Build Superfans, Not Just Followers

We’ve climbed from The Package to Author Presence to Buzz Builders… (if you missed any, check out the past rows on The Buzz any time!)

Now it’s time to build something even sweeter:

Row 4: Superfan Systems

This is the top tier of the Hive—the layer that helps turn casual readers into loyal ride-or-dies. The ones who shout about your books without being asked. The ones who preorder on day one, review within 48 hours, and hand-sell your story like it’s their job.

Let’s talk about how to build that kind of magic.

What’s in Your Superfan System?

Street Teams
TikTok Ads
Reader Groups

These aren’t “extras”—they’re the systems that amplify everything else. And today, we’re focusing on one of the best:

Street Teams.

What Is a Street Team?

Think of it as your reader-powered launch crew.

It's a small group of superfans who help spread the word, post about your book, review early, and cheer you on—without needing to be micromanaged.

They’re not paid. They’re excited.

And that enthusiasm is what sells books.

Wait, Is That the Same as an ARC Team?

Not quite. ARC teams are about reviews.

Street teams are about reach.

An ARC team gets your book read and reviewed.
A street team helps get it seen—on social media, in newsletters, and in reader circles.

They might overlap, but their goals (and expectations) are different.

How to Build a Small but Mighty Team

Start with 10–20 readers — Focus on quality, not size
Use StoryOrigin or Google Forms — Keep signups simple
Set expectations — A few posts, a review, and some hype
Look for active readers — Especially those already posting bookish content
→ Wondering how many followers they should have? It depends on you.
If you’re newer, someone with 300 engaged followers is gold. If you’ve got a solid following already, aim for team members who can stretch your reach.
Make it fun — Share early peeks, offer a bonus scene, or send a thank-you note

What If You Don’t Have Superfans Yet?

That’s okay! Every author starts there.
If your pool of loyal readers feels small, this is a great time to think outside the box:

Reach out to influencers or bookish creators in your genre. Offer to send them a free copy in exchange for an honest post or review—no pressure, no strings.

Look at who’s already posting about similar books on Instagram, TikTok, or Threads. If their audience overlaps with yours, start engaging and building a relationship. A little honey goes a long way.

Give your early supporters something extra. Even a short bonus scene or early peek at a new cover can spark excitement and start growing your team one fan at a time.

The Other Pieces

Reader Groups: A cozy spot (usually on Facebook) where your people can connect with you—and each other. A place to build trust, tease new things, and make your fans feel seen.

TikTok Ads: These go at the top of the Hive for a reason. They’re interruptive, high-investment, and meant to pour traffic in—which only works if everything below them in the hive can catch that traffic and keep it.

The takeaway:

You don’t need to go viral to thrive.
You just need the right people talking about your book at the right time.

Start small. Stay intentional.
And build your hive one superfan at a time.

Psst... this wraps up the foundation of the Hive!
I hope this series has helped you see where you’re strong, where you’ve got gaps, and how all the pieces fit together. Whether you're still building Row 1 or playing with Row 4, your hive doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to grow with you.

Want help building your Hive?
We’d love to guide you.

Check out our services right here — or email me at [email protected] and let’s chat about what stage you’re in.