Platform Building vs. Platform Performing: The Difference That Matters

Here's what we want you to know.

We hear from so many writers who feel stuck. They’ve been posting on social media, trying all the “right” things, but instead of excitement, they feel frustrated. The numbers aren’t moving, and they wonder if they’re failing at platform building.

Here’s what we want you to know: you’re not failing. You’re just building something different. Something better.

Performing vs. Building

When you’re performing, it feels frantic. You post because you think you should, not because you have something meaningful to share. You chase hashtags, crank out filler content, and measure your worth by likes and followers.

The truth? A platform built on performance rarely sustains itself. It looks busy, but it doesn’t always translate into readers who care about your work.

Building feels different. It’s slower, more intentional. It’s sharing what genuinely lights you up, creating connections with people who want to come along for the ride. It’s less about the audience and more about community.

We’ve shared examples of authors who’ve built authentic platforms with heart and purpose. You can read more here: Kerry Chatput and Saleema Ishq.

The Long View

A big truth is that you don’t have to build your platform all at once. Real connections take time. A small, thoughtful community will carry your books further than a giant audience that doesn’t care.

The magic happens when readers feel invested in your journey. They’re the ones who buy on launch day, leave reviews, and recommend your work to friends. A handful of those readers will take you further than thousands of disengaged followers ever could.

Permission to Slow Down

If you’ve been comparing yourself to authors with thousands of followers, take a breath. Nothing is wrong with you. Building slowly doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you’re creating something sustainable.

The question isn’t “How do I get more followers?” but:

• Who do I want to connect with?

• What would feel good to share?

• How can I build something that’s true to me?

Those questions lead to platforms that feel like home.

Your platform doesn’t need to impress other writers or rack up big numbers. It just needs to connect you with the readers who are waiting for your stories. Everything else is noise.

We’re rooting for you. Tell us what’s working for you right now. What feels hard? What questions are you carrying? The comments are always open for real conversations.