How Important Is Social Media Presence for a Writer?
- hbkiser
- Aug 18
- 1 min read
It really comes down to what you write, who your audience is, and what your goals are. If you're a more introspective, creative writer like I am, you might find that social media just isn't your thing—and that’s okay.
My own presence is limited by choice. I’m on all the major platforms, but I rarely post—especially about current projects. That probably limits my reach, but the truth is, I don’t enjoy social media. It’s not that I think it’s bad; I just don’t find it fulfilling, and the life energy and stress it would take to be strategically active there isn’t worth it for me right now.
That said, some writers do an amazing job building a following online. Having a strong “platform” can matter, especially if you’re looking to publish traditionally—publishers want to know who your potential audience is. Social media is one way to build that, but it’s not the only way. Just because someone follows you on Instagram doesn’t mean they’ll buy your book or be interested in your writing at all.
My reach is small on social media but broad in other ways such as this website, my newsletter 👀, and writing in both national and literary outlets. The audience who finds me tends to stick around. So if you enjoy social media and it feels natural to you, then yes—absolutely build and nurture that presence. But if it’s not your thing? You'd be better off finding the thing that is.
