How to Build Your Author Platform from Scratch (Step-by-Step)
What Is an Author Platform (and Why It Matters)?
If you’ve heard the term author platform and wondered…
“Do I really need one?”
“What does that even include?”
You’re not alone.
An author platform is simply:
The way you connect with your audience and share your message.
It’s how readers:
Find you
Get to know you
Trust you
And eventually… read your book
Your platform is not about being everywhere.
It’s about being intentional and consistent in the right places.
What Is Included in an Author Platform?
Your platform doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on these core pieces:
Your Website (Your Home Base)
This is the one place you control.
Include:
About page
Books page
Contact page
Blog or resources
Everything points back here.
Your Email List (Your Direct Connection)
Your email list allows you to:
Stay connected
Build relationships
Share encouragement and updates
Even a small list matters.
One Primary Platform
Choose ONE place your audience already spends time:
Pinterest
Facebook
Instagram
You don’t need to be everywhere—just consistent.
Your Content
This is how readers discover you:
Blog posts
Social posts
Devotionals
Encouragement
Content builds visibility and trust.
Your Message & Voice
This is where everything comes together.
Your platform isn’t just where you show up—it’s how you show up.
Clarity here changes everything because your message is what draws the right readers to you.
Step-by-Step: How to Build Your Author Platform
Step 1: Clarify Your Message and Audience
Before you build anything, get clear on:
Who your reader is (your Avatar)
What message you want to share
Ask Yourself:
What pain point do I resolve for my reader?
What do I want them to walk away with after reading my material?
What transformation am I offering?
Try This:
“I write __________ so that __________.”
Examples:
I write for aspiring authors so that they gain clarity and confidence on the business side of writing.
I write encouragement for women so that they feel strengthened in their faith and everyday life.
This becomes your compass 🧭
Show Up Where Your Reader Shows Up
Ask:
Where is my reader already spending time?Go where they are—not where you think you should be.
Step 2: Set Up Your Website
Create a simple, clear home base. Start here:
https://deedeelake.com/post/how-to-start-an-author-business-not-just-write-a-book
Step 3: Start Your Email List
Your email list is one of your most valuable tools. Learn more:
https://deedeelake.com/post/blog-vs-newsletter-for-authors
Step 4: Choose One Platform
Pick ONE place to focus. Consistency builds connection.
Step 5: Create Consistent Content
Start simple:
One blog per week or bi-weekly
A few social posts
Small steps = momentum.
Step 6: Engage and Build Relationships
Respond. Encourage. Connect.
People remember how you make them feel.
Step 7: Keep Going (Even When It Feels Slow)
Growth takes time.
Stay consistent
Stay faithful
Waypoint Challenge: Build Your First Platform Piece
Choose ONE step this week:
✔ Clarify your message
✔ Set up your website
✔ Start your email list
✔ Choose your platform
One step forward is progress.
Explore More Author Business Guides
Continue your journey:
👉 https://deedeelake.com/post/simple-book-marketing-strategies-for-new-authors
👉 https://deedeelake.com/post/how-to-start-an-author-business-not-just-write-a-book
👉 https://deedeelake.com/post/blog-vs-newsletter-for-authors
External Resources
Authors Guild – insights on author careers and industry trends
Pew Research Center – research on reading habits and audiences
Recommended Resources
Podcast: The Writing Coach Podcast by Rebecca L. Weber
Book: Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller Available on Amazon
Ready to Build with Confidence?
If you’re ready for clarity and direction on the business side of writing, there’s a path forward.
Explore coaching, webinars, and resources at deedeelake.com
Final Thought
Your author platform isn’t built overnight.
It’s built:
One step
One connection
One message at a time
Stay consistent. Stay focused. Stay faithful.
