As an author, LinkedIn can be a great tool to help you grow your audience, connect with readers, build your brand, and ultimately sell more books. I’ve worked with plenty of authors who’ve found success on LinkedIn, and after using the platform myself for many years, I’ve learned a lot about how to set up a profile that attracts a target audience. While I’ve already covered best practices for authors on LinkedIn, today I want to walk you through the simple steps to set up and optimize an author profile that gets results.
How to set up an author LinkedIn profile
Learn how to set up an author LinkedIn page by following these easy steps:
1. Create a profile
To get started with LinkedIn, simply follow the platform’s step-by-step instructions to create your author profile. LinkedIn will walk you through the basics, like adding your name, photo, and professional details. Don’t worry about getting it perfect right away—you can always go back and make updates as you go. Just get the essentials down, and you'll be ready to start building your network and showcasing your work in no time!
Attention authors looking to make the most of other social media platforms: Best Marketing Practices for Authors Using Social Media
2. Update your headline
On LinkedIn, the headline is the short description that appears under your name, summarizing who you are, what you do, and how you help others. There isn’t one perfect formula for this, so don’t stress about getting it exactly right. If you're worried about what your company might think, start small—just add author of [Your Book Title] at the end of your existing headline.
Examples of headlines used by authors:
3. Write a short bio
Your bio is a brief summary in "About" section of your profile that you can use to introduce who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique. You might include a bit about:
who you are
what inspires you
the journey that led you to write your book
your achievements
your unique skills
the value you bring
Consider using keywords to help the right users discover your profile. Think about the words people might use to search for someone like you—such as fiction author, memoir writer, or business coach—and sprinkle them naturally throughout your bio. This not only makes it clear what you do, but also boosts your chances of showing up in LinkedIn searches.
4. Upload a profile photo
As an author, your LinkedIn profile picture should be a clear, high-quality image that feels approachable and professional. Think of it as the first impression you make, so choose a photo that reflects both your personality and your professionalism. Consider a headshot where you're looking directly at the camera with a friendly, inviting expression, as it helps build trust and connection with potential readers or collaborators. If you have a unique style or element that represents your author brand, like a specific color or background, feel free to incorporate that too.
Once you’ve finished setting up your author LinkedIn profile, connect with me on the platform!
5. Consider your cover image
For your LinkedIn cover photo, think of it as a mini billboard for you and your books. Make sure your cover image is visually appealing and informative—something that grabs attention and makes people want to learn more about your work. You might feature:
your latest book cover
an eye-catching tagline
a quote that captures your writing style
the release date of your book
a link to your website
awards
testimonials
a lead magnet (like a free chapter download)
Examples of Cover Images:
6. Utilize your featured section
The featured section on LinkedIn is a dedicated area on your profile where you can highlight important content, including:
Posts: Consider highlighting important posts, such as your latest publication, a thought leadership article, a speaking engagement announcement, or a book review.
External links: You can include multiple links to guide people straight to what you want them to see most. You might link to your book’s sales page, your author website, or even a special landing page where readers can sign up for your newsletter and get a free sample chapter.
LinkedIn newsletter: If you write LinkedIn newsletters, consider featuring your best work to reach a broader audience and maximize engagement.
Example of a good featured section:
Tips for authors posting on LinkedIn
Now that you have your LinkedIn profile up and optimized, it’s time to start sharing content. While you can find content ideas for LinkedIn in my previous post, here are some pro tips for authors posting on LinkedIn:
Include photos in your posts
Photos, especially ones of yourself, tend to get the most engagement on LinkedIn. Whether it’s a tasteful selfie or a photo that helps readers get to know you better, images can create a more personal connection with your audience. Don’t be shy, letting people see the face behind the words helps build relationships on the platform.
Leverage the power of video
Video content is becoming increasingly popular on LinkedIn, so consider posting short, 30-90 second videos. You don’t need a professional setup, just a quiet spot and a tripod will do. Make sure to include captions. LinkedIn offers automatic closed captions, or you can use apps like Captions to add branded, eye-catching text to your videos. While some apps--like Captions--are paid, they can be worth the investment if you’re planning to produce a lot of content (which is a great idea!).
Use carousel posts to stand out
Upload PDF files with multiple pages to create a carousel effect in your posts. This format allows users to swipe through slides, which is a great way to share list-style content or any information you want to present in a dynamic, engaging way.
Avoid text-only posts
Plain text posts can easily get lost in the feed. Even a simple graphic made in Canva can break up the monotony and catch a reader’s eye, encouraging them to stop scrolling and engage with your content. But always try and prioritize real photos or videos.
Limit your featured section
Limit your LinkedIn featured section to just 3-4 items to keep it focused and impactful. Including only a few key pieces allows users to quickly see the best of your work without feeling overwhelmed by too many choices. Plus, when you carefully select your top posts and newsletters, it makes it easier for people to get a clear sense of your style, expertise, and what you have to offer,
Whether you’re in the midst of the writing process or have already finished your book, now is the perfect time to consider a marketing strategy. To help you get started, I’m offering a FREE download of my guide, 10 Things You Need For A Successful Book Launch. This valuable resource is packed with expert tips and strategies to empower you to craft an effective book launch and connect with a larger audience of eager readers.
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