Human-Centered Marketing For Authors

In this inspiring and deeply practical conversation, Heather Davis sits down with Dan Blank—founder of We Grow Media and author of Be the Gateway—to talk about what really works when it comes to marketing your books. Forget chasing trends, obsessing over follower counts, or drowning in data. Dan shows you how to approach marketing from a place of connection, empathy, and trust—skills any writer can learn.

You’ll discover:

• How to shift your focus from “building an audience” to building real relationships with readers
• Ways to use emotion—joy, fear, vulnerability, and more—to connect more deeply in your marketing
• Practical tips for creating an audience persona so you can speak to one ideal reader instead of a faceless crowd
• Why starting early (even years before launch) is one of the biggest keys to success
• The role of newsletters, social media, podcasts, and personal outreach in a sustainable platform
• How to nurture professional relationships without feeling transactional or salesy

Packed with stories, examples, and actionable strategies, this session will leave you excited to share your work—not just because you “have to,” but because you’ll know how to do it in a way that feels authentic, energizing, and effective.