Bridging the Gap and Making Digital Connections
You have your website, your social media accounts, and a new book with a release date. The hard part is done, right? Nope! Now it’s time to work on making digital connections with your readers, author.
The easiest option is to engage with your fan base on social media. Asking a question and waiting for responses is a great way to build engagement. Make sure that you engage as well! Respond to your followers, ask follow up questions, and be friendly. Simply liking a comment won’t leave a lasting impression like a response or tagging them in a post will.
Start a blog. When readers find an author they like, they are going to delve deep into everything you have available in print and online. Blogs are a great format to share shorter stories, insights, and slice of life tidbits. Blogs are how your readers will get to know you beyond your books. Utilize your blog as a more personal format, and be sure to respond to and engage with comments.
Create a newsletter. Newsletters are more formal and are best reserved for sharing exclusive content (like the title and cover of your newest book and excerpts), updates, and special offers.
Respond to reviews. Your readers are the most important part of being an author. Make sure to take the time and read through reviews posted on marketplaces and book-centric websites (like Goodreads). Even if the review is negative, take the time to thank them for reading your book, even if it wasn’t their cup of tea. As you read through your reviews, cherry pick the best ones for reposting on social media pages and your website.
Show gratitude. Regularly thank your readers for their time, commitment, and support. Without them, you would just have a published book. With them, you are an author with so many opportunities.
