?
Question one of a series of six questions.
New Writer Questions: What Should I Write About?
Question two in a series of six questions
New Writer Questions: How Can We Become Better At Writing?
Question three in a series of six questions
New Writer Questions: How Do I Get Published?
Question four in a series of six questions
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