Congratulations! Your book publication date is on its way. You’re probably excited about sharing your big idea with the world, yet you might be wondering what you can do to help stand out online and attract opportunities. An undertaking like this might sound overwhelming, but there are simple things you can do to spruce up your online presence and make your online searchability ideal for anyone wanting to contact you.

Establish Your Online Presence

If you do not already have a dedicated website or webpage for your book, start by creating one that serves as your digital home base to drive discoverability, establish credibility, promote your book, and display purchase links. This is all information both media and potential book buyers look for on an author website. Aim to have the book image featured above the webpage scroll line to get eyes on the cover and title. Also, be sure to list the publication date and media contact information so the media knows when to expect your book and whom to contact with any opportunities. You can find more information on the key elements of an author website in the learning center.

Create or Update Your Social Presence

If you aren’t active on social media, it’s easy to get overwhelmed; however, you can start small. First, consider if you want to use a business, personal, or book social media account. Begin with using one social media platform then expand to others if desired. Make sure the social media accounts you use to promote your book have an updated and consistent profile image, a bio that mentions your book title and links to your book webpage, and content that is appropriate for your audience. Before your book is published, take some time to run through old posts. Delete any personal photos, blurry photos, unrelated comments, or unnecessary posts that no longer serve your brand.

Optimize Your Social Presence

Invest time in updating your social media presence. If you already have a following on a particular platform, leverage that following. Don't be shy about telling your audience what you have in the works! Use this pre-publication time to create conversation and connect with others so your name stays top of mind.

When you are ready to announce your book, make it a big deal by creating teaser posts and/or a creative announcement video. Other ways to build engagement around your book include creating calls to action or polls for your followers, incorporating relevant hashtags in posts, tagging to credit other accounts, and resharing popular content.

Media want to work with others who have established credibility and will promote their content as well. Seeing an active social media profile is a plus as the media looks to feature engaged thought leaders in their online outlets.

Once your online presence is established and your social presence is updated, be sure to include your book webpage in any outreach to make it easier for media to learn more about it. It’s also not unusual for media to take a scroll through your social platforms. No need to worry there, as it’s all updated!

Expand Your Online Presence

Lastly, expand your online presence through earned media. Leveraging the influence of others through earned media opportunities can draw new eyes to your book and build your credibility. Examples of earned media include book reviews, podcast interviews, article placements, and influencer posts.

Creating and identifying media opportunities can be a heavy load depending on an author’s goals, so consider Greenleaf’s digital media marketing services and/or hiring a publicist.

Bringing It All Together

Your online presence is an extended version of you. Help media easily see who you are, what you present, and how you can add value to their audience. Taking the time to spruce up your online presence helps cement your offering and attract credibility to your book. To learn more about updating your online presence, connect with your digital media marketing strategist, or visit here.