How to Build Trust with Your Audience

In an age of constant content and fleeting attention, trust is one of the most valuable currencies an author can earn. Whether you're writing fiction, nonfiction, or anything in between, building a genuine connection with your readers is key to growing a loyal, engaged audience. Here are a few practical ways authors can build and maintain trust:

1. Be Authentic

Readers can sense authenticity. Share your voice honestly, whether you're writing a book, a blog, or a social media post. Don’t try to mimic trends that don’t suit you. Readers are drawn to real people with unique perspectives. If you watched our last Lunch and Learn with NYT Bestselling author, Chris Enss, you heard her story of how during Covid, she started a video series of hiding from her husband in a closet. That's the human approach that the digital world is looking for. It also creates a great visual hook to keep people engaged (why is she in a closet??)

2. Engage Consistently

Consistency builds familiarity. Whether it’s through newsletters, Instagram posts, or live Q&As, showing up regularly lets your audience know you’re present and invested. It also reminds them that you value their time and attention. You can do this by creating series content: think about what topic you can write about every week, and do so on the same day every week. I think our authors have plenty of things they can discuss weekly (hi, local history?)

3. Deliver on Promises

If you say a new book is coming, keep your readers updated. If you promise behind-the-scenes content or exclusive material, make sure you follow through. Reliability is a major trust-builder. And building that anticipation (just finalized my book cover! Come back next week to see it!) helps grow your audience because they will come back!

4. Share Your Process

Letting readers in on your writing journey: your challenges, wins, and even your writer’s block—helps humanize you. When readers feel like they’re part of your creative process, they become more connected to your work.

5. Respond to Your Audience

Reply to comments, answer emails, and acknowledge feedback. Even a quick thank-you shows that you’re listening. Readers who feel heard are more likely to become long-term supporters. This is also an algorithm boost if you're responding on your social media channels. The social platforms want to see that you're engaged, and so responding quickly is a great way to show that you are present.

6. Be Transparent

If you're promoting a product, book, or affiliate link, be open about it. Transparency fosters credibility. Your audience will appreciate your honesty and be more likely to support you because they trust your intentions.

Trust doesn’t happen overnight. But with authenticity, consistency, and respect, you can create meaningful relationships that turn casual readers into lifelong fans who will only need one touchpoint to buy your next book!