Building Your Platform
May 31, June 2, 7, 9, 14, 16 & 21, 2022
8 to 10 p.m. Eastern (5 to 7 p.m. Pacific)
In today’s world, building a following and a brand are crucial to success. Whether you’re selling a book, pitching a screenplay, supporting a cause or leading a movement, your consistent presence and messaging make all the difference.
Some people are naturals at social media and slip into it like a second skin. To others, trying to keep up with posts and likes and live streams feels overwhelming, like going to a crowded mall on Christmas Eve.
No matter where you fall on that continuum, you can make social media and branding work for you. And it can even be fun! The key is to learn how.
That’s why two branding and social media experts will walk you through the nuts and bolts of building a platform, step by step.
This seven-part class is hands on—not just inspiration, but how-to at its best, with examples of what works and what doesn’t, helping YOU build your brand with every class session.
The class is the first in our how-to Nuts and Bolts series, and it’s timed to help prepare anyone participating in Story Summit’s Story Moves Us campaign. No matter where you are with your brand and social media presence—and no matter what project or goal you're working toward—Building Your Platform will be invaluable to your success as a writer.
Here’s how the class will unfold.
May 31
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Identifying your audience/reader
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Determining your brand—color, tone, voice, content, font, feel
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Starting with a website—new or improved
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Creating a logo that encompasses you
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The importance of consistency; it won’t grow without you!
June 2
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Paid ads and strategic partnerships for building and maintaining an audience
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The different social media platforms: FB, IG, Twitter, Medium, TikTok, Mighty Media, LinkedIn, Reddit, Pinterest
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Social media calendars/timing/frequency
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Rallying friends and networks with relatable content
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Newsletters and blogs—do you need them?
June 7
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Branding opportunities for your sites and social presence
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Interviews and how to use them
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Reading excerpts
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Selling merch or branded/unique items and opportunities
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Fundraising through crowdsourcing, online classes, dinner parties, cocktail events
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Reading lists and personal connections
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Events (meet ups, writing circles, etc.)
June 9
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IMBD, Writer’s Guild, blogs and vlogs, going live on social media
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Keeping a presence alive when you’re busy
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Connecting with influencers, submitting editorials and short stories
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Paying It Forward—gratitude to support those who help along the way
June 14
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Building momentum
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Working with media, developing pitches, networking
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Selling yourself and your IP
June 16
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Creating short videos, live streaming, etc.
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Book trailers and sizzle reels
June 21
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Student presentations and feedback, Q&A plus info on next steps
Faculty
Registration fee: $349 for 14 hours of instruction.
EVENING CLASS
May 31, June 2, 7, 9, 14, 16 & 21, 2022
8 - 10 PM Eastern (5 to 7 PM Pacific)
Please note: Our classes are designed specifically for live participation, so your attendance is important. If you need to miss a class for any reason, you’ll receive a passcode-protected link to watch the recordings after the course is over.
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