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Author Platform: Why You’re Struggling and How to Fix It

by Kimberley Grabas

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Author Platform_ Why You're Struggling and How to Fix It _ YourWriterPlatform.com

Are you stuck?

Has hammering out your author platform – or building a little marketing buzz for your book – got you frazzled?

For the ease with which many marketing and book publishing experts throw the concept of “platform” around, you’d think it would be a little easier to execute…

But despite the fact that the idea has been in vogue for some time, many authors (and even some industry influencers) struggle with what it actually takes to build a strong and successful author platform.

Your Biggest Platform Challenges…

In order to uncover the disconnect between what’s required to build a significant platform, and the rather dismal results that many authors are experiencing from their efforts, more information is necessary.

So to discover where authors are sliding off track when it comes to building a robust community around their creative work, I did a little “re-con”.

I asked authors one question:

What’s your #1 single biggest book marketing or platform building challenge right now?

The responses I received were highly informative, and in some cases, not at all what I expected (tech issues, for example, were not nearly as high on the list as I would have guessed). And although there were a few outliers, the majority of the hundreds of responses I received (yes, hundreds!), could be conveniently sorted into 5 core challenges.

In the video training below, I share the 5 biggest obstacles writers are facing, as well as outline actionable steps that you can start implementing immediately to make a real difference in your platform building and book marketing efforts.


BONUS DOWNLOAD: To understand why you’re struggling with your platform (and how to fix it) download my free 20+ page guide: Your Biggest Book Marketing or Platform Building Roadblocks – and How to Overcome Them


Growing a robust platform of engaged and enduring fans will take time and commitment, but the rewards can be significant.

Imagine having a raving community that will support your creativity, energize and focus your passions and ultimately allow you to make a living from your writing.

With the info outlined above, you now know what it takes to begin gathering and attracting the close-knit group of people that will help you gain momentum and – in time – transform your writing career.

How would you answer the question I posed to my community? Are you experiencing similar challenges, or something completely different? 

What strategies and insights from the video training will you implement this week to power through the obstacles that are holding you back?


If you’re struggling to build your platform AND still find time to write (without pulling your hair out), I want to introduce you to my secret weapon:

Believe, Plan, Act: A Platform + Productivity Planner for Writers

Believe, Plan, Act: A Platform + Productivity Planner for Writers | YourWriterPlatform.com

Everything you need to discover, plan and execute your writing and business goals – so you can finally remove the word “aspiring” from all your profiles…

This complete author business planning system is designed to specifically address the needs of writers working to build their platforms and author businesses – everything from tracking daily word counts and book sales, to strategic marketing, launch planning, and developing your author brand.

Click Here to Get All the Details

Filed Under: Blog, Business of Writing, Platform Building Tagged With: author platform, challenges, free guide, video

Comments

  1. Stefana Mocanu (Author of novel Finding Eve) says

    at

    Thank you, Kym!
    You answered many of my questions.
    I’m a first time author. I totally agree with you, the handicap of the first book is huge – the elephant in the room!
    But I’ll try to put into practice your ideas that compound the platform I need to promote my book.
    Thanks again!
    Stefana

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Happy to help Stefana! It’s always a bit tricky to navigate “the first” of anything, and getting your first book out into the world is no different. 😉

      Best of luck!

  2. Sharon says

    at

    Hello Kimberley!

    Wow, it feels like you’re “reading my mail” in this video! 😉

    It was JUST this week that I came to the full-body conclusion that I don’t have to do everything on my own (which has been one of my biggest roadblocks to success). Ever since I started putting my needs out there and asking for help, support has been coming back to me from all directions- I can barely keep up! And the best part is that all of these new relationships are based on trade or kindness, so it’s not costing me a penny (which addresses another one of my biggest roadblocks).

    I’m also in the process of implementing many of your other suggestions as well, and trying to remember that building a writer’s platform does indeed take time.

    This is SUCH valuable information you’re offering, Kimberley, and I look forward to hearing more!

    Thank you!
    Sharon

    P.S. I actually JUST put Bird by Bird in my shopping cart yesterday too. You really must be reading my mail! 😉

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Great minds think alike, don’t they Sharon? 😉

      Although, remember the section where I discuss reaching your “right” readers or ideal audience?

      Found you! 🙂

      I’m glad the video reinforced actions that you are already taking to build your platform, and I hope it encourages you to keep going!

      • Sharon says

        at

        Yes, they do!

        And it’s not the first time we’ve said that quote to each other, either! So YES, you found me, and I’m not going anywhere. 🙂

        Thanks again!
        Sharon

        • Kimberley Grabas says

          at

          Yay! And my pleasure Sharon – happy to help. 🙂

  3. Mike C Smith says

    at

    As part of building an author platform, a web site is no use unless people know where it is, to do that does require a lot of time and effect. The author of this site has 229 back-links these help search engines to see the importance of this site, the more quality back links the more visitors a site will have. I encourage authors to place their books on as many free places as possible, always ensuring your links to your site and what ever other platform you are using are in that site.
    If you visit beezeebooks, look on any page and you should see the author has all links leading to their books. It’s all about exposure.

  4. dr. charles browning says

    at

    Mike C. Smith’s comment–golden advice and savvy smart. So wise it even made me look him up on Amazon. No wonder his advice is so good–he’s living the dream. Thanks Kim and Mike C.! “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” indeed.

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Developing quality backlinks is a smart move, Charles. Here’s one of my favourite resources on link building: http://backlinko.com/link-building.

      You’ll find it loaded with resources and ideas on how to encourage people to consistently link to your site.

  5. Barbara Stuckey says

    at

    Thank you so much for this informative video. I am just beginning my second career as a writer and I learned some very useful information. You touched on issues that I have and will now work on improving. I am looking forward to exploring the wonderful world of writing! Sincerely, Barbara Stuckey. 🙂

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