Reader loyalty, to your books, your writing, your blog is very important. But how do you build it?

Foxie, guarding the body of her master, Charles Gough

Here are three classic methods for building a loyal following, whether it be on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or wherever:

1. Provide something of value. Are you an expert? Can you share some of your expertise? Are you funny? Are you a professional writer? Find something you can deliver. Find a purpose.

2. Build trust. Trust is built through reliability, honesty, respect. Do you treat your followers with respect? Are you honest and reliable in your responses?

3. Provide something new. The new-kid-on-the-block phenomena allows everyone with something to say to get some limelight. The challenge is to maintain the innovations. Keep delivering new things and your audience will be loyal and it will grow.

Give and you will receive is the key message. Loyalty begins with your loyalty to your readers.