Every writer has an author brand whether they know it or not. So how can you take control of it? Here are my four easy ways to streamline your author brand across platforms and within platforms.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR AUTHOR BRAND WITH THESE 4 STEPS:
1. Cross-platform brand consistency
Do you use the same author photo on all your platforms (i.e. Website and Instagram) so followers know they’re in the right place? Do you use the same colour scheme or header image on your platforms (i.e. Facebook and Twitter)? Use visual cues to let readers/followers/fans know they’re in the right place. This creates tone without saying anything and is an easy way to start having a consistent brand across the web.
2. Unique content per platform
If you promote the same links across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, e-newsletter etc. then readers only have to follow you in one place to get the same information. Try creating unique content (but not spamming people about buying your book) for each platform and see how your voice and following can grow in different ways.
3. Engagement
Rule #1 of social media and growing a brand is engaging with comments/readers/followers. Don’t let a single comment go by without replying. Show followers that if they have the time to visit your pages that you have the time to engage with them. Then they’ll keep coming back because they have a personal relationship with you. When it’s time to promote your book they’ll be there to support you.
4. Promote other writers/creators that are consistent with your message/tone/voice
It can be counter-intuitive to promote other people while you’re trying to grow your own following, but believe me–this works! Show the writing community that you’re there for them AND get your name out there by promoting other writers who are comparable to you. This increases your engagement with established authors, shows the marketplace where you belong, and links your name to theirs in google searches.
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Try that for a month or two and see how it feels. It will become natural very quickly!
Thanks CW! Especially like item #2 and I think many of us can get better at this.
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Very helpful. Thanks so much!
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Question about unique content over several social media outlets: I think I hear you saying, e.g., share a link to your blog on all other social media, but not set up blog to share every posting on every social media outlet you use? Sharing posts automatically is probably the opposite of unique content on each outlet, right? Thanks for clarifying. I’m still learning a LOT about using social media. BTW, I love numbers 3 & 4.
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Good question. Yes, promote a blog post across platforms, but try personalizing the post to each platform. I think we’re on the same page.
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Thanks so much!
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Very too the point advices. Thanks Carly.
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
Four simple, but effective, tips from Carly :D
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When I started my blog, it became evident that some of the “advice” for new writers was a load of manure. I was fortunate to find caring people with experience who genuinely wanted to support other writers.
Your advice is on-target. An example for your #4 point; Chris (who reblogged your post) reblogs many posts that are well-worth the time to visit. He consistently finds excellent sources and he is one of my go-to people for reliable information. I’ve watched his numbers grow over the past year and hope he attracts many more followers.
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Reblogged this on Machina Verborum and commented:
A great quartet of tips for all writers.
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1, and 4 I’m starting to get a handle on, but 2 and 3 are tough!
Engaging, when u still don’t have many followers, is well, like talking to yourself!
Sometimes it seems like blog my posts just go into the void, never to be heard from again. I get my best engagement on FB, but my blogs are not there yet…Any tips on how specifically to build up blog posts engagement??
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I hear you. If FB is where your engagement is then that’s where you should spend your time. Social media should be a natural fit. You can’t force anything unless you’re willing to spend lots of time, money and energy on it.
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Thanks Carly.
But I’m hoping it I’ll just take more time. You’re right about the “natural fit” thing, and Blogging does feel natural. At least it keeps me thinking and writing weekly…maybe I just haven’t been at it long enough (under a year) to build a following…
But at least it keeps me writing and thinking about writing every week…I’ll keep at it and see what comes…but as far as some of the other stuff that doesn’t feel natural, yeah, I agree. Dump it!
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Really great advice – thank you. I have been doing a diploma in digital marketing and am going to be doing one in social media marketing (both with Shaw Academy) and I have been amazed at the fairly simple tips that I have discovered. I totally agree with replying to all comments – ever since I started blogging (and LinkedIn etc.) I always reply to every comment because apart from anything else, I believe that it is rude not to. Nothing frustrates me more than those who I have visited, read and commented on and they don’t respond. Thank you again!
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Thanks for stopping by :)
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Thank you for this valuable information, Carly! Thanks Chris for reblogging!
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Sounds logical and doable. Great advice. Thanks. :-)
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Thanks for the valuable advice☺👍
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Reblogged this on WRITTEN REFLECTIONS and commented:
Platform – Platform – Platform
Love it or hate it, it’s a necessity for publishing in the 21st Century, whether you go the traditional route or the self-publishing route.
As always, Carly Watters presents a short and sweet post that takes five minutes to read and, in this case, no extra time to implement.
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Reblogged this on Writer's Treasure Chest and commented:
Carly Watters posted an interesting and simple way to streamline your author brand. Thank you very much, Carly! This is of great help!
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