In my recent series, Why I Turned Down a Book Deal (And the Lessons I Learned), I talked about the importance of starting your own blog or website now, particularly for aspiring authors. Why?
Because publishers are looking for authors who have established platforms (helps with marketing). And starting a blog now will give you time to build your platform while you wait for your book to be written and/or published.
But what if I don't want to be an author?
Think about starting a blog anyway.
As time goes by and everything becomes increasingly internet-based, I think most of us—aspiring authors or not—will benefit from having our own little space online which is owned by you (and not your Facebook profile).
You have no idea how handy it'll be. I love what Penelope Trunk says: "Think of a blog like a high-end resume." And a high-end resume is just one way it'll be useful, in my opinion.
Think of how vital your home phone number was back in the day. And then email. And as things progress, I predict having your own real estate on the web will be just as common—for jobs, projects, connections, contacts, books (both published and ebooks), etc.
Anyway…
What's a platform?
I like Michael Hyatt's definition: "the means by which you connect with your existing and potential fans."
The good news is, even if starting a blog seems overwhelming right now (but why? I've made it so easy!), there are some simple things you can do to start building your platform today.
1. Get a headshot.
The internet is driven by relationships. Relationships are driven by face-to-face contact. Don't hide behind a logo, name, animated avatar, icon or a grainy phone pic. Ask someone with photographic know-how to take some high-quality photos of you. (If you go with a professional, be sure to specify beforehand that you would like the digital files as opposed to prints.) Use the same photo across all social media platforms and you'll build a consistent brand in the process.
2. Put your head shot on your business cards.
Anyone who knows you online will undoubtedly associate you with your headshot. If you have the opportunity to meet an online acquaintance "in real life," your head shot provides an instant means of recognition. Likewise, if you meet someone in real life and they want to connect with you online, the image on your business card will do the same. I wrote about this here.
3. Get a Gravatar.
I've said it previously, but have you ever wondered how some people have a picture of themselves next to the comments they leave on a blog? That's a Gravatar (a Globally Recognized Avatar). Getting one is dead simple and completely free. Simply go here and click "Get your Gravatar today." Once you're registered, your headshot (avatar) will show up automatically as you leave comments around the web. You are recognized by the email address you used when registering at Gravatar so make sure you use that email address whenever you leave comments.
4. Register a domain.
A domain is a web address. For example, AmyLynnAndrews.com is a domain. I highly recommend you register your name as a domain, even if you don't have plans to use it right away. If you've got a common name like me, try a simple variation like inserting your middle name. Go for a .com if at all possible.
Domains are not bought (only registered), therefore the registration must be renewed annually. Anyone can register a domain for less than $20 a year and having a website is not a prerequisite to having a domain.
You can "park" a domain, effectively holding it until you are ready to attach a website to it. Twenty bucks a year is a small price to pay in the event you might need it later on. (Here's how to register a domain name and here are some tips for choosing a domain name.)
5. Connect your Facebook Profile with your Facebook Page. (Don't assume you have!)
This is a missed opportunity I see repeatedly so I thought I'd mention it again. If you have a Facebook Page (get one here), make sure your Page is directly accessible from the bio area of your Profile (Timeline). Here's how to link from your Personal Profile/Timeline to your Fan Page. It's amazing how many people have not done this or who think they have!
Anything else you would add? Simple things that anyone can do now to start establishing their platform?
These are great, easy tips! To be honest, especially after reading your series, I don't know if I want to write a published book. I have been writing for newspapers (and a few magazine articles) for years, but I've never had a desire to write an entire book. Since I started blogging, however, I have a bunch of eBook ideas in my head. And…it seems like that may be more profitable in the end anyway?
I haven't linked my personal FB page and my fan page. To be honest, I like to keep "SAHM to my girls" on that…but part of it might be me being afraid of what others think. I have had a few friends wonder why I want to do anything *more* than just being a SAHM. My family truly depends on the extra $ I bring in through newspaper writing (Praise God I can do it from home!), and as I continue to blog, I am hoping it will be even more conducive to a profitable wahm job since I won't have to schedule phone interviews, etc. around the girls' naptimes and if/when I can get a sitter.
Thanks again for the tips!
I don't think one could say definitively that an ebook is or isn't more profitable than a traditionally published book. I think it really depends and everyone's story is different. I do know from my own experience, though, that an ebook can be quite profitable.
A Linkedin profile is free and another way to expand your platform. I use Linkedin for peer-to-peer communication and networking, and my Facebook Page to engage directly with my customers / community.
Yes, excellent point, Pat. LinkedIn is also a great place to connect. One of these days I'm actually going to do something with my LinkedIn profile.
Thanks Amy…..good article. I use an avatar as "myself" but I sorta see that as my logo – do you think this is something I should change? Be honest.
If you check out my blog header, you'll see that the lady on there is what I use as my "photo" online.
I understand the use of an avatar/logo and I think it's a matter of preference for many. If I had to say one way or the other, I prefer a face myself, but I wouldn't lose sleep over it.
Why not experiment and see if you get any feedback?
Thanks for your feeedback!
I appreciate it and you.
More great tips! I've just started a blog and have been following your "how to start a blog" steps! I am so grateful for all your information and wisdom! I've been procrastinating for over a year on starting one, but I got brave with your site as a hugely helpful tool and dove in. My brain hurts from all the techno babble, but I'm getting there. Thanks so much, Amy!
I'm so glad it has been helpful, Lindsey! Congrats on the new blog. (Children = Sharks…that cracked me up. So true!)
Great info!!!
Any suggestions on what to do with a challenging name? Both my maiden and married last names are oddly spelled and even harder to pronounce!
Maybe go with a first and middle, like Sarah Mae?
I always learn something new! Love having you in my email box every day!
Merry Christmas!
Thank you Stacey.
Merry Christmas to you as well. P.S. CUTE shoes!
As an artist, I've been advised to use an image of my art in place of my face (per Alison Stanfield of Art Biz) I did that on Linked-In. Someone else (Michael Hyatt?) said to update your photo when you update your look. Now I have 4 different photos floating out there because I don't remember or understand which photo is linked to which bloggy thing – WordPress? Blogger? Google? Gravatar?
So who am I and what do I look like? I sometimes wear a hat, knit and look like a pair of Giant Sequoia trees!
And p.s. – Forgive me, please, Alyson, for misspelling your name!
LOL! Well, the gravatar you see of me is old. Like SUPER old. Like 8 years old. It's time to get a new one (it's on my to-do list!) but the thought of having to change it everywhere is a bit daunting to me too.
It would help if I understood and remembered where they all are!
Maybe you could write a post on keeping track of all the places and names and passwords and photos and sites and blogs where we register ourselves. Maybe even produce some sort of flow chart or organizational sheet to facilitate the process.
And EIGHT years old? Okay, move that to the top of your list and get 'er dun, Amy! Lead on, show us the way!
I know. {{hangs head in shame}} LOL
I think these are really wonderful tips! It can be overwhelming at first, but these steps are great, simple ways to get started. I'd like to add that registering on Linkedin is a great networking tool. I recently read a great book that is jam packed with tips like the ones mentioned here! So for all of you out there who like this post by Amy, I'd definitely pick up a copy of "Branding Yourself: How to use Social Media to Invent or Reinvent Yourself" by Erik Deckers and Kyle Lay. It's wonderful and a very easy read!
Oh, thank you for the resource! Just added it to my wishlist at Amazon (affiliate link)! Awesome. Maybe I'll wait for my next Swagbucks gift card and treat myself. Thanks!
I didn't know that a Gravatar works that way. That is a great simple tip, thank you!
You're welcome, Audrey!
Thanks so much for your information. I completed the instructions for the Gravatar like you suggested but it is still not showing up? Could you suggest what I might have done wrong?
o how funny…guess it worked…just like you said
Yay!
I really appreciate all the tips, Amy. Planning a book as well as just beginning a blog. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time, but never had the know-how or the courage. You've given me both & now I'm branching out further than I ever expected. Thanks for being helpful, practical, and to-the-point.
Yay! So glad I could play a small part in you chasing your dream!! Really, before long, you'll be a whiz.
Amy, I am so happy to have discovered your site. SO much helpful information! I've just added your blog to my "favorites" page to share it with others.
Looking forward to reading more of your posts during this Christmas break and seeing all you have in store in the coming year. Happy Holidays to you!
So glad you stopped by, Kim. Thank you! I hope it continues to be helpful.
Amy, thanks for all your tips. I'm hoping to get a chance to read more of your posts this week. I've been blogging for about 2 years and have intentionally gone slow with it in order to figure out what I want it to be for our family. By the way, my mom's name is Amy Andrews… when my dh saw the paypal receipt for the time management book, he said "Your mom's middle name isn't Lynn." I had to laugh.
LOL, funny.
Glad you stopped by!
Great info and so easy to follow (thankfully, since some of this is SO far out of my depth).
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by, Susan.
What a valuable and comprehensive list. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. A great way to start the new platform. This article will be my Cheering experience. Thanks !!