In today's digital age, going viral is not just reserved for funny cat videos or sensational news stories. Authors can also get recognition through the internet. Going viral as an author can help you build a dedicated fan base, boost book sales, and establish yourself as a trustworthy influencer. In this blog post, we'll explore some strategies to help authors go viral.
How Authors Go Viral: 8 Strategies to Leverage on Social Media
Create Remarkable Content
The foundation of going viral as an author is creating content that resonates with your target audience. Whether it's a thought-provoking blog post, an engaging social media update, or a captivating book excerpt, your content should be remarkable and shareable. It should evoke emotions, inspire discussion, or offer valuable insights. Remember that viral content often taps into a universal human experience or addresses a common problem. Authors go viral when they maximize on these strategies.
Create Shareable Visuals
Authors go viral when their content is widespread, and visually appealing content is always more engaging. Visual content is more shareable and attention-grabbing than text alone. Design eye-catching graphics, book covers, or quote images related to your work. Infographics, videos, and memes can also be effective ways to convey your message and encourage sharing.
Roberta Wright is the bestselling author of Out of This World Granny and a Publishing Mastermind graduate. She recently went viral for poking fun at the Texas heat by pretending to bake bread in her mailbox. Check out the news article HERE.
Engage in Trending Conversations
Stay up-to-date with current events and trending topics in your industry or genre. When a relevant topic arises, offer your unique perspective through blog posts, articles, or social media updates. Using trending hashtags or keywords can help your content get discovered by a wider audience as they search for related discussions.
Leverage Social Media
Social media platforms are powerful tools for authors looking to go viral. Create profiles on popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or TikTok, and regularly share your content. Use eye-catching visuals, catchy headlines, and relevant hashtags to increase your content's visibility. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and participating in conversations related to your niche. This is a great technique to use and increase the chances that authors go viral.
Collaborate with Influencers
Partnering with social media influencers or well-known figures in your genre can help amplify your reach. Influencers already have a dedicated following, and their endorsement can introduce your work to a broader audience. Reach out to influencers who align with your content and values, and propose collaboration ideas that benefit both parties. It’s no secret that authors go viral, so you can even ask an already-successful author for some advice.
Tell Personal Stories
People love relatable stories. Share personal anecdotes related to your writing journey, the inspiration behind your books, or your experiences as an author. Authenticity goes a long way in connecting with readers on a personal level. When your audience can relate to your story, they're more likely to share it with others. And authors go viral when lots of people are sharing your content.
Run Contests and Giveaways
Organize contests and giveaways with attractive prizes such as signed books, exclusive merchandise, or sneak peeks into your upcoming work. Encourage participants to share your content or tag friends for entry. This approach can quickly increase your online presence and engagement.
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Be Consistent
Consistency is key in the online world. Maintain a regular posting schedule and stick to it. Your audience will come to expect your content at specific times, which can lead to increased engagement and sharing. Consistency also helps build trust and credibility over time.
Conclusion
Remember that viral success often requires a mix of creativity, persistence, and a bit of luck. Keep trying new things, stay true to you, and connect with your audience. Going viral is just one step in a successful author's journey, but it can open doors to new opportunities and lasting success.
Not sure what to post on social media? Check out THIS blog post about social media post ideas for authors.