Reset & Rebrand: Refreshing Your Online Presence for the New Year

New year, new plot twist!

January is a great time to reset your online presence. Whether you crushed your 2025 goals or barely posted at all (no judgment), this is your chance to clean things up and set yourself up for success in 2026.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you refresh your social media and author brand without needing a total rebrand.

1. Update Your Bio and Profile Photo

Your bio is your first impression. Is it clear who you are and what you write?

Keep it simple:

“Thriller author | Plot twists + complex characters | New book out March 2026”

And swap in a current profile photo, especially if it’s been more than a year or no longer matches your vibe.

2. Pin (or Unpin) with Purpose

Most platforms now let you pin posts to the top of your profile. Choose one to three that highlight who you are now. Maybe it’s your most recent release, a great testimonial, or an intro post that welcomes new followers.

Unpin anything that feels outdated or irrelevant.

3. Audit Your Highlights & Links

Instagram Highlights, Linktree bios, and pinned tweets can get messy. Review and remove anything no longer aligned with your current goals.

Update your “link in bio” with things like your latest book, newsletter sign-up, or upcoming event.

4. Set One or Two Social Goals That Support Your Writing Goals

Maybe you want to grow your email list. Or connect with more readers. Or build buzz for an upcoming launch.

Set social media goals that serve your bigger goals so your time online is intentional, not distracting.

5. Choose One New Thing to Try

Whether it’s experimenting with Instagram Carousels or TikTok videos, starting a newsletter, or one Substack article per month, give yourself one low-pressure challenge to grow your visibility this year.

Final Thought

You don’t need a full rebrand. You just need a refresh that reflects where you are and where you’re headed.

Your author brand should evolve with you. So, tidy up your digital space and set the tone for a new year of showing up, sharing your work, and connecting with readers in a way that feels like you.