5 Ways to Show Your Readers You’re Their Perfect Match

by Emily Wenstrom
published in Community

I’d bet we all know what it’s like to fall head over heels for an author—I’d be lying if there aren’t a few who have completely stolen my heart away. This very special kind of chemistry generally goes beyond any individual book, and extends to the author’s overall persona.

It can seem that these authors have a certain extra something that sets them apart, that the rest of us don’t have. But guess what? For the right readers, you’ve got it as much as any of the authors you’ve swooned over yourself. How can you capture this certain je ne sais quoi to lure in your own love-struck readers? Here are five ways to help your readers discover that you’re their perfect match:

1) Share relevant, valuable posts

Who and what are the leading voices in your subject area? Follow them, pay attention to them, and share the content you find most interesting from them. By offering your readers relevant and interesting content in your subject area, you’re cueing to your readers that they’re in the right place.

This approach holds true whether you’re a scientific expert or an erotica author—what changes is the type of content you focus on.

2) Place keywords in your bio.

When you know your community, there are always a myriad of ways to show your reader you’re right up their alley. It can be as simple as saying, “Thriller author who writes about unsolved murders,” or feel free to get creative and show off your voice. As a fantasy author, my social media bio starts with “Lover of monsters.”

Don’t forget to give the appropriate cues for your readership in your headshot, too.

3) Know your core message

This goes beyond simply defining and sharing within your subject matter. Your core message goes deeper and is more personal. For example, Margaret Atwood’s subject matter is science fiction; but her core message is about inclusivity, love, and preserving the world and its creatures.

Your core message is where you get to go beyond genre and plot, and reveal the soul behind your work—it’s the core that makes your work stand out. Be sure that your post messaging reflects it!

4) Engage your greater community

I don’t care what your subject matter is, there is a group, chat, and online event for it in social media. (If there somehow isn’t, score! You just found an opening to be a leader and start one.)

It might take a small bit research, but look around and see what those are for your area. Then, from hashtags to Twitter live chats to group forums, start engaging them.

There is no better way to connect with your ideal readers than to go to where they already are—and, no better way to demonstrate that you are just as passionate about the community as they are.

5) Establish your unique voice

More than anything, the secret sauce that makes us swoon for an author is that X factor that only s/he has—his/her unique voice. We all have our own X factor—it’s what makes you you. So go ahead, share your spark with the world through your posts.

The ability to channel your personality into your posts cannot be understated in its importance in fostering reader connections.

Share your soul, find your (reader) soulmate

Just as in your real, everyday life, the best way to make genuine connections with your readers online is by being genuine yourself. Celebrate your passions and share your true, best self.

When you wear your heart on your sleeve—and apply some savvy social media branding tactics—you make it way easier for your readers to realize that you are the perfect match they’ve been looking for.


Emily WenstromBy day, Emily Wenstrom, is the editor of short story website wordhausauthor social media coach, and freelance content marketing specialist. By early-early morning, she is E. J. Wenstrom, an award-winning sci-fi and fantasy author whose debut novel Mud was named 2016 Book of the Year by the Florida Writers Association.

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