Introduction
Building an online presence as an author might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By dedicating time to one strategic task each day, you can steadily grow your visibility, connect with readers, and build a strong personal brand. Let’s break it down into manageable daily tasks that fit into your schedule, no matter how hectic your writing life might be.
Day 1: Optimize Your Author Website for SEO
Your author website is your online home base. To make it work for you, optimize it for search engines so readers can find you when they search for your name, book titles, or related topics.
- Update your About page: Include long-tail keywords like “contemporary romance author” or “best-selling fantasy novelist” to attract the right audience.
- Start a blog: Write posts on topics like “How I Got Started Writing Thrillers” or “5 Lessons I Learned While Publishing My First Book.” These posts can help you rank for niche queries.
- Focus on book pages: Create a dedicated page for each book with a synopsis, reviews, purchase links, and keywords like “where to buy [Book Title].”
Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find keywords your readers are searching for.
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Day 2: Create Engaging Social Media Content
Social media is where many readers discover new authors. Choose one or two platforms where your target audience hangs out and focus your efforts there.
- Share behind-the-scenes content: Post about your writing process, book research, or a sneak peek of your upcoming novel.
- Start conversations: Ask questions like, “What’s your favorite book trope?” or “Which character from my series do you relate to the most?”
- Leverage hashtags: Use long-tail hashtags like #IndieAuthorCommunity, #HistoricalFictionBooks, or #WritersOfInstagram to increase your reach.
Pro Tip: Remember that consistency is key. Plan your posts ahead of time using tools like Buffer or Later.
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Day 3: Network with Other Authors and Industry Professionals
Building relationships with fellow authors and industry experts can open doors to collaborations, guest blogging opportunities, and book recommendations.
- Join online communities: Participate in Facebook groups for authors or Reddit threads like r/Writing.
- Comment on other authors’ posts: Support their work by leaving thoughtful comments and sharing their content.
- Attend virtual events: Sign up for online book festivals, webinars, or live Q&A sessions. Networking doesn’t have to be in-person to be effective.
Pro Tip: Collaborating with others helps you tap into their audience, growing your own online presence.
Related Post: Why An Author Needs Easy Digital Marketing Strategy
Day 4: Build an Email List and Send a Newsletter
Email marketing is one of the most reliable ways to connect with your readers. Social media algorithms may change, but your email list is yours to keep.
- Offer a lead magnet: Create a free resource, like a novella, a character backstory, or a checklist, in exchange for email sign-ups.
- Send regular newsletters: Share updates on your writing, exclusive previews, and personal stories to keep your subscribers engaged.
- Use segmentation: Tailor your emails to specific groups, like fans of a particular book series, for more targeted communication.
Day 5: Write Guest Posts or Articles
Guest blogging on popular websites or contributing articles to online magazines helps you reach new audiences and establishes your authority in your genre.
- Find relevant platforms: Look for websites in your niche that accept guest posts. For example, if you write sci-fi, submit to blogs that cover science fiction books or culture.
- Pitch engaging topics: Offer unique insights, such as “Why Time Travel Stories Resonate with Readers” or “How to World-Build Like a Pro.”
- Include a bio: Your byline should include a link to your website and a mention of your latest book.
Pro Tip: This task not only builds your online presence but also enhances your credibility as an author.
Day 6: Interact with Readers Online
Engaging with readers strengthens your relationship with them and encourages them to spread the word about your books.
- Reply to comments and messages: Show your readers you value their input by responding to their questions and feedback.
- Host an AMA (Ask Me Anything): Use platforms like Instagram Stories, Reddit, or Twitter to let fans ask you about your writing journey or characters.
- Run a giveaway: Encourage readers to share your posts or sign up for your newsletter for a chance to win a signed copy of your book.
Pro Tip: Make your interactions genuine and personal to leave a lasting impression.
Related Post: How to Create Content from Your Book for Social Media
Day 7: Analyze and Plan for the Future
Dedicate your final day to reviewing your progress and planning your next steps.
- Check your analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics for your website or Insights on Instagram and Facebook to see what’s working.
- Set goals: Identify areas for improvement and create actionable steps to achieve your objectives.
- Batch-create content: Prepare blog posts, social media updates, or emails in advance to stay consistent.
Pro Tip: Use long-tail keywords like “analyzing author website traffic” or “content planning tips for authors” when searching for resources.
Conclusion
By dedicating just one day to each of these tasks, you’ll steadily increase your online presence without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, the key to success is consistency and authenticity. Each small step you take will build your brand, connect you with readers, and pave the way for long-term growth as an author. So, pick a task, get started today, and watch your online presence flourish!
30-Day Planner for Authors to Boost Online Presence & Promote Books
- Consistency is the secret to success. As an author, your audience needs to know, like, and trust you before they’ll buy your books or engage with your brand.
- Yet, with the demands of writing, editing, and managing daily life, finding time to focus on promotion can feel overwhelming.
- This 30-day planner simplifies the process by breaking it into small, actionable tasks you can accomplish daily—no more guesswork or stressing over what to post.
- Each task is designed to help you engage with your readers, promote your books naturally, and steadily grow your online presence.
- You’ll find writing prompts to make content creation seamless, along with examples to inspire and guide you.
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meet nila
Hi. I am
Nila
Beta reader, book editor, Pinterest manager, Showit VA
I’m a beta reader and book editor and PA for authors, specializing in story clarity and developmental feedback. I run a sustainable online business that keeps working for me 24/7.
Along with this, I offer Pinterest management for overwhelmed creatives and entrepreneurs and set up and customize Showit templates when the tech side gets too overwhelming.
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