Back to Blogging: Life, Love, & A Digital world for Poets - Advice & Tips on Marketin

Wow, since before last month it was while ago that I posted a blog - life got busy (as it tends to), and when you're an indie author, it's all too easy to lose track of things. Between working full time, juggling a million tasks, writing my next book, keeping up with marketing, and, oh yeah - getting married (yes, Emily and I tied the knot back in March!) - blogging at the time just slipped through the cracks.

But here’s the thing: websites and blogs really do matter. They’re more than just digital placeholders — they’re powerful tools for building your author brand, connecting with readers, and sharing your creative journey. And let’s be honest… this is advice I probably need to take myself a bit more often.

In this post, I’m diving into why websites, blogging, social media, and even live events can play a key role in your poetic writing journey — and how you can start using them to your advantage.

A Website:  

Having a website is a great way to showcase your work, and what you include is totally up to you. On mine, I’ve got a bio, a page for my published books (with links to buy), event photos, and a blog (which I really need to update more often!). These are the basics I recommend - simple, informative, and with a bit of personality.

If you’re just starting out, talk about your goals, what inspires you, and the books, writers and or poets that got you into poetry. Let your personality shine through - it helps people connect with you.

One thing to keep in mind: if you’re building and running the site yourself, be realistic about how much time you have to maintain it.

There are loads of website building platforms out there, and I’ve tried quite a few over the years. The one I use now is Wix.com - it’s user-friendly, no coding needed, and great for beginners. You can start building your website for free, but just note that without a paid plan, you won’t have your own domain and features will be limited. The basic package is a good place to begin with.

Top Tip:  If you're planning to blog, try to post regularly and actually make time for it

(note to self: still working on this one!).

Social media:

is a wonderful (and free!) tool for building your audience and connecting - not just with readers, but with other poets too. Networking really does make a difference. Pick the right platform for you. Personally, I’ve found Facebook and Instagram work well and I have recently joined Bluesky to see how that goes. But think about where your readers and fellow poets are likely to be, especially in the poetry world. Keep your posts short, engaging, and visual. Reels and stories are great ways to boost visibility and engagement, but it’s not just about pushing content - it’s about making connections. In my experience, posting regularly with a photo (especially self-portraits) help grow your following and increases engagement. Just be yourself. Some of my best responses have come from simple, relatable posts - writing in a local café, or sharing a quick weekly roundup. Social media is meant to be personal, so don’t be afraid to show a bit of your world. That’s what draws people in to engage. Social media was made for connection and engagement - so use it to genuinely interact, not just promote.

Top Tip: Posting an Instagram reel (a social video for those who don't know) of yourself reading your work can gain new readers and followers. I have done this a few times – a couple gained over 500 views and some new followers! And the facts speak for themselves with the snapshots (below).

This Facebook post gained over 800 views! And some new followers! It’s worth sharing some personal info.

Events & Open Mic Nights:

One of the best things you can do is get involved with local poetry and literary events. It’s a great way to share your work, connect with other poets and individuals, and build your confidence. Open mics are perfect for this - and we’re lucky to have a few in and around Wrexham, like Voicebox (Wrexham), Testify (Chester), and Spoken Word (Llangollen).

They’re ideal for trying out new material in a welcoming space, surrounded by supportive, like-minded creatives.