10 DIY Tips For Gaining Visibility As a Thought Leader

Today’s newsletter is a guest post from Emily Green, Founder and Director of Programming at Love Means Business.

If you’re already an author, then you already know: Writing your book is only half the work.

If you’re not yet an author and just beginning your journey, then you should know: Now is the time to start thinking about how you’ll sell your book once it is published. For real. 

Getting it into the hands (and hearts) of the right people requires visibility. But hiring a publicist or PR agency isn’t always in the budget. Or it might feel insincere to you. You may be a DIYer who is happy to do the work of selling your book yourself.

Here's a list of 10 DIY Visibility Tips that every thought-leading author should be using.

DIY Visibility Tips for Authors

1. Pitch Yourself to Podcasts

Find shows aligned with your topic and craft a compelling pitch that ties your book to their audience. 

Note from MeiMei: One of my book coaching clients likes PodMatch. I’ve also spoken with BookThinkers. They charge $600-$1200 a month to place you on top and mid-tier podcasts. 

2. Create a Signature Talk

Turn your book’s core message into a keynote or workshop to expand your impact beyond the page. 

Note from MeiMei: At Your Bestselling Book, we can help you craft, pitch and secure a TEDx talk. In fact, I know of 1 opening for TEDxManila on Sept 8. If you’re interested, act fast and email me now!

3. Build a Media One-Sheet

Make it easy for hosts, journalists, and organizers to book you with a professional one-pager.

Note from MeiMei: Generative AI can help!

4. Use LinkedIn Thought Posts

Share insights, quotes, and behind-the-scenes content from your book to build connection and credibility.

Note from MeiMei: I am a big fan of using LinkedIn this way. Check out Dr. Stephanie Cawthon from the first Cohort of Your Bestselling Book, author of Disability is Human. She is a LinkedIn master!

5. Join Targeted Communities

Engage in groups where your audience already hangs out, and contribute value consistently.

6. Turn Book Content into Video

Record excerpts, stories, or lessons learned for reels, shorts, or TikToks that showcase your voice.

Note from MeiMei: Generative AI can help! For example, I record one 45-minute log interview with an expert or guest on my YouTube Channel, The Story Cure. Then I use AI to splice this into a series of 10 to 30-second clips to post to Instagram Reels, Facebook and LinkedIn. 

7. Host a Virtual Book Q&A or Club

Invite readers and followers to dive deeper and share feedback; they become your best advocates.

8. Pitch Local and Niche Media

Think beyond national; start with local outlets, alumni publications, or industry-specific blogs.

9. Develop a Speaking Topics List

Have 3–5 ready-to-go titles or talk topics that make it easy for hosts to say “yes” to you.

Note from MeiMei: Obviously, these should all be book-related!

10. Build a Referral Network

Your relationships are your best PR strategy. Give referrals, get referrals; it’s that simple.

Sincerely,

Emily Green

[email protected]

Tip of the Week

If you’re ready to amplify your voice and turn your book into a platform, but overwhelmed by the thought of doing all of this on your own, then join a community to support you! 

Emily created the Love Means Business Speaker Support & Referral Community. It’s a place where authors, speakers, and solopreneurs can get:

• Curated speaking, podcast, and media opportunities
• Real referrals from a network of trusted peers
• Training and strategy to help you show up with clarity and confidence
• A community that loves to celebrate and elevate each other

Click here to learn more and join: https://emily-s-site-eec1.thinkific.com/products/communities/my-community-speaker-support

Quote of the Week

🌟 What is a Thought Leader, Really?

It’s not just a title.

It’s not about going viral.

And it’s definitely not about having all the answers.

💡 A thought leader is someone bold enough to ask the questions others avoid.

Someone who shares their lived experience, hard-earned wisdom, and evolving perspective.

Not to impress but to impact.

They lead with ideas. With integrity. With intention.

You don’t need a stage or a bestselling book to be one.

You need courage.

You need clarity.

You need a message that moves people—and a mission bigger than you.

The power of thought leadership?

It builds trust, shifts narratives, opens doors, and creates change.

• Emily Green