If you’re an aspiring author, you’ve probably heard people say you need an “author platform.” It sounds like one of those corporate terms that makes creative people want to hide under their desks. But in simple terms, a platform is just a way for readers to find you. One of the best ways to build that foundation is through a blog. And I believe every writer and aspiring author needs one.
Honestly, blogging takes work. It’s not a “set it and forget it” project. However, if you are serious about writing and building a career as a published author (whether traditionally published or in self publishing), a blog is your most valuable piece of digital real estate. It’s the one place on the internet that you actually own, unlike social media accounts that can vanish overnight if an algorithm changes.
Whether you’re just starting your first creative writing project or you’ve been scribbling in notebooks for years, here is why you should consider starting a blog today, and how to actually do it.
7 reasons every author needs a blog
1. Build your own base
Social media is great for quick updates, but your blog is your home. It’s where you control the narrative. When an agent or a potential reader looks you up, they shouldn’t just find a random profile; they should find a professional site that showcases who you are. This is the heart of your author platform.
2. Showcase your writing skills
A blog is a living portfolio. If you’re trying to attract a publisher or build a following for your author journey, people need to see what you can do. By sharing short stories, essays, or even deleted scenes from your current project, you prove your talent. It’s a great way to show that you are dedicated to the craft of creative writing.
3. Connect directly with your readers
Writing can be a lonely business. A blog opens a two-way street between you and your audience. When people comment on your posts, you get immediate feedback. You’re not just shouting into the void; you’re building a community. The people and the community you curate are the fans that will eventually buy your books.
4. Improve your writing consistency
I often tell my students and clients that writing is like a muscle: you have to exercise it. Blogging gives you a regular schedule. Even if you aren’t working on your main manuscript that day, writing a 500-word blog post keeps you in the habit. It’s much harder to get “writer’s block” when you have a weekly appointment with your blog.
5. Establish yourself as an expert
If you write non-fiction, this is a no-brainer. But even for fiction writers, blogging about your genre or the research behind your novel writing makes you an authority. People trust authors who know their stuff. If you’re writing about a particular niche, your readers will come to know and trust you on that subject.
6. Test new ideas
Maybe you have some new ideas but you’re not sure if a character works? Write a blog post from their perspective and see how people react. A blog is a low-stakes environment to experiment. It’s essentially free market research. You can see which topics get the most clicks and use that data to shape your stories and future books.
7. Create opportunities for your future
A successful blog can lead to more than just book sales. It can lead to speaking engagements, guest posting opportunities, or even teaching. Many authors find that their blog opened doors for them that they would not have imagined.
How to set up your author blog (the practical stuff)
The technical side can feel overwhelming, but don’t let it stop you. You don’t need to be a tech genius to get started.
Step 1: Choose your platform
For authors, I usually recommend WordPress (self-hosted) if you want full control, or something like Substack if you want to focus purely on the writing and newsletter side. If you’re tech-averse, Squarespace is a solid, beautiful option.
Step 2: Get a domain and hosting
Your domain should ideally be your name (e.g., www.YourName.com). If that’s taken, try adding “author” or “books” to the end. Avoid using the title of your first book as your domain name: you want something that grows with your entire career, not just one project.
Step 3: Essential pages
You don’t need fifty pages. Start with these four:
- Home: A clear intro and your latest posts.
- About: Who are you? Why do you write? (Add a nice photo!)
- Books/Projects: Show what you’re working on.
- Contact: How can people reach you?
Step 4: Content and Consistency
What should you write? Anything related to your writing journey!
- Writing tips and “behind the scenes” of your process.
- Book reviews of titles in your genre.
- Personal essays that show your “voice.”
Tip: Don’t aim for daily posts. You’ll burn out. Start with once a week or even once every two weeks. The key is that you actually show up when you say you will.
Blogging for children and teens
Writing isn’t just for adults! We see so many parents who want to support their children’s creativity. If you have a young writer in the house, they can start a blog too (with your supervision, of course). It’s a fantastic way to improve literacy and confidence. They can write about anything that interests them, their hobbies and interests, short stories, poems, etc. They can also refer to their blog when entering competitions or giving speeches.
Don’t wait for perfect
I see too many writers waiting until they have a finished book to start their blog, but that’s a mistake. You want your audience to be there waiting for the book when it’s ready. Start now, even if you’re just documenting the “messy middle” of your first draft.
If you find yourself stuck or the technical side is giving you a headache, remember that you don’t have to do this alone. Whether you need a coach to help you plan your content or you’re looking for a comprehensive online writing course to sharpen your skills, I’m here to help. I have been writing blogs since 2006 (yes, when they were very new) and I still have blogs that I write today.
Ready to take the next step in your writing journey?
If you’re looking for personalized guidance, I invite you to consider working with me as your writing coach in a one-to-one coaching programme.
Ready to get started? Schedule a call with Tolulope to discuss your ideas and goals.