Posted on by Melissa K. Norris

The Best Resource to Build Your Author Platform

Are you so sick of the word platform you want to throw all wooden boxes into a huge bonfire?

Everywhere authors turn we hear about the importance of author platform. Many pre-published authors have no idea how to go about building a successful author platform. You just know that you need one.

Even seasoned authors know we need to keep adding planks to our platform, making it larger every day.

I was one of 100 people recently chosen to participate in the launch of Michael Hyatt’s new book, Platform: Get Noticed in A Noisy World.

This in itself was pure genius. Every one wants the invitation to the private party, we want the behind the scenes all access pass. To read the call out, here’s the link to Michael’s invite. Did you notice it’s not just about what you can do for him, but what it will do for you?

That is the number one lesson from this book. Everything you put in front of your readers, from blog posts to social media updates, must provide value to them!

Michael really knows how to take this to the next level. Here’s the link to his Platform book page. He breaks down the benefits his book provides to the reader. Many books, or book pages, fail to spell out what the purchaser will get from reading them.

This book doesn’t just tell you a few key points or things to do, it teaches you. Michael provides numerous links to extra info and also gives tons of examples. I’m a visual learner, so this is key for me.

God has been reminding me that it’s not about me. And the same is true in all aspects of our lives, as both authors and human beings. I ultimately write for God’s glory, and adding glory for Him is what’s all about. Remember to always add value, in everything we do.

What are ways you can add value to your book? How can you add value to the readers of your blog? How has an author added extra value for you?

Here’s an added value if you haven’t already read 7 Tips for Self-Editing Your Novel with Promotional USB Drives Before we can create a platform, our content must be amazing.

13 Replies to “The Best Resource to Build Your Author Platform”

  1. How funny I just bought this book a few days ago abduction have been watching all the freeble videos Michael gave for purchase. Can’t wait to read!

    1. You’re in for a treat, Marta! I ended up reworking my about and speaker page after reading his insight on what makes them effective. One of many changes I made. 🙂

  2. I recently added a free eBook giveaway when readers subscribe and that “giving” is helping me build my platform. As people become readers of my blog and eBook, they will get to know more about me. Hopefully, since I gave my first book away, they will become more likely to buy my next book, which I am writing now.

    1. Dayna, I think giving away a free ebook is great. I do the same, great minds…. The key word there is giving, we need to give things to our readers, not take, to succeed.

  3. Great piece, Melissa. I got Platform last week and it looks great. I’ve only had time to read a little, but I can tell already that it’s going to be a very good resource.

  4. What an honor to be selected as a launch team member, Melissa. I’ve noticed good results in your platform building. Of course, I had to purchase this book myself! 🙂

  5. Melissa, I’m thrilled Michael chose you to be one of the 100. I, too, bought the book. I’m excited Michael’s able to reach so many people outside of our regular Christian circles. Now, that’s using one’s platform. : )

    1. Thanks, Charlotte. I’ll be posting some more platform related articles in the upcoming months. I really love being part of a community that wants to help each other grow and succeed.

  7. Melissa,
    I got in on a bonus deal he was offering last week. Thanks for whetting my appetite further! It’s always nice to get positive feedback from multiple resources. Can’t wait to get my hands on it!

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