I get it; creating an author brand feels hard. Your brand is your promise to your readers. It’s how you show up in the world, and your platform needs to reflect this. Your brand encompasses your website, author newsletter, social media, and speaking, just to name a few.
This probably sounds intimidating, especially if you don’t know where to start. But, trust me, the best place to start is with you.
Our author brands are made up of things we love and what we love to do, and a solid brand is a combination of what you write and who you are. It’s also good to share small personal details with your reader market and help them get to know you. Remind readers that you are more than just a name; you are a person with a personality.
Who are my readers, and what do they want?
Understanding who you want to buy your books is a great place to start. Its crucial to understand what they want – not just “they read these books” but specifically other things they are interested in. This matters because as you find a “theme” to your reader preferences, you can use these to weave them into your author brand and messaging. Try getting started with our reader profile that I’ll link in the resources section of this post!
Who is my competition, and what makes them great?
Success leaves clues. Understanding your competition and what they’re doing right can be really inspiring. Are you following other successful authors in your genre? If not, you should be.
What is my vibe?
This is the fun part! Colors, fonts, tone, and your public persona all work together to create the look and feel of your brand, so while it should be fun, it’s also super important. This includes your website, all social, your Amazon presence, your book covers, and even the kind of swag and bonus materials you create – the better they all compliment each other, the stronger and more professional your author branding will be.
What can I do consistently?
Author branding literally encompasses everything you put out there and what you neglect to do, so be honest with yourself. Consistency is key when it comes to reaching and connecting with current fans and potential readers. The best way to stay on top of this is to create a marketing plan and stick to it.
What are my short- and long-term goals?
As authors, we are constantly evolving but having clear short- and long-term goals will help you better establish an author brand that can support those goals. This will also help you create a clear plan that you can roll out incrementally.
Your Author Brand and Beyond
Details matter, and a smart author brand is all about details. The details are how you show up in the world, and the details are what matter and speak to your reader. Thinking about your author brand doesn’t have to feel intimidating or overwhelming. Sometimes it’s just as simple as paying attention to details and asking yourself the right questions.
Resources and Free Downloads
Monthly Book Marketing Planner
Check Out ALLi’s Self-Publishing News
Smashwords Founder Mark Coker’s Explanation of Author Branding is Spot On
This information is what Non Fiction Writers 2022 has just been covering for its 3 day workshops. Thanks – overlap is good.