Do Self-Published Authors Need To Blog? ǀ Self-Publishing Relief

by | Self-Published Authors | 0 comments

Do Self-Published Authors Need To Blog? ǀ Self-Publishing Relief

There are still authors who believe once they publish a book, all they have to do is sit back and let the royalties roll in. However, in today’s competitive marketplace, both traditionally published and self-published authors need to actively promote themselves and their books if they want to make sales. There are many ways to reach your audience, including social media, book reading events, and freebies. But the marketing experts at Self-Publishing Relief know one of the best ways to build a long-term relationship with readers (aka potential buyers!) is through a well-maintained blog. Here’s why self-published authors need to blog.

   

Why Self-Published Authors Need To Blog

Though there are multiple social media platforms you can use to build your author brand, they don’t offer as much flexibility or opportunities for targeted personalization as blogging. Think of it this way: you are the brand you are ultimately trying to sell—the book is almost secondary. By writing engaging content and posting consistently, you can draw fans and readers into your writing life so they become interested in you and your work.

While your author website should be the hub for your online presence, your blog is the heart and soul of that presence. And the long-term benefits of blogging aren’t limited to book marketing!

Establish your author brand and platform. Even before your book is published, blogging is a great way to build a solid platform as an author. It allows you to connect with readers and form a relationship as they get to know you and your work more in-depth. And the longer you blog on a consistent schedule, the larger your platform can potentially grow—which will increase your marketing reach when you’re ready to promote your self-published book.

Maintain discipline and practice. Blogging is most effective when you stick to a schedule. When your followers can depend on you to post regularly, they’ll continue to visit and read your blog. And having to come up with interesting topics while composing your posts will foster a sense of discipline that will work to solidify your voice as a writer.

Connect with your readers. Writing a book takes a lot of time. How do you stay connected to your readers in the meantime? Blog! Most blogs allow readers to comment, which really opens up the door for communication between you and your followers. If they have questions, they can ask you right on your blog (be sure to answer!).

   

Resist the urge to sell, sell, sell! The fastest way to lose fans and readers is to barrage them with endless sales pitches. Your blog posts shouldn’t all be ads for your book—they should be interesting sources of information and insights for your readers. This means that you don’t have to be a salesperson extraordinaire—you just have to be human. Post about your life, your writing process, which TV shows you’ve been really into lately…the options are endless!

When you do talk about your book, you can mention elements of the self-publishing process and book marketing without directly asking for a purchase. For example, you can write about how you’re considering different covers and allow readers to vote on their favorite. Or you can talk about how close you are to reaching a sales milestone (which may encourage fans to help out by buying a book!).

Network with other writers. It’s always good to read and follow the blogs of other authors so you know what topics are resonating with readers and learn which blogging tactics work and which don’t. You can also reach out to other authors to let them know you enjoy their blogs—and maybe you can even collaborate on some book promotion projects. You can also invite other writers to guest blog on your author website, and they can return the favor. You’ll reach an entirely new audience for your writing!

Our marketing experts recommend blogging before your book is self-published so your readers are ready to buy once you announce the publication—but it’s never too late to get started and start building your audience! Web Design Relief can create an affordable author website and blog that suits your needs.

If your manuscript is ready but you’re a little apprehensive about tackling the self-publishing process on your own, the pros at Self-Publishing Relief are ready to help! We’ll guide you through every step so that you have a self-published book you’re proud to put your name on. Sign up for a free consultation today!

 

Question: Which author blog do you follow, and why?

 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Find An Article

Recent Articles




Reviews

 

Thank you so much for all the amazing help you provided! I’m already thinking about my next project and you better believe I plan to use Self-Publishing Relief!

—Bianca Chambers Carter, Writer

Read Bianca’s review!

 

 

Using Self-Publishing Relief is the only way I would ever consider publishing my work… the process was seamless: They answered all of my questions and always kept me apprised of the next steps.

—John McCord, Writer

Read John’s review!

 

The team at Writer’s Relief and Self-Publishing Relief was supportive and helpful in creating my chapbook — from sending multiple cover design options to patience and thoroughness during review rounds. They made the publishing process easy and enjoyable!

Laurin Becker Macios, Poet

Read Laurin’s review!

 

 

I have found my people with Jill, Carol, Dave, Joey, Ronnie, and all the fellow “bookies” at Self-Publishing Relief. Their level of expertise is seasoned and savvy for navigating through the indie publishing landscape, as we established the imprint Occupy the Word Publishing. What is more, the team’s enthusiastic tenacity to solve difficult issues and create new opportunities in developing serious readership for my novels makes it a powerful pleasure to work with them. 

King Grossman, Novelist

Read King’s review!

Thinking about self-publishing?
Receive your FREE copy of our helpful guide...

 


Act now! Enter your name and email on the right to receive..
  • Design tips to boost your book's marketability
  • Insider secrets for writing the best back cover book blurb
  • The importance of a flattering headshot


YES!
Send Me My FREE Guide!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Close

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares