Here’s the thing every author asks at some point: Should I rely on social media algorithms to grow my audience, or should I focus on building an email list? The truth is, when it comes to email lists vs. algorithms, one offers control while the other leaves you at the mercy of constant platform changes.
For years, algorithms promised visibility. As it should. However, how many times have you crafted a thoughtful post, only for it to vanish into the void because Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok decided otherwise? (Spoiler: too many.)
Why Algorithms Feel Like a Gamble
Algorithms are built to serve the platform, not you. Their goal is to keep users scrolling, not to make sure your post reaches the readers who care about your work. Authors who rely solely on algorithms risk losing visibility every time a platform updates its rules. Remember when Facebook slashed organic reach in 2018? Or when TikTok tweaked its For You page in 2023? Authors who depended only on algorithms saw their numbers plummet overnight.
Want proof? HubSpot reports that engagement rates on email are significantly higher than the average reach of social media posts. That’s not an accident; it’s because email is direct, personal, and doesn’t need to beg an algorithm for attention.
Why Email Lists Win Every Time
When it comes to email lists vs. algorithms, email wins hands down. Your email list is an asset you own. No matter how many times Instagram rebrands or TikTok gets banned in a region, your subscribers are still yours. They’ve invited you into their inbox, the digital equivalent of a front door.
Email also converts better. According to Campaign Monitor, email generates 4x higher ROI than social media. That means when you announce a book launch, share an excerpt, or offer a special deal, your readers are more likely to see it and act on it.
Building a Reader Base That Lasts
The secret isn’t to ditch social media entirely. What you need is to use algorithms as a discovery tool while funneling readers into your email list. Post snippets, teasers, and engagement prompts on social platforms, but always point back to your newsletter. For example:
- Share a bonus scene available only to subscribers.
- Offer a free short story as an incentive to sign up.
- Use social posts as a teaser, not the main course.
By doing this, you’re building a reader base that doesn’t vanish when a platform changes its rules. Instead, you’re creating a sustainable, long-term connection.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of feeling at the mercy of shifting algorithms, focus on your email list. It’s the most reliable, direct, and lasting way to reach your audience. Social media may open the door, but email is where relationships truly grow.
And remember, algorithms come and go, but an email list? That’s yours forever.
Related Reading:
Do Authors Need Social Media in 2025
Boost Your Book Launch with a Blog Tour in 2025
Online Presence in 2025: Choosing Author Platforms that Work
