Social media can feel like a lot to handle, especially for indie authors trying to grow their audience and share their work. With so many platforms, it’s tough to know which ones are best for connecting with readers. But don’t worry – you’re not alone!
In this guide, we’ll break down the best social media platforms for indie authors in 2024 and how you can use them. Let’s jump in!
What are the best social media platforms for indie authors?
Social media has proven to be a powerful marketing tool. It’s not surprising. The global number of social media users has reached 5.17 billion in 2024. That is, using these platforms, you have the opportunity to get a massive audience of people without even leaving your home.
However, the variety of social networks is growing along with the number of users. Do you need to create accounts everywhere? It depends on your desire and resources. After all, maintaining several pages requires a lot of time, energy, and creativity.
Before you decide which social networks are worth keeping, let’s look at the most appropriate and useful ones for indie authors:
- TikTok
- Threads & X (formerly, Twitter)
Now, we’ll explore each one in detail.
This platform is an excellent tool for readers to look into your life. A lot of attention is paid to photos and other visuals. Instagram also offers many interactive functions in stories and allows you to create carousels and reel videos.
How can Instagram work for indie authors?
You can use it to show your book covers, character art, or behind-the-scenes moments of your writing process. It lets you connect directly with readers through comments, stories, and polls.
Moreover, it’s easy to build a consistent and book-themed profile that matches your vibe and catches readers’ eye. Don’t forget hashtags – they allow you to find fellow authors, reviews, and helpful content.
What content to post on Instagram for indie authors?
- Share sneak peeks, quotes, and daily writing updates.
- Post book trailers, Q&A sessions, and writing tips with Reels.
- Partner with authors for shoutouts, challenges, and giveaways.
- Tease new releases with cover reveals, your book’s tropes, and themes.
- Show a little bit of your everyday life as an ordinary human.
- Do book cover A/B testing in stories.
What are the best paid ad ideas on Instagram?
- Create eye-catching ads featuring your book cover or teaser image.
- Run ads with countdowns before your book release.
- Link ads directly to your book’s sales page or author website.
- Create engaging book trailers or reading excerpts via Reels.
- Promote ads with positive reader reviews to attract new fans.
What authors’ pages to follow on Instagram for inspiration?
Ariana Tosado – a fantasy author. Through her stories and music, Ariana uplifts and inspires others while helping fellow writers achieve their dreams. She creates fun sketches and shows her writing life moments. Check out one of her reels here.
Vanessa Rasanen – a fantasy romance author. She loves taking beloved, familiar stories and tropes and adding her unique twist to them. Her page includes a lot of aesthetic and informative content devoted to her books.
Michael Ferguson – a horror and fantasy author. Michael creates engaging and funny content and is happy to share his writing experience and life hacks to help aspiring authors smooth their processes.
Facebook is a versatile platform that allows indie authors to build deeper connections with their audience. It supports various types of content, from text posts and images to live videos and events. With Facebook Groups and Pages, authors can create dedicated spaces for their readers to interact and engage.
How can Facebook work for indie authors?
You can use it to share book updates, writing progress, and exclusive content. Facebook’s group feature allows you to build a community of loyal readers and engage with them through discussions, polls, and live chats. It’s also a great space to host virtual events like book launches or Q&A sessions.
Moreover, Facebook’s algorithm favors meaningful interactions, so responding to comments, participating in groups, and sharing reader-generated content can help boost your visibility.
What content to post on Facebook for indie authors?
- Share longer posts that don’t require many visuals.
- Host live writing sessions or book discussions with readers.
- Create polls to involve your audience in decisions like book titles or cover designs.
- Post book trailers, writing tips, and teasers for upcoming releases.
- Share reading recommendations or participate in writing challenges.
What are the best paid ad ideas on Facebook?
- Promote book release events or new book announcements.
- Use video ads for book trailers or reading excerpts.
- Boost posts that receive good organic engagement to expand your reach.
What authors’ pages to follow on Facebook for inspiration?
Alisha Trent – a fantasy and thriller author. Her passion for creative expression is not limited to writing novels; she also dabbles in poetry, songwriting, painting, and drawing. On her Facebook page, Alisha shares the book’s updates and recommendations and supports fellow authors.
Rebecca Buchanan – a fantasy and romance author. While she does write traditional speculative fiction, she often blends genres, and most of her stories feature a strong mythological and Pagan element. Rebecca keeps readers tuned to her news, shares her book covers, and inspiring visuals.
RaShelle Workman – a fantasy and science fiction author. On her Facebook page, she regularly updates her profile and cover photo with the book cover art, shares news, and communicates with readers.
TikTok
TikTok is a dynamic platform known for its short videos that quickly capture viewers’ attention. TikTok’s algorithm allows even new users to reach a broad audience, making it an ideal place to connect with potential readers.
How can TikTok work for indie authors?
TikTok can help indie authors build a strong following by sharing book-related content in bite-sized videos. You can create everything from book teasers and writing tips to playful challenges. The platform’s trending sounds, hashtags, and duets make it easy to get creative and tap into popular trends while also using them to promote your books.
It’s also a great way to engage with BookTok – a vast community of readers who love discussing books, sharing recommendations, and supporting indie authors.
What content to post on TikTok for indie authors?
- Share book trailers, writing tips, or daily writing updates in snappy videos.
- Create character or plot introductions with fun transitions or special effects.
- Participate in BookTok trends and challenges.
- Use popular sounds or hashtags to increase visibility and attract book lovers.
What are the best paid ad ideas on TikTok?
- Run video ads featuring captivating scenes from your book or reader reactions.
- Partner with influencers on BookTok to showcase your book to their audience.
- Promote interactive ads that encourage viewers to duet or react to your content.
You can find 15 inspiring examples of authors’ pages on how to use TikTok for book promotion in our blog post.
Threads & X
Both Threads and X are text-based platforms that allow real-time interaction, making them ideal for sharing thoughts, updates, and insights into your writing journey.
How can Threads & X work for indie authors?
Both platforms provide indie authors a space to promote their work, interact with readers, and participate in writing communities. You can use them to share updates on your writing progress, promote upcoming releases, and offer sneak peeks into your stories.
They’re also great for building connections with other authors and readers through hashtags, polls, and trending topics.
What content to post on Threads & X for indie authors?
- Share book news, release dates, or writing updates.
- Post quick reflections on your creative process.
- Engage with readers and fellow authors through polls, Q&A sessions, and tweet/Thread conversations.
- Retweet or share fan art, reviews, and reader responses.
But remember – when using these platforms, you should keep your message short and to the point since the number of letters is limited.
Pinterest is a visually-driven platform. Its search-based functionality allows users to explore different categories, and authors can create boards that show everything from book inspiration to writing tips.
How can Pinterest work for indie authors?
Indie authors can use Pinterest to create visually engaging boards related to their books. These can include mood boards, character aesthetics, and world-building elements. Since Pinterest acts like a search engine, your pins can keep bringing in traffic long after they’re posted, helping you reach new readers over time.
Moreover, you can organize your boards by theme, book series, or writing resources, giving your profile a professional look.
What content to post on Pinterest for indie authors?
- Create boards featuring your book covers and character art.
- Pin helpful writing advice, tips, or resources for other writers.
- Post graphics highlighting your book’s tropes and themes.
- Use Pinterest to promote your blog posts, interviews, or articles.
What are the best paid ad ideas on Pinterest?
- Create promoted pins featuring beautiful visuals of your book cover.
- Run ads with links to your book’s sales page or author’s website.
- Design vertical images that entice users to click through for more details about your book.
What authors’ pages to follow on Pinterest for inspiration?
Marissa Meyer – a fantasy and science fiction author. Marissa has several boards featuring different sources of inspiration for her books and teaching. One board is dedicated to potential characters for her stories, while another focuses entirely on content related to the popular Lunar Chronicles.
Alexandra Bracken – a YA fantasy and science fiction author. Alexandra’s boards blend general bookish inspiration with story visualization specific to her books. She also has a collection of stunning book covers.
Stephanie Denne – a paranormal romance and dark fantasy author. Stephanie saves videos of genre-specific images, overlaying text that teases her stories’ tropes. She strategically includes keywords in her pin titles to attract her target audience and boost search visibility.
By the way, you can also subscribe to Miblart’s Pinterest page, where we post fresh book covers daily.
Checklist – How to choose channels that will work best for you?
Now, if you don’t want to keep all the above-mentioned social media, let’s find out what factors you should consider when choosing the most appropriate platform.
Step 1. Define your primary goal
Before selecting any social media channels, identify what you want to achieve with your online presence. This will guide your platform choices:
- Brand awareness – If your main goal is to increase visibility and recognition of your author brand, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are ideal for reaching a wide range of readers.
- Community engagement – To foster a deeper connection with your audience, focus on Threads, X, and Facebook.
- Visual storytelling – If you prefer sharing visual content like book covers or illustrations, Instagram and TikTok are perfect options.
- Direct communication with readers – If you value one-on-one interactions with your readers, Threads, X, and Instagram offer direct messaging and commenting features.
Step 2. Understand your target audience
Think about their demographics, interests, and habits:
- Older demographics – Facebook tends to attract a more mature audience.
- Young adults to millennials – Instagram and TikTok are trendy among younger audiences.
- Wide age range – Threads and X attract a diverse age group.
Step 3. Determine your content type
Choose based on the type of content you enjoy creating and sharing:
- Images – If you like sharing aesthetic visuals, Instagram is your go-to platform.
- Videos – TikTok is the best platform for bite-sized clips.
- Thoughtful posts – If you prefer creating more detailed posts, Facebook offers space for longer content.
- Quick updates – Threads and X are perfect for staying connected with your audience frequently and informally.
Step 4. Explore platform features
Each platform offers unique tools that can help you achieve your goals. Consider what features will benefit your author platform the most:
- Event promotion and reader groups – Facebook is ideal for promoting book launches, and virtual events and creating reader groups.
- Hashtags and trending topics – Threads, X, Instagram, and TikTok work great here. Try popular tags like #AmWriting, #BookTok, or #IndieAuthor.
- Live videos – If you want to host live book readings, Q&A sessions, or writing workshops, Instagram and Facebook offer live streaming.
- Story features – Instagram and Facebook allow you to share temporary content. Use stories to promote limited-time offers or share quick updates.
- Interactive functions – Instagram and TikTok provide interactive features such as polls, questions, and interactive videos.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with multiple platforms at first. Then, focus on the ones where you see the most engagement.
How can authors build their audience on social media from the ground up?
Well, you have chosen your platforms and are ready to develop them. So, what to do if the number of subscribers, likes, and reaches are unsatisfactory?
1. Be consistent with posting
Consistency is key to growing and maintaining your audience. Develop a posting schedule and stick to it – daily, a few times a week, or weekly. Regular posting keeps your audience engaged and helps build your visibility across social media algorithms.
2. Collaborate with authors in your genre
Networking with authors who write in your genre is a great way to expand your audience. These writers already have followers interested in themes similar to yours, allowing you to tap into an existing readership.
Collaboration can take many forms:
- Follow the 80/20 rule – share 80% of others’ content and promote yourself only 20% of the time.
- Arrange joint activities like live readings, Q&As, or contests with other authors.
- By participating in a short story anthology, you’ll be introduced to the fan bases of other contributors.
3. Post engaging and relatable reels
Posting fun and relatable reels helps you connect with readers, show your personality, and share sneak peeks. Quick, creative content boosts visibility and builds a community. Plus, reels are super shareable, so your audience can help spread the word.
4. Create valuable content for readers
Don’t make your social media only about promoting your books. Offer value that resonates with your readers. Share writing tips, book recommendations, or thoughtful discussions on themes that align with your genre.
5. Use hashtags strategically
Hashtags are essential for expanding your reach, especially on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X. Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags to connect with your target audience. For example:
- General hashtags: #AmWriting, #IndieAuthor, #WritingCommunity
- Genre-specific hashtags: #RomanceReads, #SciFiBooks, #FantasyAuthor
- Trending hashtags related to book marketing: #Bookstagram, #BookTok
6. Add a QR code to your book and marketing materials
Including a QR code on your book’s back cover, bookmarks, or business cards quickly directs potential readers to your social media accounts. You can even create a T-shirt featuring a catchy image of your book on the front and a QR code on the back.
7. Participate in challenges
Challenges are a great way to engage with broader trends and gain exposure. Participate in book-related challenges like #WritersLife or #BookCoverChallenge. These challenges often attract large communities, helping you tap into new audiences.
8. Run giveaways and contests
Giveaways are a fun and simple way to grow your audience quickly. Offer a free signed book, a piece of bookish merch, or exclusive content in exchange for shares, likes, or follows. This not only rewards your current followers but also encourages new people to discover and engage with your page.
9. Take the most out of user-generated content
Encourage your readers to share their thoughts, reviews, or photos of your book by creating branded hashtags. For example, #ReadMyBook or #MyBookJourney could prompt readers to share their experiences. Highlighting user-generated content can build community and encourage others to join the conversation.
10. Share behind-the-scenes content
Readers love to see the process behind your writing. Share sneak peeks into your writing routine, drafts, book covers, or research for your stories. Such behind-the-scenes content shows that you are an ordinary human just like others and creates a deeper connection with the audience.
Summing up
To wrap it up, social media offers indie authors a powerful way to connect with readers, share their work, and grow their audience. By choosing the right platforms and using them effectively, you can build your author brand and create a community around your books. Don’t be afraid of experimenting and trying new things.
What social media platforms do you use? Share your experience in the comments.