How Indie Authors Can Build a Successful Business Online
Embrace the journey of turning your passion into a thriving online business.
Building a Business as an Indie Author: A Personal Approach
When you decide to go the indie author route, you're not just writing books—you’re building a business. At first, it might seem like writing is the hardest part (and don’t get me wrong, it’s not easy), but building the business around it is where the real work starts. It’s like a little puzzle—every piece needs to fit together perfectly.
After years of learning and figuring out the best ways to manage both my creative side and my entrepreneurial spirit, I’ve finally found a rhythm. If you're diving into this world, or you’re already in it, I’d love to share what’s worked for me and how you can apply it to your own indie author journey.
1. Embrace the Indie Author Mindset
Okay, here’s the deal: when you go indie, you’re not just an author, you’re a business owner. For the longest time, I thought my only job was to write great books and that was it. But nope, turns out that’s just the beginning. You are the marketing director, the customer service rep, the accountant—basically everything.
Don’t be afraid to wear many hats. It’s a learning curve, but once you embrace the fact that you’re not just a writer, the world opens up.
Fact: In 2021, indie authors earned an estimated $1.4 billion in the U.S. alone, a huge leap from $1 billion just a few years earlier. This shows that independent authorship is not just a viable option but a growing business model.
2. Build an Authentic Online Presence
Your business lives and breathes online. You have to show up. I know, easier said than done, but trust me, authenticity is key. The internet is noisy, and standing out means being real. Here’s how I broke it down:
Website & Blog: I started with a simple website that evolved into a blog. And let me tell you, that blog has been a game-changer. It’s not just a place to drop updates about my books; it’s a space where I can get personal. From writing tips to life reflections, the blog connects me to my readers on a deeper level. It also helped me grow my email list, which is something I’ll touch on next.
Social Media: Social media is a fun (and sometimes stressful) part of the business. I picked a couple of platforms to focus on—Instagram and Twitter—because they felt like the right places to interact with readers. I learned quickly that it’s not about how often you post, but about how you engage. Show up, share snippets of your work, and connect. That’s how the community grows.
Email List: Start building your email list now. Seriously. Email is your best friend as an indie author. While social media platforms can limit your reach with their pesky algorithms, email gives you a direct line to your readers. I started offering free content (like a sneak peek at a new book) in exchange for sign-ups, and that list has grown steadily over time. It’s a way to keep your readers in the loop and create a loyal fanbase.
Highlight: Bestselling author Mark Dawson, a well-known figure in the indie author community, credits his success to building a strong email list. His newsletters alone have generated millions in book sales.