A writer or speaker needs a platform. Your platform is the image you use to get your message out. Its the way you get your brand to the world. The address of who you are, why you do it and what you represent to the world. Whether you choose a website or a blog, it's also important to have: a social media presence, an email collection on your site and a sign up sheet for your newsletter/updates at every event you are featured in. It's normal to want a sizable following because that's why you started this in the first place - to get your message out to others. You do this by accumulating as sizable a following as you can. This takes diligence and time but it is manageable.

​

Developing a platform basically involves four things:

​

A main focus that is an extension of your calling. For instance, I am called to be a speaker and writer but my platform on this site is "Live your calling. We can help. Offering Free and affordable training options." On my author site, www.bobbiekingiliff.com I minister to people through my blog Quenched. What I am doing on that blog is encouraging people to satisfy their inner thirst for God. My tag line for Quenched is "Has life left you thirsty for something...more?"

​

Next you will need to set up a website or blog. You can get a free blog or you can pay for one. Both options have their positives and negatives. If you are techie, creating it yourself can be a breeze. If you are not techie like me, it's still doable. You may choose a professional web designer. It's good to have options.

​

Marketing Plan that you plan for and execute. A marketing strategy begins with prayer. God can do so much more than we can do on our own. Consider your business cards, flyers, website, and any other media you use to get your word out. In this world of media there are great free options to get your message to your masses. Email is a great way to send flyers. Media options like Youtube are a fast way to get a personal message out 24/7, 365. Imagine creating a video introducing yourself and your cause to the world. 

​

And last but very important. Someday, when you are ready to publish your book, article or devotionals, it will be very helpful if you have a following on social media and an email list of subscribers. It usually takes a while to develop an extensive list. Publishers look for this because whether you go the traditional route of publishing or self publish, you are the marketer. The publisher knows that a person with more followers & subscribers has a greater opportunity to sell copies.