Now that your author’s website is set up and you’re writing consistent content you need to work on your fan base.

I’m going to be straight with you, as someone who has been blogging for over two years. It takes time, and there are no short cuts to a solid fan base. These are not quick fixes, these are not going to give you a hundred followers in a day. I’m going to be honest, I only now have 100 followers to this blog. While this number might seem small to the bloggers who get hundreds of page views a day, it was a mighty number for me to reach. I’m humbled by it, and kind of blown away that 100 people care enough about what I have to say to subscribe, you know?

I can assure you that all of these fan base building techniques are ones that I’ve used myself over the years.

Give people something they can use.

I don’t read blogs because I want to support the writer. I don’t have that kind of time, not gonna lie. If I’m reading a blog I’m getting something from it. Either I’m reading because it’s entertaining or because I’m learning something from it. The second one is more likely to get me than the first, because I feel guilty indulging in simple entertainment. (This is an issue, and I’m working on it.)

The point is, give people some reason to come to your author’s website. There are any number of ways to do this.

• Post fiction.
• Tell entertaining and inspirational personal stories.
• Post reviews of movies, tv shows and books.
• Give useful tips about something you know about.
• Or do all of the above.

Social media, right and wrong.

I am on a lot of social media, and I wrote a whole lot of posts about using them for writing. Here they are. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Since I really don’t want to rewrite all of that, let me boil it down for you. Talk about interesting things on social media, don’t flood your posts with ads for your book and try to avoid too much political talk and you’ll be fine.

Interacting with your fans.

While we’re talking about politics, let me caution you. Don’t get into fights with people online. It’s great, in fact essential, to interact with your fans online. But don’t get into fights online. I get that you might want to talk about what’s going on in the world. I know I do. But you should do so in an adult manner, sticking to facts and not name calling. Then leave it alone. People are going to agree or disagree with you. Some will be adult about it, and some won’t. I write a book about a woman who takes down the corrupt church leaders, gets pregnant out of wedlock and is a champion of gay rights. I think you can imagine I’m not everyone’s favorite person.

Be your true self.

But I can’t lie about how I feel, and you shouldn’t either. I talk all the time about football, beer, cats, writing, tv, reading, makeup and computers. Everything I love, whether it’s popular or not. I am just me, and honest about that. I suggest that you do the same. People like real people, I promise. If you’re real, people will like you.

To be honest, that’s not terrible advice in general.

What’s your best advice for building a fan base for your author’s website?

Hey, want a free book? Get a copy of Days and Other Stories by clicking here.