I love interacting with my blog readers! We enjoy great discussions and excellent questions. Last week I responded in the comments section of the post “What Makes an Agent Say Wow!” and realized later that the answer constitutes its own blog post. This was not the first time I’ve been long-winded, nor will it be the last! I’m posting my response today because the question was posed later in the discussion and was likely not seen by most of our readers.
To wit, our wonderful reader Clarissa asked, “What, exactly, is an impressive web presence?”
In my view, this question doesn’t have a standard answer. When we review manuscripts, we take all the facts into consideration. Some authors come to us with a great idea and excellent writing but are a bit shy on platform. Sometimes the smaller platform can be overcome; sometimes it can’t.
I like to see a fantastic web site, but at the same time, I understand a new author might not have the same level of funding and/or expertise, or even as much to share, as a well-established author. I recommend exploring the sites of your favorite authors and of course, those writing similar books to yours, to see what they are doing. Use what you think works for them and make it your own.
A popular blog is always a plus. Take us to your blog and show us you are consistent in posting, and that you continue to post as your work is marketed. Seeing engagement through comments is great, but since I write blog posts myself, I know how uneven reactions can be. Some posts are very popular while others just don’t seem to hit a nerve. Of course, the more often you can get your audience to engage, the better, because it illustrates you have a relationship with your potential audience. Do let us know how many people read and subscribe to your blog, because often, readers don’t comment.
Yes, we all like to see numbers in the five figures, at least, for followers. But again, we also like to see engagement. I have many Twitter followers, for instance, but I couldn’t tell you that each follower would buy a book I’d write because the followers have too many varied interests and come from different market segments.
Show me how many people you think would buy your book based on how you engage on social media. An author cultivating active engagements across social media outshines the author just gathering a big number of followers across the board. I want to see that you have an audience already excited about you and your book. They will care enough about you and what you are saying to make a purchase. The numbers help everyone see the audience potential for the book.
I recommend focusing on one platform, then perhaps a second platform. Really build your engagements there rather than trying to go full force on every available platform.
Platform is great and many engagements will increase your chances of success. However, the idea and its execution will ultimately make the day.
Your turn:
What authors do you believe have amazing web sites?
Who is your favorite author to follow on social media? Why?
Which social media platforms do you enjoy most? Why?
