Digital Marketing for Indie Writers: Four Free Must-Have Platforms to Promote Your Book

If you’re an indie author trying to get your book into the hands of readers, you already know visibility is everything. The problem? Ads are expensive, social media is noisy, and you’re working with a tiny (or zero) marketing budget.

Good news: There are free platforms designed to help indie authors build visibility, grow an audience, and connect with readers organically.

These sites aren’t just book directories. They are discovery engines, networking hubs, and long-term tools for anyone focused on organic book marketing for self-published authors.

1. BookBub

BookBub is best known for its book deal emails that go out to millions of subscribers. But many authors don’t realize there is a powerful free author platform behind it, even if you never pay for a promotion. BookBub is an amazing tool for increasing book visibility for indie authors who want to build anticipation around new releases or attract early fans.

Tips for Success:

Use your BookBub Author Profile to link to your website and social media

Participate in discussions and connect with other users

Add a clean author photo and a reader-focused bio

Get at least 25 to 50 followers to unlock features like recommendations

2. LibraryThing

LibraryThing is like Goodreads’ quieter cousin, but do not overlook it. Its user base includes librarians, academics, and serious readers, many of whom actively review indie books. LibraryThing is ideal for reader engagement platforms for indie authors who want a less commercial, more intimate alternative to Goodreads.

Tips for Success:

Use the Member Giveaway tool to offer free eBooks in exchange for honest reviews

Review other books in your genre to increase engagement and visibility

Join groups or forums and participate in discussions

Customize your profile with your author links and info

3. Itch.io

Itch.io is usually known for indie video games, but it also has a thriving section for visual novels, poetry, zines, flash fiction, and other creative storytelling formats. You can use it to distribute free or paid copies of your short stories, poetry, bonus content, etc. Itch.io is perfect for creative publishing platforms for indie writers who want more freedom with layout, pricing, and experimentation.

Tips for Success:

Design a compelling landing page for each piece with images, tags, and a description

Use it for:

Sneak peeks or deleted scenes

Short stories tied to your main book universe

Free downloads in exchange for tips or mailing list signups

4. Goodreads

Goodreads is the world’s largest book community. Whether you love or hate its interface, it is still a key platform for free book promotion for independent authors. Goodreads remains one of the top reader engagement platforms for indie authors, especially when paired with Amazon presence.

Tips for Success:

Run a Goodreads Giveaway (note: physical books only unless you use a paid option)

Join groups and discussion boards

Connect with readers through Q&A

Encourage fans to add your book to their TBR list. More shelves means more discoverability

Add review quotes to your book page

ThreadReaderApp + Twitter/X

Post your content in threads and collect it into readable formats with ThreadReaderApp. Link back to your book or freebies at the end.

Medium

You’re already here, so use Medium to post author diaries, writing tips, or themed short stories. Always include a CTA and book link at the end.

YouTube Shorts or TikTok (BookTok)

Even one quick video introducing your book can gain traction. Link to your BookBub or Goodreads profile to grow followers.

Every one of these tools is free to use, and every one of them can boost your visibility when used with consistency and intention. You do not need a massive marketing budget. What you need is a strategy and the right tools. These organic book marketing tools for indie authors do more than help you sell books. They help you build a long-term audience that grows with you.

Here’s how to start:

Pick two platforms from this list to set up this week

Offer something free or fun to draw people in

Optimize your profiles with reader-focused bios and book links

Engage with one group, giveaway, or forum discussion

📣 Which of these platforms have you tried?

Drop your favorite below or let me know if you’re testing one for the first time. Let’s help each other rise.