Building a strong personal brand is essential for writers to stand out in the crowd. Your personal brand is a reflection of your unique voice and it plays a crucial role in attracting readers. You can start building your author brand before you’re published. In this blog post, we will explore some fundamental steps to help you navigate the path of building your personal brand as a writer.
What is an Author Brand?
An author brand is your identity as a writer, it is the way people see and perceive you online. It includes the type of books you write, the way you write, your book cover, font, the way your website and social media looks. It is how the world see you as an author.
The reason why building an author brand is important (even if you’re not published yet) is because it is how you stand out from the crowd and attract future readers. There are thousands of books being published every month and having an audience of your own increases your chances of people choosing to read your book. If you missed the podcast episode Why you should build an author brand today (even if you’re not yet published) you can watch it below.
5 steps to building your personal brand as a writer
1. Define Your Niche and Personal Voice
To build a strong personal brand, you need to identify your niche. What makes your writing style and perspective distinct? Consider your strengths, passions, and the themes that resonate with you the most. By understanding your voice and niche, you can position yourself as an expert in your chosen field and create a consistent brand image.
Remember that as a writer you are your niche, not your private self. Only share things that are relevant to your niche and followers and avoid sharing private things. (You can create separate accounts for that.) My niche is a mixture of me being a writer, growth marketer and productivity enthusiast. I’ve combined my passions and choose to share the things I’ve learned about it with you guys.
2. Engage in Social Media Marketing
A lot of readers and other writers use social media to connect with others and to get inspired. That makes social media a powerful tool to build a following, share your writer journey and connect with future readers. Identify the platforms where your target audience is most active and create engaging content that aligns with your brand. Share snippets of your work, writing tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and interact with your audience to foster meaningful connections.
3. Collaborate with Book Bloggers
Collaborating book bloggers and other writers can significantly expand your reach and credibility. Research and connect with writers in your niche who have a substantial following and engage with an audience interested in your genre. Seek opportunities for guest blogging, author interviews, or joint promotions to tap into their network and gain exposure.
4. Develop a Compelling Author Website
Create a professional and user-friendly website that showcases your work, provides information about your books, and allows readers to connect with you. Include an engaging author bio, a portfolio of your writing samples, and links to your social media profiles to establish credibility and increase visibility. Also use your website to blog about your writing journey and share things with your most engaged fans.
5. Create Consistent Branding Elements
Consistency is key when it comes to branding. Develop a visual identity that reflects your personal brand and incorporate it across various platforms. Choose a consistent color palette, typography, and imagery that align with your writing style. You can use Canva to create templates for your brand. Utilize these branding elements in your website, social media profiles, promotional materials, and book covers to create a cohesive and recognizable brand.
Building a personal brand is a continuous process that requires consistent effort and adaptation. By defining your unique voice, establishing a strong online presence, and engaging with your audience, you can create a compelling personal brand that resonates with readers and sets you apart as a writer. Embrace the journey of personal branding and let it be a true reflection of your passion, authenticity, and dedication to your craft.
