In today's digital age, the internet appears as a vast and boundless space filled with endless opportunities. It's a place where anyone can find success, or so it seems. We're enticed by the promise of connecting with a global audience and achieving our dreams, all while watching others bask in the glory of their online accomplishments. But beneath the surface, there's an invisible force at play—the algorithmic gatekeeper.
The algorithm, often hidden from plain sight, acts as an imaginary fence around this seemingly open online world. To truly unlock the doors to visibility and success, you often find yourself having to pay a toll. This toll comes in the form of advertisements, whether they are sponsored ads or boosted posts. In this pay-to-play environment, the highest bidder garners the spotlight, while organic growth becomes increasingly elusive.
Once upon a time, social media offered a platform for organic growth and authentic connection. However, those days have evolved, and now social media platforms and distribution channels operate on a strict pay-to-play basis. The algorithms tend to favor the established big accounts that keep users engaged. As long as these prominent accounts remain active, the battle for visibility intensifies. It's a daunting challenge to compete with celebrity accounts and those willing to invest significant sums to gain traction.
As the metaverse and online universe expand, the likelihood of disappearing into obscurity increases. Unfortunately, algorithms are not particularly friendly to books and authors. This is a wake-up call for authors: it's time to step out into the real world and take control of your book's fate.
However, it's crucial to clarify that I am not advocating that authors should abandon the internet entirely. Instead, I encourage authors to strike a balance between the virtual and the real world. In the real world, you have a better grasp of your destiny. You can control your visibility by putting yourself directly in front of readers. Build your readership from the ground up, embracing direct-to-consumer sales as a way to take charge of your book's destiny. The readers you connect with face-to-face will become your walking testimonials on social media, providing you with the credibility that's essential for capturing the attention of those scrolling by.
The metaverse may seem like an alluring realm filled with promise, but it's important not to get lost in its illusions. The real world offers you the opportunity to connect with readers on a personal level, fostering genuine relationships and building a loyal audience. In an age where algorithms dictate so much of our online experiences, authors who embrace the real world are the ones who will truly stand out and make their mark.
So, strike a balance between the online and offline worlds, step out from behind the algorithmic fence, venture into the real world, and take control of your book's journey. Your readers are waiting to connect with you, and it's in these connections that you'll find the genuine support and visibility you need to thrive as an author.