Author Platform and Brand Building

Have you ever wondered why your posts suddenly get zero engagement when last month they were doing fine? You might be shadowbanned—when a platform secretly stops showing your content to your followers without telling you. You keep posting, but you're shouting into a void. Brian Schwartz has been guiding authors through platform-building since 2009, and he will demonstrate how to build a realistic, sustainable platform strategy that protects your career regardless of which social networks rise or fall. This isn't about chasing the latest trending platform. It's about building foundations that last. 

When you build your platform while writing your book, you’re seeding your future success—and it’s easier than you might imagine. Joey Garcia will share proven strategies for developing subject matter expertise to attract media attention; tools for expanding your network without spending much time (or any!) on social media; and specific activities that make your forthcoming book discoverable by readers searching for books like yours. Plus, in an era when video reigns supreme, both introverts and extroverts will discover simple tricks that let them shine. You’ll leave this session inspired and holding an actionable plan to boost your book and platform. 

The key to a successful writing career over the long term is to find your fans and keep them coming back for more. Cody Sisco will introduce strategic branding concepts, including marketplace positioning, brand promises, and fan engagement, as well as case studies to illustrate how innovative authorpreneurs approach strategic branding to build and connect with their audiences. Attendees will leave with knowledge and tools that to apply to your career planning, whether you're working on your first manuscript or you've had multiple books published.