By The WBR Team
A business book is an incredible way to elevate your personal and professional brand. However, the journey doesn’t end at publication.
In today’s world, being a successful author means more than just writing good books. It’s about creating a whole world around your work where readers can dive in, learn, and connect with you on a deeper level.
This is what we call an author ecosystem, a place where every piece of content you create works together to make you a trusted expert in your field.
But how do you start? How do you go from being just another name on a book cover to becoming the go-to person in your niche?
In this article, we’ll explore how to build an author ecosystem that establishes you not just as an expert but as THE go-to expert within your niche.
Let’s dive in.
What is an author ecosystem?
An author ecosystem is like your own personal universe in the world of business. It represents everything you do as an author, all connected together.
This ecosystem is where your readers can find not just your unique knowledge and ideas but also a sense of community and connection with you and others who share their interests.
Building an author ecosystem means you’re offering your audience various paths to discover and engage with your work, whether they prefer reading blog posts (or your book!), listening to podcasts, watching videos, or scrolling through social media. Each part of your ecosystem works together to strengthen your presence and credibility, making you a go-to authority in your niche.
By putting the pieces together in a thoughtful way, you make it easier for people to find you, follow you, and become loyal fans who look forward to everything you do.
An author ecosystem might include:
- Books and ebooks: Your published work, whether in print or digital format.
- Website/blog: A central place where readers can learn more about you, your work, and any upcoming projects.
- Social media profiles: Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn where you can share updates, connect with readers, and promote your work.
- Email newsletter: Regular updates you send to your subscribers, along with exclusive content.
- Podcasts or video channels: If you create or participate in podcasts or video content, this is another layer of your ecosystem.
- Online courses or workshops: Educational content you offer that’s related to your niche.
- Events and speaking engagements: Virtual or in-person events where you connect with your audience, such as workshops or conferences.
- Merchandise: Any branded items you might offer that relate to your books or author brand.
- Collaborations with other authors: Projects that involve working with other business leaders which can expand your reach and bring new readers into your ecosystem.
How to build an author ecosystem
1. Design and position your brand
Before anything else, it’s crucial to know what your brand stands for and how you want to be perceived by your audience. If you’ve written and positioned your book, you should already have this figured out.
Some core questions to ask yourself here are: What unique perspective do you want to bring to your niche? Who are you speaking to? How do you want to be perceived by your audience?
At this stage, you also want to develop your brand voice. Your brand voice is how you communicate in writing and speech, whether it’s through your books, blog posts, social media, or emails. This voice should be consistent and authentic to who you are.
2. Design your author website
Creating your website is like setting up your own headquarters on the internet – a place where readers can find everything about you and your work in one spot. Here’s how to get your website up and running:
a) Choose a domain name: Your domain name should ideally be your name or something closely related to your brand. It’s how readers will find you online, so make it memorable and easy to spell.
b) Select a website builder: There are plenty of website builders out there like WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix. Choose one that fits your budget, design preferences, and the level of control you want over your site. WordPress is great for flexibility and control, while Squarespace and Wix are more about ease of use and design.
c) Pick a template: Choose a template or theme that matches your brand’s look and feel. Many website builders offer templates specifically designed for authors and business leaders, showcasing books, biographies, and events.
d) Create the essential pages: At a minimum, your website should include:
- A home page that welcomes visitors and clearly states who you are and what you write about.
- A “book” or “resources” page that showcases your works, with links to buy them.
- A contact page with a form or your email address, so readers and professionals can reach out to you.
e) Optimise for SEO: Use popular keywords related to your books and author brand in your website’s content and meta tags to help your site rank higher in search engine results.
f) Make it mobile-friendly: A lot of web browsing happens on mobile devices, so ensure your site looks good and works well on phones and tablets.
3. Create your lead magnet
If you want readers to willingly step into your author ecosystem, there has to be an incentive for them to do so. This means offering something irresistible to your target audience that encourages them to share their email address with you – a lead magnet.
There are many types of lead magnets you can create, such as:
- Free chapters: Offer a sneak peek into your book to get readers hooked. Read our full guide on how to use your book as a lead magnet.
- Ebooks: Create a short ebook that dives deeper into a topic related to your writing.
- Checklists or guides: For example, if you write about productivity, a “Daily Productivity Checklist” could be a great lead magnet.
- Email courses: These can be a series of educational content delivered over several days or weeks via email.
Make sure your lead magnet looks professional and aligns with your brand. Use tools like Canva for design and formatting if you’re doing it yourself. For written content, ensure it’s well-edited and easy to read.
You also want to use email marketing tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to automate the delivery of your lead magnet. To pull this off, you’ll need to create a signup form on your website where visitors can subscribe and receive their freebie.
4. Create other brand assets
Beyond your website and lead magnet, there are several other brand assets that play a crucial role in building your author ecosystem. These assets help to maintain consistency across all platforms, making your brand easily recognisable and professional-looking. Here are some examples of what you need to create:
a) Logo: Design a logo that represents you as an author. It could be as simple as your name in a unique font or something more graphic. Your logo will appear on your website, social media profiles, business cards, and any other promotional materials.
b) Business cards: Even in a digital age, business cards are useful, especially when you attend conferences, book signings, or any networking events. They should include your name, website, email address, and social media handles.
c) Social media graphics: Create a set of templates for your social media posts that match your brand’s visual style. This includes cover images for your profiles, as well as templates for regular posts, announcements, and quotes from your writing. Consistency in your visuals helps reinforce your brand identity.
d) Email signature: Your email signature is another opportunity to promote your brand. Include your name, title (e.g., Author or Founder), website, and links to your main social media profiles. You can also mention your latest book or an upcoming event you’re part of.
e) Promotional materials: Depending on your marketing strategies, you might need bookmarks, posters, or postcards, especially if you participate in book fairs or signings. Design these with your brand’s look and feel in mind, ensuring they’re eye-catching and informative.
f) Author headshot: A professional headshot is crucial for your website, social media profiles, and any promotional materials. It should reflect your brand’s tone – whether that’s approachable, professional, knowledgeable, etc. Make sure it’s high quality and up to date.
Creating these brand assets might seem like a lot of work, but they are essential tools for presenting a professional and cohesive image to your audience. They not only help you stand out but they also make your author brand memorable.
The best part is that you don’t have to do everything at once; start with the essentials and build your collection of brand assets over time.
Final thoughts
Remember, the goal of your author ecosystem is not just to sell books but to build lasting relationships with your readers, becoming a trusted voice and authority in your field. It’s a process that requires patience, consistency, and a bit of creativity, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
If you’d like to start this journey by publishing a high-quality, high-impact business book, get in touch today to find out how we can help.