How to Build Your Social Following as an Indie Author: Practical Tips from One Writer to Another

Building a social media following as an indie author can feel like one of those things you're supposed to do but never quite know how to start. You hear about authors with thousands of followers and think, "How did they get there?" The truth is, most of us start from zero, and growth happens slowly, one post at a time. There is no magic formula, but there are consistent steps that make a difference over months and years.

Here are practical ways to grow your following that actually work for indie authors.

1. Pick 2–3 platforms and stick to them

Trying to be active on every platform at once is exhausting and usually leads to burnout. Choose the ones where your readers are most likely to be and focus there. For fantasy authors, TikTok (BookTok) is strong for short videos, X (Twitter) is good for quick conversations with readers and other writers, Instagram works well for visuals like book covers or aesthetic images, and YouTube is useful for longer content like readings or writing process videos. Threads can be a lighter extension of X. Pick what feels manageable and post consistently on those.

2. Post regularly with value

Consistency beats perfection. Aim for 3–5 posts per week on your main platforms. Share things that connect with readers: book recommendations, quick thoughts on writing fantasy, or simple posts about the stories you love. On X, reply to other authors and readers in the writing community. On Instagram, use stories to share daily snippets. On YouTube, upload occasional videos (even 5–10 minutes) talking about fantasy tropes or reading a short excerpt. The goal is to show up regularly so people start recognizing your name.

3. Use hashtags and keywords naturally

Hashtags help people find you. Use 5–10 relevant ones per post: broad ones like #IndieAuthor #FantasyBooks and more specific ones like #CozyFantasy #PortalFantasy #MiddleGradeFantasy. On X, join conversations with #WritingCommunity or #AmWriting. On Instagram and TikTok, search for hashtags your ideal readers use and include them. Don't stuff them—let them feel natural.

4. Engage with others daily

Reply to comments on your posts. Comment thoughtfully on other authors' content in your genre. Share posts you genuinely like. When someone follows you or interacts, thank them or ask a question back. Small interactions add up and help the algorithms show your content to more people.

5. Build an email list alongside social

Social platforms can change rules or algorithms overnight. An email list is yours. Offer a simple reader magnet (free first chapter or short story) on your website or link in bio. Use MailerLite or ConvertKit (free tiers work fine). Send occasional updates—new releases, blog posts, or quick thoughts. Even a small list of engaged readers is more reliable than a big social following.

6. Cross-promote between platforms

Mention your other accounts: "Follow me on X for daily writing thoughts" or "Check my YouTube for longer videos." Share your Instagram posts on X, or TikTok videos on Threads. Link everything in your bios and use universal links (Linktree or similar) so people can find you easily.

7. Track what works and adjust

Look at your analytics once a month: which posts get the most likes, comments, shares, or clicks? If short videos get more engagement, do more of those. If book recommendation posts do well, lean into them. Don't chase every trend—focus on what your readers respond to.

8. Be patient and consistent

Growth is slow at first. It can take months to see real movement. Post regularly, engage genuinely, and keep going. The people who stay are the ones who will buy your books and tell others.

Building a following takes time, but every post and interaction is a step forward. You're not shouting into the void—you're building a home for readers who love the same stories you do.

If you have questions about any of these steps or want to share what works for you, drop a comment below. I'm always learning too.