Grow: Your Writing Presence with Branding, Website & Reader Outreach

From Page to People—The Power of Sharing Your Story in Person.

Once your book or blog is out in the world, the next step is to grow your writing presence—online and off. This stage is about visibility, connection, and confidence.

Whether you're building a simple author website, designing a recognizable look for your books, or starting an email list, this is where your words begin to meet the world on a deeper level. It’s also where readers start to recognize and remember you.

If you're a writer trying to build an audience or start a writing business, this is a critical step that helps everything else you do succeed.

What Does “Grow” Mean for Writers?

In the world of writing, growth doesn’t just mean more book sales. It means:

• Creating a clear and consistent author brand

• Building a website that represents your work

• Growing an email list or social following

• Becoming recognizable to your readers

• Making your work easier to share and recommend

When you grow your writing presence, you make it easier for readers to find, trust, and follow you.

Why Author Branding Matters

Your brand is not just your logo or colors—it’s the feel of your writing life. It’s the message, mood, and personality behind your work.

Ask yourself:

• What themes do I write about often?

• What emotions do I want people to feel when they see my name or content?

• What words or phrases describe my writing?

Examples:

• A poet who writes about healing might choose soft visuals, peaceful colors, and a brand name like “Words That Mend.”

• A children’s book author might use bright colors, playful fonts, and language that’s fun and friendly.

You don’t need a perfect brand today. Just start with something that feels like you and let it grow with time.

What to Include on Your Author Website

You don’t need to be a tech expert to have a professional-looking website. Platforms like Wix and Squarespace make it easy.

Your author website should include:

• About Page: Share who you are, your writing journey, and why you do what you do.

• Books or Blog Page: Feature your published work or active blog posts.

• Contact Page: Make it easy for readers, reviewers, or collaborators to reach you.

• Email Signup Form: Grow your email list to stay connected with fans.

• Media/Press Page (Optional): Include your bio, author photos, and press mentions.

Pro Tip: Start simple. Add more features over time as your writing life grows.

Ways to Connect With Readers

You don’t need thousands of followers—you just need to care about the people who already follow you. Here are ways to stay connected:

1. Start an Email List

Email is still the most reliable way to connect. You own your list. Social media can change, but email stays.

• Offer a freebie like a sample chapter or printable in exchange for signups.

• Send updates monthly or bi-weekly.

• Keep it personal—talk like a real person.

2. Use Social Media Intentionally

Pick one or two platforms that match your audience. Use them to:

• Share writing tips

• Post quotes or poems

• Promote your blog or book

• Celebrate milestones

Don’t let social media run your life, but do use it as a tool to grow your presence.

3. Build Reader Loyalty

• Respond to comments and emails.

• Ask questions in your newsletters or posts.

• Give sneak peeks of what’s coming next.

When readers feel seen, they stay.

My Writing Growth Story (In Progress…)

I didn’t start out knowing how to “brand” or “market” anything about my writing. I was just a woman healing through poetry, learning how to blog, and trying to put helpful words into the world.

Now, as I build this blog, design workbooks, and promote my books, I’ve realized that growing a writing presence is a lot like tending a garden—you water it, shape it, and trust that it will bloom in time.

I still don’t have it all figured out. But I keep showing up. And that’s what growth looks like.

The Prompt Corner

The Prompt Corner is to  help you explore how to grow your writing presence:

1. What message or mood do you want your writing to be known for?

2. If your writing life had a “brand,” what would it look and sound like?

3. Draft a short paragraph for your future About page.

4. What’s one thing you can add to your online presence this week?

5. Write an email you would send to your dream reader.

Try one or all. Growth begins with small, intentional steps.

Free & Paid Tools to Support Your Writing

These tools can help you grow your writing presence:

1. Wix – Build your author website easily with templates

2. Mailerlite – Free and beginner-friendly email marketing platform

3. Looka – Create your own logo and brand kit

4. AnswerThePublic – Understand what your audience is searching for

Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to use them, it helps support our website at no extra cost to you. Want more tools? Check out the full list in the Resources tab of our site.

Want more tools? Check out the full list of writing resources on the resource page on our website.

RESOURCES PAGE

Write with Us: Grow Your Writing Presence

Growth doesn’t happen overnight. But every time you show up—through a blog, a website tweak, an email, or a simple social post—you are planting seeds. Trust that they will bloom.

Next week, we move into Step 9: Build – Turn Your Writing Into a Business. 

You’ve been nurturing your words—now it’s time to build a foundation for income and impact.

You don’t have to figure it all out today. Just keep growing.

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