Connections: From Content to Community
One of the most important things you need to do, author, is to build your connections.
Connections are how word spreads; through recommendations, introductions, and shared posts on social media.
Start with your social media platforms. How do you currently connect with your followers? Responding to comments, tags, and sharing posts is the easiest way to build and maintain connections.
Once you get a handle on the basics, start by engaging them with questions. What do they want to see more of? Do they have any theories about your next book? Ask, ask, ask. They will answer.
Focus on your website next. Make it as easy as possible to navigate and sign up for your newsletter. Give your subscribers the promise of a sneak peek of your latest book or chapter, a hint of the latest cover, etc. in exchange for their email.
What about local connections? Have you introduced yourself at your local library or independent bookstore? These connections can be the most fruitful if you play your cards right. These folks will be the ones recommending your books to new readers, author.
Small steps lead to big results. Do not leave making connections on the back burner. The amount of effort you put in will directly correlate to the amount and type of connections you can cultivate.
Connections won’t happen overnight. There is a give and take with you and your followers. This is something you will have to spend time and energy fostering, author. Take some time each week to focus on building your connections. You will see the difference.
