For novelists, poets, and short prose writers, harnessing the power of the Internet is an effective way to reach more readers and build your audience. The social media and marketing experts at Web Design Relief know that writers who have an online presence can cast a wider net and connect with potential new fans and followers all over the world! Here are 7 ways to build an audience for your writing using online resources.

How To Build An Audience For Your Writing

Have an author website

An author website is essential for any writer who’s serious about expanding their readership. If a reader, editor, literary agent, or industry insider wants to know more about you and your work, they’re going to search the Internet for information. Your website acts as a hub for your publication history, details about you and your writing life, your blog, and purchasing information for your books.

If you’re ready to take this important step in building your audience and online presence, Web Design Relief can help! We understand the unique needs of writers and offer web design services to suit every budget. Check out our author website portfolio and schedule a free consultation today!

Join social media platforms

Social media platforms offer many opportunities to network and find a readership for your content. Most social media sites offer filters or tags to help you connect with and create posts for a targeted audience. To choose the right social media site for you and your writing style, take a look at this article: The Best Social Media Platforms For Building A Writer Fan Base

Send out a newsletter

Newsletters are the virtual “flyers” of the Internet. With an author newsletter, you’ll be in touch with your audience on a consistent schedule, allowing you to keep fans and followers up-to-date on your recent publications, your thoughts on the writing process, where and when you’re holding your next reading—whatever you want to share! Your newsletter subscribers are ready-made potential book buyers and attendees for your literary events.

Write a blog

Blogging will bring frequent, unique visitors to your author website. Writing articles for your blog will help you establish your voice and identity as an author. Blogs that are updated daily or weekly tend to drive the most traffic to web pages, but you can post to your blog on a schedule that works for you. As long as you’re consistent and offer engaging content, blogging will be an effective tool for growing your audience and keeping your readers coming back for more.

New to blogging or need some inspiration to boost your blog’s readership? Check out these articles:

How To Start A Blog People Will Want To Read

Writer: Create Your Own Author Blog Editorial Calendar

9 Blogging Mistakes To Avoid—And The Easy Fixes

Host a giveaway

People love getting free stuff! Consider hosting giveaways for physical or digital copies of your books or other prizes and promoting the giveaway on your author website and social media platforms. This will get your work into the hands of avid readers who can also be encouraged to discuss and review your work online.

Create videos or podcasts

While your target audience will be comprised of readers, video and audio content can expand your reach and your audience. Create a YouTube account for videos or a Spotify account for podcasts, and you can share readings of your work, recordings of panel appearances or book signings, book reviews, personal stories, and more to engage a broader audience.

Join a message board or writing community forum

Message boards and forums usually aren’t promotional platforms, but they can be a gateway to networking with your audience. Sign up and post about your favorite works, answer questions, and discuss topics relevant to writing and editing. This will strengthen your rapport with the online community, and they’ll be more inclined to check out your writing.

If you want some ideas for effectively using these tips to build your audience, turn to your favorite authors for inspiration. How do they interact with their audiences online? How do their author websites, newsletters, or blogs look? With this information, you’ll be ready to establish your online presence and grow your readership!

Question: Which of your favorite writers has a great online presence?