I've spent the last few days trying to better understand the world of self publishing online. I'm amazed at how many options are out there, and how much there is to learn.
The one thing I've already learned is not to jump in too quick on more than one platform. I learned this the hard way when When I set up this website then also created a Facebook page and a Patreon page.
I'd heard from someone that you could use Facebook to promote your website, so I went running into a paid promotion without really thinking about my aims or, indeed, whether it was the right thing to do. I spent a modest sum of money but it produced nothing. Just the other day I read a blog that said not to bother with Facebook promotions. So, lesson one, there is a ton of experience out there, so take your time and read what others have said. I'll link to some of the better blogs I've read, but what really impresses me is how many people are willing to share their experience. Despite the massive, almost unimaginable competition for readers, authors are still happy to encourage beginners to get stuck in and give it a go.
The second thing was deeply annoying. After a bit of light googling I realised it was wise to change the name of my principal character. In the text this was an easy find and replace, but on my various digital platforms it was a pain in the neck. I had to manually update every reference to the character on all the platforms, change images, redo videos, and on and on. It took ages and turned me right off writing the character's name ever again.
So, simple lessons. One, wander the blogs and read the tales of those that have travelled this road already. There is wisdom there. Second, don't go rushing into set up every possible digital medium because the weight of it may just drag you right down.