Last week we took a look at what an author’s platform is and why it’s necessary to sell books. If you didn’t get a chance to read that blog post, you can read it here. In short, your platform is your community of people who will actually buy your book. They’re your potential readers, your community, and your peers.
But a platform isn’t an abstract idea, it’s a community of people who are connected to you. Many of your potential readers, for example, don’t know about you. You need to create systems and reach out to your audience. Let them know who you are and what you’re about.
How on earth do you do that?
The first thing you do is build a blog. Buy your name. Visit the domain registration site of your choice. I use 1and1.com for both domain registration and hosting. You can use your website host’s blog WordPress tool to create a WordPress site. (It sounds much more complicated than it really is. You click “Install” and simply follow the steps as it guides you through the process. This handy tutorial shows you just how easy it is https://wordpress.com/)
Why WordPress and why blog?
Because WordPress is super easy to use, it integrates with social media sites so you can create a cohesive community, and because it’s content management system. Your blog posts are what will attract and build your community.
So What Do You Blog About?
Blog about anything that your audience might be interested in. If you write cozy mystery romances then you might blog about small town life. Blog about information that is relevant to you and/or your books. Share news about your book, your publishing schedule or any upcoming interviews.
Carve out a niche that is unique to who you are. I blog about ghost hunting adventures I’ve gone on and interesting paranormal tidbits I learn about online and through friends. My romance books are paranormal in nature so it fits with my interests and my audience.
Next Steps… Okay, so start brainstorming your blog. Visit the blogs of your favorite authors. Register your pen name with a domain registration service, and this weekend start building your blog. Next time we’ll talk about another component of your author’s platform, Social Media.
Quick note, I noticed that there’s a blogging workshop for authors and aspiring authors. It’s offered by Writer’s Digest.
http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/online-writing-workshops/how-to-start-a-blog/