Building Your Author Brand: What’s Your Story?
By Anyieth Sarah ReechWhy would an author need a professional brand, you ask? Because it's not enough to be a strong writer when it comes to selling work and attracting a loyal following.
Authors must realize that their individual story is just as important as their published work. Readers want to know you and identify with who you are and what you represent. This article will explain how to establish and maintain your brand, starting with discovering and telling your story.
“A brand is a voice, and a product is a souvenir”
- Lisa Gansky.
Who are you?
First, try to answer this question: Who are you? To some, the answer comes easy. To others, it may require more thought. Typical answers consist of a profession, nationality, or personal characteristics. Although these things are important, try to dig deeper and think about your values, beliefs, and passions. What drives you to get up every morning?
By carefully analyzing this question and looking within yourself, you will discover essential aspects of who you are. Utilize these details when building your brand. For example, one of your values is sustainability. Your passion for environmentalism is incorporated into your work by eco-friendly printing. This information sets you apart from other authors and will attract like-minded individuals to your brand.
Know your audience
As an author, understanding your audience is paramount to your success and the success of your brand. One of the simplest methods for discovering and engaging with your audience is through social media.
Social media channels are an excellent way for brands to market themselves, connect to their audience, and rapidly share information. Most people are on social media these days (even the ones who swore they would never give into it!).
Similar to how you analyzed yourself, analyze your audience to understand their likes, dislikes, values, beliefs, patterns, and behaviors. This knowledge will assist you in maintaining the right brand image for your audience. Additionally, it will guide you to make the best business decisions.
What is the message?
Now that you have completed your self-discovery work and identified your primary audience, the next step is to determine your message.
One of the most powerful tools we have is our voice, so we must take every opportunity to use it. The type of work you create may determine your message. For example, authors who are also motivational speakers will likely want to spread a message of encouragement and hope. Scholars presumably seek to spread academic information used for educational purposes. Fiction storybook authors may wish to share a message encouraging children to dream and follow their imagination.
In closing, whatever type of author you are, make sure that your message is unique to you, your audience, and it is consistent with your brand.
Consistency and strategy
Consistency is a critical factor of any successful endeavor, so you must develop a coherent strategy for your brand. Additionally, consumers are more likely to be loyal to a brand that is consistent with its message and actions. Think about it, would you support an organization that keeps its word only part of the time? Surely not! Therefore, research and implement the best strategies that will work for your brand and keep it consistent.
In conclusion, creating a brand identity for yourself as an author is an excellent strategy for success. Your brand identity will set you apart from other authors, increase your following and assist you in sharing your message.
There is value in who you are and in your story. So don't be afraid to do some inner work and discover distinctive aspects of yourself to share with the world. Then, utilize your story to establish your professional brand identity and better connect with readers.
