Author Platform Basics (& What Social Media Platforms to Use)

Author platform basics! What are they? Do you need one? What social media is a MUST DO vs. a maybe? In this video I'll tell you what you need, when you should do it, and my thoughts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, Snapchat and KZbin!
This overview will help authors thinking about how to market themselves and their books by giving you a place to start. While my channel is geared towards traditional publication and especially YA, this video offers pretty universal tips about social media platforms for authors and author websites.
There is A LOT MORE to author marketing and book marketing of course! I'll be uploading a series of videos this month on the topic, and many more in the future (my day job is marketing!).
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Music: Crimson Fly - Huma-Huma: • Crimson Fly - Huma-Hum...

[@veronicamiller3521]

I would love to see an update on this video. Things change so quickly.

[@brittneysbookshelf9491]

Spotify is also a great indirect one. I love some of the author playlists for their books.

[@crystalpeake]

Thanks Alexa. It was nice to have the definition of author platform clearly established and a thorough breakdown of the general content, atmosphere and community of each social media. I'm sending this (along with the rest of your marketing playlist) to our writers as an educational resource.

[@thegroganfamily4488]

You think you’re old because you were among the first when Facebook came out? Lol I was one of the first on MYSPACE! 😂😂😂

[@thegroganfamily4488]

And I don’t even think I’m that old😂

[@rosemaryrichings2564]

I remember MySpace...oops rough age range revealed.

[@taanjiawandrie9301]

I'm alot older than you.I like your info. I do not write ya but I do write children's book.however I have found for information listening to younger people had answered most of the questions I have. It has been hard finding anyone my age on KZbin.

[@JonTanOsb]

I'm 66, writing crime fiction. ~ Jon

[@lizzychrome7630]

I can't thank you enough for these helpful, detailed, candid videos. No disrespect to most other AuthorTubers, most of them are good in different ways. But in terms of marketing advice, you're one of the most helpful so far.

[@KateCavanaugh]

So meta! I like it! Could you go a little more into what you mean by "hard sell" platform? You mentioned that Instagram is NOT a hard sell platform. Besides twitter, do you see any other platform being a "hard sell"? Is this just because people are more receptive to overt marketing via 140 characters? As for reddit - how do you personally use it to build your platform, or is it more simply engaging with other writers? You say this is a video covering the basics, but you really covered it! This felt very comprehensive, thank you!

[@AlexaDonne]

I think of "hard sell" as directly linking to buy links and being like "buy my book!" That comes more organically to somewhere like Twitter or Facebook, and less so to other places, IMO. On Instagram, people look at the image first, the caption second, and then to link you have to put the link in your bio! It's a whole extra step and generally I just don't think people are on Insta to be directly sold to... but indirectly YES! People seeing something cool can make them want to initiate a buy independently--I've definitely bought makeup because of an Instagram post, but I didn't follow any buy links. I like that Instagram is insidious like that ha. I think it's because people go to platforms like Facebook or Twitter for information--they are information sharing platforms--whereas people go to Instagram (and Pinterest) for "slice of life" and to share in experiences. KZbin I think combines both mindsets. (whereas Instagram Stories/Snapchat falls pretty squarely into the sharing of experiences and soft/indirect sale category) In that sense, Instagram can be an ideal platform for an author who is uncomfortable with promo, because it's ALL about indirectly promoting your books and writing. (Tumblr I'd class as an information sharing platform as well, though some experience based things come in--it's a hybrid b/c of the journaling aspect) Reddit is not the best place to build platform, IMO, in the sense that that shouldn't be the reason to use it... many subs (including mine!) frown upon self-promo, but if you've engaged with a community for long enough and consistently offered value, you can slip in self-promo when the time comes. So I do get away with self-promo (in the right moments) on my sub-reddit because I've put in 3 years (and modding) to the community so I can throw up a KZbin or Goodreads link in excitement and people will check it out. I've seen some people successfully cross-promote themselves on the /r/writing sub as well, though that sub is just like Thunderdome generally haha. I do like that you can indirectly promo by just having informative flair and then being a good commenter... if you are engaging and interesting/informative and then have info about your book in your flair, people will ask or check you out. That said, Reddit is such a mixed bag. My sub /r/YAwriters is good for community engagement and connection, whereas /r/writing is more about "let me exhaust myself giving repetitive and basic advice on writing/the industry to a revolving door of basic b*tches who don't know how to use the search function or Google things" and about 95% of the time I just don't have the patience or time to do that haha. I partly started this channel and my Wattpad series b/c I found myself giving the same advice over and over and over again. Every sub has a different personality and quirks.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Thanks for providing such a comprehensive answer! :) I totally get the explanation and division between info-sharing and experience-sharing better now. I'd like to be more involved on Twitter but find it's a bit of a stretch for me as I'm not as naturally inclined toward it (I don't do any social media outside of my writer name even though I'm not quite "an old" as you said haha). I do love following other people though, just posting on my own seems to be a bit of a chore on some days more than others. Twitter is the hub for the industry, like you said, so I'm working to improve! Okay, so I've been a lurker in r/YAwriters for the past year now and have commented all of twice, but I appreciate it so much more than r/writing for that exact reason and so much of it seems due to the awesome moderation. This seems like such a strange cross-website way to do this, but thank you so much for all your efforts. Y'all have built such a great community! :)

[@AlexaDonne]

Awww, thank you! My co-mods are pretty fantastic and we love building the community. You should delurk more often!

[@imperiallegends9149]

Thank you for being real with the viewers. I am an upcoming author and I am trying to get things going between the 9-5 job... Very informal!

[@torkaviantales802]

I am super glad i found this channel just now. I find your content super approachable ,and useful since my own writer platform is not so grand so.... Canister me subscribed!

[@lindacgrace2973]

Love your content, but wish to disagree on one tiny point. The social media you select SHOULD be based on your "ideal reader" profile. I write historical romance for mature women (40+), college-educated, with sophisticated taste in fashion, decor, and other entertainment. Many of my readers have never heard of TicToc and don't use Twitter or Instagram. Over 75% of them are on Facebook and an eve=n larger majority are on Pinterest. So, duh, Facebook is NOT 'obsolete' for MY readers! In fact, it is the fastest way to build engagement and drive traffic to my site. I'm in the process of creating a Pinterest board with photos of all the locations that inspired the book together with quotes, costume notes, etc. The message is: go where your readers go! If you are a YA author trying to engage your readers, TicToc, IG, and Twitter may work better than the stodgier "obsolete' platforms that work for me.

[@erinhand6004]

I'm okay with Instagram and KZbin, but Twitter scares the crap out of me. I'd just really rather not. Also Tumblr is possibly the single most confusing thing in the world and I don't get how it works. And I'm not that old, I'm 21.

[@chelseaclarke3901]

I love this, I've been meaning to research this more recently! I'm planning on making separate platforms from my personal ones and I'm not really sure how to draw in my demographic for my novel. Even though my novel is in the draft phase, should I talk about the book? Or just the fact that I'm an aspiring writer as a whole and just hope for the best?

[@reihwan]

I've tried three times using Twitter. After a week I just forget that it exists, because I find it... redundant in a way. I kind of understand what keeps people using it. But as someone who keeps their opinions to themselves (and it's a cultural thing too), the way things change in the hectic Twitter just makes me shrug and continue my life after uninstalling it. (Yet again.) Also, same thoughts about Snapchat. I just feel too old for it. I kind of feel that way about Twitter and Pinterest too.

[@shellystar]

I don't like Twitter either. It's been around a long time, but I could never get into it (I can't even remember my Twitter name). I recently created an Instagram account, but I'm not into posting pictures at all. Since I'm 'super old' I go on Facebook infrequently because it gets boring for me. Forget KZbin - sounds exhausting. I've never been able to keep up with blogging. I have a tumbler account but never created a page. I miss the days when all you had to do was write. I'm still working on my second book, but I keep hearing and reading about literary agents wanting writers to have an author platform prior to becoming represented. What!? Let me finish my novel first.

[@renab.7390]

I feel the same way about all these platforms. And I'm not that old yet (30).

[@teachersophia]

I love Pinterest for the creative process, but for the platform my favorite is youtube.

[@daynaevans1272]

Your voice is so easy to listen to😇

[@subhashnisarta8040]

Thank you so much for your proper guidance about using different social media why they different from one another and you have wide experience in all these media it is very good for me So I am using Facebook from 2009/10, So I am interested in your knowledge and when ever I wishes I will remember you. Thanks.

[@TraciAnneCan]

I used to have a blog (last post was less than a month ago lol), but I am finding KZbin a much better vehicle for my talking lol. Other than KZbin, I only really use Twitter and Pinterest. I'm a total Twitter-addict. Pinterest is good for me with creating boards to work out me book ideas and curate content about writing and writing tips.

[@atella394]

God, I hate twitter so much. It's much like facebook where all the time I spent on it wasn't enjoyable as well as not being productive. I deleted my twitter and only use facebook for it's messenger function now. I'm going to schedule everything on my facebook so I don't have to spend time on there, but it seems like twitter's writing community is only really worth it if you're going to be interacting with other people so I'm not sure I'll even bother. Much rather spend more time on instagram haha

[@jenniferponzini2433]

I've noticed with twitter it's just authors supporting other authors and rarely readers.

[@WhateverItTakesMotivation]

Great video! Very informative. Love it!

[@nightinthetwilight]

I tried Snapchat but apps and gimmicks like that just do not interest me and I often end up forgetting about them. Perhaps in the case of Snapchat it was because it felt like I was just sending things out into the void, but it didn't feel right.

[@TheHoodedMenace]

How do you feel about Goodreads?

[@vvoxyforever5059]

What content do you put on your platform? Does it have to be how to type content? I'm having trouble on deciding what my platform is going to be about?

[@lizskewes5185]

You're wonderful at this, thank you!

[@thewrestlingchick-tamara]

Love this video. Yes I'm on Instagram and Twitter 🤗

[@cvhoneybee]

Facebook is like my worst nightmare, I don't even want it for personal use lol! But I do have an instagram, twitter, a blog, Pinterest (love the eye candy lol) and youtube channel (which I just started after seeing several authortube people!). I hope those will be good starting points for now. You're video was very insightful and helpful, Alexa! Thanks for sharing :)

[@AlexaDonne]

You are totally all set! Like I said, I don't have an author Facebook :) I might change my mind later, but it'll never be a primary platform for me! And welcome to KZbin :)

[@cvhoneybee]

Thank you! I do have one question about using KZbin as a platform, what are some ways to get viewers and followers onto your channel? Any tips would be appreciated :)

[@AlexaDonne]

Oh gosh it's hard. I'm still such a novice. One tip is to participate in video tags. I've found I got some really nice traffic from the two I've done (Authortube Newbie & Writing Rituals). I think partly because KZbin will look for similar videos to recommend to people, so if you do the tag (and thus have a title/tags that are identical), you are more discoverable. And on that note: definitely maximize your tags (labels on each video). I've watched videos that say the magic formula is having your title, a line in your description and one of your tags match each other. Also using specific tags and not generic ones (that will be hard to rank on), ie: "advice for new writers" instead of just "writing". I downloaded the TubeBuddy plugin and it's been helpful for seeing where my tags rank, as well as the tags that other people use. Otherwise everything I've seen says just create quality content and upload it consistently (2-3 times a week). I cross post my links to Twitter which has helped nominally, but honestly I've just not had much of my audience there follow me here. There's an #Authortube Facebook group you can join (if you're not in it already) which I've found has been nice for finding other Authortubers to interact with.

[@cvhoneybee]

I have done the newbie tag and the WIP tag, so looks like I'm off to a good start. I'll definitely have to research those tags, I never know what I should really put haha! Thanks for the help, Alexa much appreciated :)

[@paulapoetry]

I do have FB pages and groups, but the forthcoming changes are apparently going to make organic reach even harder on the pages. Facebook groups are still very viable. I agree about Twitter. It's the ultimate place for writers to connect online. I use Tumblr and Google Plus, and I don't (shock, horror) get on with Instagram. I won't touch Snapchat. I'm way to old for that one. Pinterest is one I didn't really use, but was technically on. Lately, I keep hearing that it's awesome for generating blog traffic, so I am learning about it, mainly via You Tube, and various blogs. Great video, thank you. I've subscribed. 😃

[@AlexaDonne]

That's so disheartening to hear that FB has made it even worse for Pages! And oh gosh maybe I should try harder with Pinterest haha. Thanks for subscribing! :)

[@paulapoetry]

Alexa Donne I know. I think I'll need to focus on my groups more on Facebook. Pinterest does seem fun. And you're welcome - happy to have discovered your channel. 😃

[@samanthamorton8118]

If your book is MG, wouldn't Facebook be a good platform since parents usually purchase for the children?

[@CharlesWarrenOnline]

Love your vids. Great personality and important topics.

[@hayleyhistorynerd2211]

Thank-you so much for this information Alexa. I trust your views on this sort of thing, you really sound as you know the heartbeat of the online line writers world and publishing industry. I took notes on this video and I'm definitely going to for your author's website one too. It's been a goal for me to set-up a writers (hopefully to full on author status) website this year. Hayley ^_^

[@JonTanOsb]

My brain has melted. ~ Jon

[@sarahmwvcm]

This is great, thank you!

[@mialarsson4972]

Great GREAT video! Thanks for sharing

[@Slyesther]

Thanks for the great advice. Does the author site on Twitter have to be a professional account or can it be personal? Thanks

[@davontekh]

alexa do you have a video on building a following on social media?

[@madmadame1508]

What pages do you recommend following on both IG and Twitter for aspiring authors?

[@renab.7390]

Great video, Alexa, thanks for your advice! 🖤 Any advice for a YA writer who is very adverse to social media (except KZbin but I hate filming myself)? Should I force myself to do social media despite my dislike for it?

[@troyshawnwelcome7749]

Very informative video. Any thoughts for authors of poetry?

[@renab.7390]

Good question... 🤔

[@successhappensinbetween7730]

Great videos with relevant topics! How did you grow your KZbin channel?

[@NotAnnaJones]

Great video, thanks!

[@queendsheena1]

This was a great video with lots of content. You have a new subscriber.

[@successhappensinbetween7730]

Love your videos! Great content! How did you grow your KZbin channel?

[@Miss_Dux]

just wondered what your thoughts are on pen names? Love the content xx

[@portgasdann3389]

Maybe it's just a Philippines thing but there are a lot of young people in Facebook.

[@jilllasala9236]

I just joined Twitter because of this video. Any tips for a newbie who has no book to sell yet?

[@AlexaDonne]

I would start by following some authors you like, maybe some publishers (there's Epic Reads, Riveted, Fierce Reads, HMH Teen, etc.), and some agents if you want. I also personally follow some news agencies and such since I use Twitter to stay connected, generally.

[@jilllasala9236]

Thanks Alexa!

[@martapenczek5165]

@@AlexaDonne I have tried that and found out that in my country and language, Twitter is a thing for politicians. The only author I found there is the one that just won Nobel, and it seems that the account came after it. Should I go for Twitter anyway?

[@littleliterati3147]

This video is very helpful, but I do have one question that I hope you can answer. I've spent the past two years expanding my reach on various social media, but always as a reader behind a username; as an aspiring author, do I need to start completely over with all-new accounts in order to build my brand as a "real" person?

[@AlexaDonne]

No, not at all! You can convert your reader profiles over to an author brand/profile later, once you have an agent and a book deal. It will actually be a very good thing that you've established yourself as a reader, so you won't be starting from scratch! Basically, at some point, I would convert your usernames on places like Twitter (where it's easier) to Your Name (Little Literati) so there's a thread of connection... and you can change/update any handles that allow it, when the time comes (Twitter being easier to change than other platforms).

[@littleliterati3147]

Wow! Thank you for the super prompt response! And for helping me feel so much better. :)

[@lindazupancic3422]

Do you give estimates for revamping an existing author website? I have twitter, instagram, FB links to my website for hist/fic novel. I started writing a historical fiction novel in 2012, and due to health issues it has been sitting on the shelf for 2 years. I am currently almost finished a children' picture book for September 2018. I have Instagram and FB for the pic/book. When that is done, I am resurrecting my hist/fic and revamping it into historic/fantasy YA. The big question is should both books be integrated into the same site, or separate? www.lindamariezupancic.com/

[@KatharineFrancis]

What's your user name on Wattpad? I'm also on there under K_E_Francis.