Understanding why Your 500k Followers Might Not Make You a Bestseller

You’ve built a loyal following. Congrats—that’s no small feat! But here’s the truth: followers alone won’t move your book off the shelves. Some may cheer you on, but others are simply there for the bite-sized insights or free advice. That’s not a flaw in your brand—it’s reality.

If you’re counting on your social media audience to convert into buyers, think again. Your book deserves more than hope; it needs strategy.

Start by looking beyond the DMs and likes. Ask yourself, “Do you have partnerships that could amplify your message—podcast hosts, newsletter swaps, industry allies? Could paid speaking gigs or workshops create buzz and open up new markets?” A robust sales plan taps into multiple channels, not just your own.

Your book should be the centerpiece of a larger offering—an extension of your expertise, not a stand-alone product.

So before you send that proposal or post another pre-order link, ask yourself: what have I built besides my follower count? Because a platform is more than an audience—it’s an ecosystem.

And ecosystems? They sell books.

Using Your Complimentary Copies—Wisely

Many authors receive free copies of their book at publication, but most don’t know how they can leverage those copies to increase book sales and to draw in new clients. The following are a few ideas:

  • Send signed copies to their network—the decision makers—encouraging them to purchase copies for each staff member if they enjoy the book
  • Send a copy to their top five media contacts and ask to appear on a segment or podcast
  • Raffle a copy of their book to a random winner who joins their mailing list

Authors can also use their author discount to purchase additional copies to accomplish many of these tasks too. The goal is not to give away tons of books for free but to invest in oneself. Putting a signed copy of a new release is a small lift that can have long-term benefits.

Good luck!