Why Blogging is Important: Top Authors Weigh In
It’s more important than ever for authors to have a strong online presence whether they are just beginning their publishing journey or building on what has already been established.
Without a blog in place on your website or book may not be found without putting in hours of work and events.
The good news is that the Internet has evolved into a global arena where authors can reach a much wider audience without the need for constant travel and offline book promotions. With the right tools in place your book can be successful with content taking center stage.
Still not convinced?
Here are several reasons you should add a blogging strategy to your author marketing today:
• You establish yourself as an authority in your topic
• A fan base can be built online with a network of readers interested in your work
• Blog posts can provide an opportunity for giveaway promotions and open the door for guest blogging opportunities
• Use your posts to create conversation and build up your social media networks
• Increase website traffic and loyal subscribers
• Encourage comments and reviews on Amazon
We asked the authors themselves
I sent out a query to many author contact and/or clients a few months ago, asking who was blogging, did they start before or after their book was promoted, and if they thought blogging helped them in the book promotion and platform building:
1) Did you start blogging before or after you published your first book?
2) How often do you blog now?
3) What is your favorite blogging platform? Why?
4) Do you use social media to share your blog posts?
If YES, what platform provides you with the most interaction?
5) What topics do you blog about?
6) What do you really think authors should blog about?
7) Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
8) What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
9) What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
Here are the results
- Facebook was the top social media platform with Twitter following in second place.
- Most are blogging 2-3 posts per week with many divisions in how often after that.
- WordPress was hands down the winner as for the platform utilized.
- 14 out of 17 authors started blogging before their book was published.
- 13 our of 17 authors believe that blogging helps their book sales and platform building.
Here are the top authors who have already been successful in blogging and book marketing and have shared their experiences on how this has been beneficial to them. Read the interviews below the Infographic and learn how to make this work for your website and books as well:
![What Authors Say about Blogging [Infographic]](https://susangilbert.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/What-Authors-Say-about-Blogging.png)
Add this infographic to your website by copying and pasting the following embed code:
Author Interviews
Amy Shojai
Author of Lost And Found: September Day Series
Author Website: Bling, Bitches & Blood Blog
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“Blogging is NOT a “direct sales” vehicle. It’s simply a way to raise awareness about an author/platform. For nonfiction authors, it can be a bit easier. For fiction authors, a mutual interest can engage your audience.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“Blogging is a powerful but misunderstood tool that too many authors misuse, and it becomes a waste of time and opportunity. Forget SALES. Think ENGAGEMENT. Other writers want to read about publishing/writing–find out what YOUR readers want, and provide that to gain loyal fans.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“Authors should blog about what interests them first, and their audience second–and ideally, the two are the same. Readers are first interested in what THEY want to read about; kids, pets, gardening, day to day challenges. Become a real person to your audience, and once they like you, even those not necessarily interested in your topic will be more likely to take a chance on your book.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Remember that your blog should be a CONVERSATION. Sure, share your experiences, the angst of writing, what funny thing the kids said (they’ll hate/love you for it!). But remember to ask your readers questions and include them in the blog via comments, suggestions, contests, give-aways, and more. You’ll not only develop more avid fans, but also discover what your audience wants you to write–and then you can give it to them.”
Billy Coffey
Author of In the Heart of the Dark Wood
Author website: www.billycoffey.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“Visitors to my blog gets to know me in a more personal way. If they like what they see and keep coming back, they buy into me as a person rather than any single book I might write.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“For me, blogging serves a multitude of purposes. It lets readers glimpse who I am as a person and not an author, it keeps my writing skills sharp, and it allows me to work out potential story ideas.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“I think it’s great when authors use their blog to give a kind of inside view of their lives. It lets readers really get to know who you are as a person, rather than just as a writer.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“I don’t generally like author websites built solely with the goal of trying to convince people to buy stuff. Information regarding appearances or reviews or whatever books you have are great and necessary, but try to provide a glimpse into the person behind those books as well.”
Ciara Ballintyne
Author of The Seven Circles of Hell series
Author website: www.ciaraballintyne.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“I think it helps to increase reader awareness of an author’s ‘brand’. I’m not sure it converts into direct sales i.e. I don’t think you can blog x time and expect a y increase in sales, but I think it keeps an author’s name top of mind, which can help the next time a person goes to buy a book and is trying to decide what to buy. Also, for readers who LIKE to interact with authors, blogs with open comments offer that opportunity.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“No blog can sell the book unwritten – don’t pour time into blogging to the detriment of writing.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“Not just about their book, definitely not about their writing process. Ideally, I think authors need to work out what their target audience is likely to be interested in and then blog about that. Easier said than done….”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Don’t blog daily. You will kill yourself, and bore your readers. Once a week is fine, twice a week at most. An established schedule can be helpful for both you and your readers – you don’t have to rack your brain quite as hard if you know that this week is a certain type of post, and readers know when to check in for the particular posts they’re interested in.”
Diane Gage Lofgren & Margaret Bhola
Authors of Women I Want to Grow Old With
Author website: www.womeniwanttogrowoldwith.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“Increases visibility in searches showcases expertise which can help to get speaking engagements to promote your book.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“Blogging allows an author to drive awareness of book content/author expertise. It serves as a platform for the author to further expand on topics in the book and is a good way to become more visible in searches on the topic.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“Their passion or expertise.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“It takes time and discipline and can easily slip on the priority list, so it needs to be made a priority.”
Ed Cyzewski
Author of The Good News of Revelation
Author website: www.edcyzewski.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“A blog helps authors connect with an audience, collecting email addresses while also allowing authors to find people who resonate with their voice, style, and interests.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“I know that blogging isn’t for every author, but for the majority of authors who are just starting out or are trying to build an audience, a blog provides a great way to reach potential readers with your ideas and to introduce them to your voice and style. It’s the perfect place to test out rough drafts and new ideas, providing immediate feedback. A blog also makes it easy to build an email list and to gain new followers on social media, and both of those tools can be helpful for book releases and promotions.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“Authors should use a blog to test and develop their ideas. A blog should also serve as an outlet for their creativity–a place to share ideas in a shorter, more immediate format that may not have a place in a book.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Only start blogging if you find that you can’t stop jotting down ideas or keep thinking of topics you’d like to write about for a public audience. The sharper your focus, the easier it will be. Don’t be afraid of dropping one blog idea for another one. Your second or third attempt at a blog may be the one that succeeds. This is all an experiment, and there’s no shame in trying something different if you don’t think your first blog can be sustainable.”
Eden Baylee
Author of Stranger at Sunset
Author website: www.edenbayleebooks.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“Let others know your writing style – let others know who you are”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“Blogging has helped me establish my author’s identity. No matter what I write, whether it’s a fiction or promotional piece, I check and recheck my information to ensure the post looks clean and attractive before I publish it. My blog is a reflection of me, so I treat it as a professional calling card each time I post.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“Each author needs to create their own platform. It’s their place to give the world a taste of who they are, and only the author can determine that.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Stay true to yourself.”
Joshua Graham
New York Times Bestselling Author
Author website: www.Joshua-Graham.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“The first thing someone does when they discover a new author is to look for their website. A blog is a part of that sight which gives readers a chance to get acquainted with the author in a somewhat personal way. I believe readers would like to know more about the author of their favorite books.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“Blogging is a great way to connect with readers and followers. Ideally, your followers will interact with you and with each other in the comments section, if you have a leading call to action (asking them to comment and discuss.)”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“Whatever interests them and their followers.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Be genuine, be open, and don’t promote your books too much on the blog (you have other sections of your website for that). Let your readers know you and your written voice. And always be professional. Despite the number of hits bloggers who rant and rave, I still believe being decent is the way to be, online as it is in person.”
Kari Neumeyer
Author of Bark and Lunge: Saving My Dog from Training Mistakes
Author website: www.KariNeumeyer.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“A blog can help an author build community. I’ve met people through my blog who then purchased my book, and also, I’ve had people who purchased my book seek me out through my website and contact me that way.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“A blog is a tool that can help build community, enhance craft, and sell books. A blog post can lead to an idea that can lead to a book. A blog post can get the attention of someone who might buy your book. The blog itself is not the book, but writers can use it as source material to be explored and expanded into narrative.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“Whatever they’re interested in. I don’t think authors should blog because they’re trying to build a platform or because their agent told them to. They should do it because it’s fun, or because they have a story to tell.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Blog about your passions. Don’t treat your website like a billboard, but as place to share information. Build community by asking questions in your posts and respond to comments. When people comment on your blog, visit their blogs and comment there.
Even authors who don’t blog should have websites in their name (not AuthorName.wordpress.com, but AuthorName.com) with information about their books. It helps potential readers see that the authors are “”real people.”””
Kent Hinckley
Author of Hearts, Minds, and Coffee: A Vietnam Peace Odyssey
Author website: www.kenthinckley.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“A blog could help with non-fiction books since the information could complement the story line of the book. For fiction, readers in my limited experience want a good story and will only access a blog if they like the story and the author. I do believe an author needs to blog to keep the Google algorithms going.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“I have fun with my blogs. I cover subjects that interest me which I hope will interest my readers, and get to practice my writing. It’s a win win.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“They should blog about anything they want. The blog reflects the author and I want to know more about the author than just his take on his book.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Do it, write blogs well, and realize that they probably won’t influence readers when they buy your book.”
Lisa Jey Davis
Author of Ms. Cheevious In Hollywood: My Zany Years Spent Working in Tinsel Town
Author website: www.mscheevious.com/blog & www.lisajeydavis.com/blog
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“If you’ve been blogging prior to your book’s release, you have an entire ready-made audience to market your book to. You can also clue them in on upcoming events, and promotions. It’s a no-brainer.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“Blogging not only provides the platform an author needs, it offers a way for them to express themselves beyond the book.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“It depends on what their books are about. If an author writes novels, I believe s/he should try to position themselves as somewhat a celebrity. What do celebrities talk about? Themselves, their latest projects, their upcoming projects, events they’ll be attending, etc.
While all of the above is true for non-fiction authors too, non-fiction authors have an area of expertise that people tend to want to know more about. So far, I am a non-fiction author. My first book is actually a yoga routine in an eBook, called “”Ahhhhhh…Haaaaaa Moments with Ms. Cheevious”” – but I have two other upcoming books (coming very soon). The first to come is a memoir of my time spent working in television with celebrities in Hollywood. It’s called “”Ms. Cheevious in Hollywood – My Zany Years Spent Working in Tinsel Town.”” The second upcoming book is titled “”Getting Over Your Ovaries: How to Make the Change of Life Your Bitch”” – so for me, I believe my blogging (on both sites) is right on point: Health/FItness / Sassy & Fun.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Be consistent. If decide to blog prior to your book’s release, you won’t begin to see and reap the benefits unless you’ve been writing them consistently and often for some time. I know there are other schools of thought about this. One bestselling author says not to bother people with blog posts too often, but when you *do* blog, to make it great. I haven’t tried that method. I do know that as a result of my blogging, I have been approached by multiple brands to try products (all of which, if I do, they must offer the product in a giveaway on my site)…. So – whether you blog often, or not, be consistent. Also, EDIT your work. Pay someone to edit it, if you must. Just be sure your work is pristine. It is your calling card.”
Lynne Cantwell
Author of Pipe Woman Chronicles Series
Author website: www.hearth-myth.blogspot.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“It can help prospective readers get to know you — if they like your posts, they may be willing to try one of your books. And if you’ve got a new book out, blogging can help you get your current readers excited about buying it.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“Blogging is a great way to let your readers get to know you. People always seem to want to know about the person behind the pen (or computer terminal), and writing a blog is one of the best ways to let your own personality and interests shine through.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“It depends on what the author’s aim is. If you want to share your expertise about publishing, then concentrate your posts on that. If you’re in it solely to promote your own books, then you could blog about the themes in your books, and any current events or topics that tie into those themes. If you’re trying to connect with readers, then you might take the eclectic approach, as I am.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Be consistent in your posting times, so that your readers know they can rely on you. And don’t just cross-post or share content without any comment on it; give the link a little introduction and/or explain why you think your readers ought to click through.”
Michele Rosenthal
Author of Before the World Intruded: Conquering the Past and Creating the Future
Author website: www.ChangeYouChoose.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“Blogging gives readers a peek into the meaningful content of a book that primes the pump for their decision to make the purchase, plus it positions authors as authorities in their field.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“Blogging can be an essential component in building and maintaining your audience because it offers an induction into your tribe. For prospective buyers blogging develops trust in your perspective and approach. For readers it allows an on-going and meaningful connection that converts into long-lasting, supportive fans. For you as a writer the energy of community can serve as a source of inspiration, motivation and stimulation that leads to future creative work.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“I think authors should blog about topics directly related to their book’s subject and also less directly related ideas that make readers think, expand their perspective and see things in a creative new way. Keeping blog readers engaged comes from blogging within a set focus but approaching that focus in fresh and unpredictable ways.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Be smart and creative. Write in ways that make your audience stretch while also giving them a foundation of education they can both rely on and access through posts that are stimulating, inspiring and lead to conversations.”
R.S. Guthrie
Author of Blood Land: A James Pruett Mystery
Author website: www.robonwriting.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“Barely. I think blogging is more important early on, as mentioned before, in brand (author name) building. Getting “known”, if only in the writer circles. Same with FB, Twitter, Goodreads (although the latter can also be a decent place to connect with readers. My sales don’t change with my blog. Sales change when you figure out how to get your book(s) noticed. (Now this theory does not take into consideration someone who has a million readers, writes for HuffPost, etc. I’m sure their experience is a different one.)”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“Blogging is the author’s way of connecting with the peer community. Book readers aren’t reading an author’s blog. Share. Authors helping authors. We aren’t competing as much as you think, even in-genre. People buy a car for 5 years. They turn over a book in a week. There are plenty of readers for us all. The more you help other authors, the more they will assist YOU.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“Their experiences, how to assist other authors, share the knowledge. We’re not like Ford and Chevy; consumers can and will buy my book AND my friend’s Mystery/Thriller AND my other friend’s Mystery/Thriller. That’s my mantra: authors helping authors.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Do it soon, before your book is out—before the first word is written. Talk about your book, the struggles, the things you’ve found that help the process, etc. Become known, get readers, establish a Social Media presence. ALL of that helps for your first book release.”
Richard L Mabry, MD
Author of Critical Condition
Author website: www.rmabry.blogspot.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“I wish I could answer “yes and no.” For some authors, the audience for their blogs is huge; for others, not so much.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“I do it because I’ve been told an author should, and I’m afraid to stop…but I wish I could.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“If they have a specific audience, topics of interest to them.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Be interesting; don’t be a slave to it; offer value to the blog readers.”
Shirley Hershey Showalter
Author of Blush: A Mennonite Girl Meets a Glittering World
Author website: www.shirleyshowalter.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“You locate a group of other people with similar interests by blogging. Those people become the backbone of your launch, your early reviews, guest posts, etc.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“Blogging helped me find my core readers, the few who were waiting to read the book when it came out. I found those readers by adding value to them, spiritually and strategically, being vulnerable and sharing details of writing, publishing, and promotional activities. I try to encourage others to be their highest selves, which helps me become my highest self.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“What they care about. Only a deep interest in the subject keeps you going.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“You don’t have to do it. If you hate it, don’t waste your time. Establish a publishing schedule so that you can batch your blogging/social media work. I’m not good at doing this, but I wish I were.”
Steven Ramirez
Author of Dead Is All You Get: Book Two of THE DEAD SERIES
Author website: www.stevenramirez.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“This is a qualified yes. Personally, I do not have enough followers to affect my book sales. But I feel it is a necessary part of an author’s platform.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“Blogging is like exercise. Everyone says it’s good for you, but sometimes it’s hard to make room for it.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“Whatever their passion is.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Don’t post something just to keep a cadence. There is a lot of fluff out there, and I suspect that some authors are posting because they feel like they have to. I am blogging less frequently now as I write more books. But when I do post, I try to make it meaningful.”
Victoria Noe
Author of Friend Grief series
Author website: www.friendgrief.com
Do you believe that blogging can help the authors to promote their book and/or sales?
“It gives the reader an easy way to get to know the author.”
What do you think about blogging from an author’s perspective?
“Blogging helped me not only find an audience but refine my message. I tried things out on my blog when considering using them in one of my books. It helped focus the books, too.”
What do you think authors should blog about?
“Whatever they feel passionate about, whether it’s the business of writing or a specific topic that interests them.”
What advice would you offer to both new and established authors about blogging?
“Don’t go long periods of time without blogging. Decide on a schedule and stick to it.”
As you establish a blog on your website it’s important to stick to a regular schedule and monitor comments and feedback online. Headlines that are compelling will draw in readers, which feeds directly into social media as your audience starts to share your content.
A simple call-to-action and subscribe box will allow you to connect with your fans, along with cross-sharing your posts on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Pinterest. Follow these examples and stick with the building process. Before long you will see more activity on book sales and reviews.
Overall Conclusions
- Start blogging and social media promoting your blogs sooner rather than later.
- WordPress was the favorite platform for these authors and bloggers.
- Make sure you are capturing emails on your website.
- Make it easy for your visitors to share via social media.
Keep it up brother ❤❤❤ Big support
Let’s goo!!!!
Wonderful web site. Lots of helpful info here. I am sending it to several buddies ans also sharing in delicious.
And certainly, thanks to your sweat!