11 Strategies to Build an Author Brand That Sells (+ Examples)

Want to sell more books?

Of course you do.

But it’s not enough to just write a great book. You need to build an author brand that screams authority, expertise, and makes readers crave your words.

Think of your author brand as your secret weapon in the cutthroat world of publishing. It’s what sets you apart from the millions of other authors vying for attention.

This ain’t some fluffy, feel-good exercise. This is about building a brand that sells.

How to Build an Author Brand That Sells

Here are 11 strategies to build an author brand that turns readers into raving fans (and buyers):

1. Niche Down to Dominate

Don’t try to be everything to everyone.

Pick a niche.

Become the go-to expert in that specific area.

Think of it like this: Would you rather be a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond?

Here’s what to do now:

Identify your passions and expertise. What are you truly knowledgeable about?
Research your audience. Who are you trying to reach?
Analyze your competition. Who else is writing in your space?

Example:

Instead of just being a “romance author,” become the expert in “historical romance set in Victorian England.”

2. Craft Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

What makes you different?

Why should readers choose your book over the countless others?

Your USP is your secret sauce. It’s what makes you stand out from the crowd.

Here’s what to do now:

Identify your strengths. What are you really good at?
Highlight your unique experiences. What sets you apart from other authors?
Develop a clear and concise statement. Your USP should be easy to understand and remember.

Example:

“I write suspense thrillers with a twist of humor, perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich and Lee Child.”

3. Build an Online Presence That Pops

Your website is your online home base.

Make it professional, engaging, and easy to navigate.

And don’t forget about social media!

Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to connect with readers and promote your work.

Here’s what to do now:

Create a website that showcases your brand. Include your bio, books, blog, and contact information.
Choose the right social media platforms. Focus on the platforms where your target audience hangs out.
Share valuable content. Provide readers with engaging content that they’ll actually want to read.

Example:

Create a visually appealing website with a blog featuring writing tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive content for subscribers.

That’s why OLITT is here!

4. Content is King, But Consistency is Queen

Want to build a loyal following?

Churn out high-quality content regularly.

This could include blog posts, articles, podcasts, or even videos.

The key is to be consistent.

Here’s what to do now:

Create a content calendar. Plan your content to ensure consistency.
Repurpose your content. Turn your blog posts into social media updates, or your articles into podcast episodes.
Use a variety of formats. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content.

Example:

Publish a new blog post every week, share writing tips on Instagram every day, and release a new podcast episode every month.

5. Engage, Engage, Engage

Don’t just broadcast your message.

Engage with your audience.

Respond to comments, answer questions, and participate in discussions.

Make your readers feel heard and valued.

Here’s what to do now:

Monitor your social media mentions. Use tools like Google Alerts to track what people are saying about you.
Respond to comments and messages promptly. Show your audience that you care about their feedback.
Participate in online communities. Connect with other authors and readers in your niche.

Example:

Host a weekly Q&A session on X, respond to comments on your blog posts, and join Facebook groups for writers and readers.

6. Build Your Email List (Like a Boss)

Your email list is your goldmine.

It’s a direct line to your most engaged readers.

Use it to build relationships, promote your books, and drive sales.

Here’s what to do now:

Offer a valuable lead magnet. Give readers a compelling reason to subscribe to your email list.
Segment your list. Divide your subscribers into different groups based on their interests.
Send regular newsletters. Keep your subscribers engaged with valuable content and exclusive offers.

Example:

Offer a free short story or a discount on your latest book in exchange for email sign-ups.

7. Collaborate and Cross-Promote

Partner with other authors, bloggers, and influencers in your niche.

Cross-promote each other’s work to reach a wider audience.

Here’s what to do now:

Identify potential partners. Look for authors and influencers who share your target audience.
Offer value. Think about how you can benefit your partner’s audience.
Track your results. Measure the impact of your collaborations to see what works best.

Example:

Participate in joint book giveaways, guest blog on other websites, and collaborate on social media campaigns.

8. Harness the Power of Reviews

Positive reviews are social proof.

They show potential readers that your book is worth their time and money.

Encourage your readers to leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other platforms.

Here’s what to do now:

Make it easy for readers to leave reviews. Provide links to review sites on your website and in your books.
Respond to reviews (even the negative ones). Show your audience that you value their feedback.
Use reviews in your marketing materials. Highlight positive reviews on your website and social media.

Example:

Include a call to action in your book’s acknowledgments, asking readers to leave a review on Amazon.

9. Run Contests and Giveaways

Who doesn’t love free stuff?

Contests and giveaways are a great way to generate excitement, attract new readers, and promote your books.

Here’s what to do now:

Choose prizes that your audience will love. Offer books, merchandise, or even exclusive experiences.
Make it easy to enter. Keep the entry requirements simple and straightforward.
Promote your contest widely. Use social media, email marketing, and other channels to reach a wider audience.

Example:

Host a giveaway on Instagram where followers can enter by liking your post, following your account, and tagging a friend.

10. Invest in Paid Advertising (Smartly)

Paid advertising can be a powerful tool to reach a larger audience and promote your books.

But don’t just throw money at it.

Use targeted advertising to reach the right readers.

Here’s what to do now:

Set a budget. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on advertising.
Target your audience. Use platforms like Facebook Ads and Amazon Marketing Services to reach readers who are interested in your genre.
Track your results. Monitor your ad campaigns to see what’s working and what’s not.

Example:

Run a Facebook ad campaign targeting readers who like similar authors or genres.

11. Never Stop Learning and Growing

The publishing industry is constantly evolving.

Stay up-to-date on the latest trends, experiment with new strategies, and never stop learning.

Here’s what to do now:

Read industry blogs and publications. Stay informed about the latest trends in publishing and marketing.
Attend conferences and workshops. Connect with other authors and learn from experts.
Analyze your results. Track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Example:

Subscribe to industry newsletters, attend writing conferences, and track your book sales and website traffic.

Remember: Building an author brand takes time and effort. But it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.

So get out there, hustle hard, and build a brand that sells!