With the advent of the Internet, it’s become easier for a writer to build a fan base. Information about your work is just a click away for every prospective reader! But with this accessibility comes a tidal wave of options. How do you know which social media platform is best for building your writer fan base and brand? And which option aligns best with your online skills? The social media experts at Web Design Relief have put together a list of the most well-known brand-building websites and social media platforms and spelled out how well they work for writers.

Social Media Platforms That Can Boost A Writer’s Online Presence

Facebook: This social media platforms is probably the one most people think of first, and for good reason—the number of options on Facebook is staggering, including (but not limited to) the ability to post countless pictures and large blocks of text, host live events, create accessible community…the list goes on. Facebook has had a lot of time to perfect the art of getting in touch with people, so if you’re looking for the jack-of-all-trades, this might be a good place to start.

Instagram: Another very versatile social media platform, Instagram is more narrowly focused than Facebook. If you often find yourself wanting to use images to express yourself, Instagram may be the place for you. Its streamlined, efficient timeline lets followers stay updated on your projects. And if utilized well, Instagram can definitely increase your fan base. Instagram also allows you to post “stories” that disappear within 24 hours, so if you’re looking to give more off-the-cuff updates, it has that too.

Twitter: While Instagram relies heavily on images, Twitter opts instead to focus on words. Brevity is key on Twitter, and if you believe that the best way to get your thoughts across is via a few carefully tailored sentences, then this social media platform will work well for you. In addition, Twitter is incredibly fast-paced. Tweets reach a wide readership and are commented on almost instantly, which gives the platform a conversational vibe. Twitter also sees a vast amount of traffic and allows for cross-communication between users who have something to say and those who want to listen. For writers, it can also show off your writing chops; good tweets have the potential to go viral! Here are 11 ways to gain followers with a tweet.

LinkedIn: A much more niche platform, LinkedIn is still a good place to have a presence—especially if you’re building a readership for your professional endeavors. LinkedIn is entirely business-oriented; it lets you put your best foot forward by showing off your credentials and focusing on your skills and résumé. LinkedIn also enables you to make long-lasting professional relationships and plan ahead for future career opportunities.

Tumblr: Though its user base tends to be younger, Tumblr can still be a great way to get in touch with your readership. This platform supports all the typical social media options: text, photos, memes, etc.—but it features a progressive atmosphere filled with a lot of love for the arts. There’s also plenty of crossover between those who like to read and those who use Tumblr, so it’s a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people! Check out these tips for making Tumblr work for writers.

Pinterest: This is another wonderful site geared toward a more creative demographic. Pinterest allows you to assemble “boards” geared toward whatever interest you may have. For writers, it’s likely to be something along the lines of writing quotes, book covers, book recommendations, etc. The only drawback is the limited amount of user interaction; there’s no real way to connect with the people who post things on Pinterest, or to interact with viewers. However, it’s a wonderful way to compile some of your favorite images and maybe even get ideas for something new!

Snapchat: This social media platform is best utilized after you’ve built a presence and fan base on the more well-known platforms, as it’s difficult to start a presence here from the get-go. But if you’re a fan of quick, casual commentary and don’t mind being in front of a camera, Snapchat is a wonderful way to engage with a younger audience and make yourself seem more relatable at the same time. They’ve also got a host of  filters to try, so have fun!

Goodreads: This one’s a favorite of writers and readers! Goodreads can certainly function as a social media platform, but its biggest use is simply as a wonderful site for booklovers. You can peruse genres, authors, or specific time frames to find books you may be interested in reading. You can also read reviews by other bookworms! Goodreads is perfect for sharing the books that inspire you and to discover new books to read—after all, the best way to become a better writer is to become a better reader!

It’s best to use a mix of some (or all) of these platforms and websites to establish your author brand. You’ll reach the most people by being active on multiple sites and by cross-promoting your social media.

Keep in mind: Social media platforms can help you gain a following, but you’re still bound by the rules and parameters set up by the companies that control them. If a social media platform suddenly disappears overnight—so will all the followers you’ve carefully added. That’s why you should also have an author website and a mailing list that are yours and yours alone.

Question: What social media do you normally use?