Authors! Are You Making These 10 Mistakes When Building Platform
Building platform is an essential step that all writers must take in order to perfect their craft. The building platform is the whole shebang; it is the promotions and marketing of the book, and it’s what gets the word out there! The personal connections created via writer’s platforms are second to none.
1. Rushing to Create the Platform
As mentioned, rushing to create a platform is a huge mistake. Sit down and think about what you want to say and do and the vibe that you want to give off before jumping headfirst into the ordeal.
2. Forgetting About It
Once you’ve created your website or blog, it is a never-ending, on-going process. Make sure that you don’t make the mistake of creating the site and then abandoning it, as so many others do. Regular blogs, posts, updates, etc. let your audience know that you are alive and well and that you are a personable individual that they might like to know.
3. Having an Unfinished Website
Your website is unfinished if there are grammatical errors, photos missing, colors that are off, etc. It never leaves a good taste in anyone’s mouth to see such a website, particularly from someone promoting their writing. Before you create and publish a website, perfect it. Paying attention to those tiny deals will take you farther.
4. No Purposeful Posts
Your blog (and website) should be a source of information and inspiration to the reader. If it fails to provide those qualities, people aren’t going to stick around very long. Be sure that each post you create is informative and tailored to the knowledge of the reader.
5. You Aren’t Active
Sure, you’re busy creating posts and pictures and ensuring that they’re perfect, but don’t forget that there are forums, other blogs, events, etc. that you should also be participating in for promotion. The more active you are within these communities, the better.
6. It’s Not Being Promoted
No matter how great you think your book is, plenty of marketing and promotion is needed to ensure its success. So many authors think that they have such a good thing that they don’t need to promote. Make sure that you’ve using every avenue possible to spread the word about your book.
7. You Follow Trends
Trends are awesome, except when you’re writing a novel. Setting yourself apart from the crowd with something new and interesting is always going to ensure that you get the popularity that you deserve. Allow your creative juices flow and discover something great!
8. Having Fear
You cannot be afraid when it is time to use the resources available to promote your book. If you are afraid, you are holding yourself back. Don’t be afraid to let that new idea out on your the blog or do something totally opposite of what is expected.
9. Outdated Website Information
It is imperative that all of the information on your website is up to date. Regularly check to ensure that links still work, phone numbers are updated, etc. Incorrect or outdated information is the best way to send a fan running in the opposite direction.
10. You Don’t Use Social Media
Twitter is one of the best sites for authors, but Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram also work well. Using social media gives you free promotion for your book as you connect to new people who, hopefully, have an interest in your words. If you’re not using social media, now is the time to create your free accounts and get with 2016!
