2026 CAN Excellence in Marketing Awards:
2^nd Place in Nonfiction Online Presence Category

First in a series of posts featuring the winners of the 2026 Christian Authors Network (CAN) Excellence in Marketing Awards.

Gina Romero won 2^nd place in the Nonfiction Online Presence category for her book, Welcome Home: A Guide to Homemaking, From the Heart.

Building a Thriving Online Presence Through Authentic Connection 
By Gina Romero, MA, ASBC

When I began sharing online, my goal wasn’t simply to sell books. My desire was to encourage women in their homes, marriages, motherhood journeys, and faith. As the author of Welcome Home: A Guide to Homemaking, From the Heart, I wanted to create a space where women could find inspiration and practical encouragement for cultivating a Christ-centered home.

Receiving the Christian Authors Network Excellence in Marketing Award for Online Presence has been both humbling and encouraging because it reminds me that meaningful connections matter more than marketing tactics.

Here are a few principles that helped me grow my online presence and build an engaged community on Instagram.

Serve Before You Sell

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that people don’t want to feel like they’re constantly being marketed to. They want value. Before I ever ask someone to purchase a book, join a program, or listen to a podcast episode, I seek to provide encouragement, education, inspiration, or practical help.

Much of my content centers around homemaking tips, decorating ideas, recipes, hospitality, parenting, and faith. By consistently offering useful content, trust naturally develops over time.

When readers feel genuinely supported, they become interested in the resources you create because they already know the heart behind your work.

Be Consistent

Social media growth rarely happens overnight. One of the biggest contributors to my success was simply showing up consistently.

I committed to posting regularly, sharing stories, creating reels, and engaging with my audience on a daily basis. Consistency communicates reliability. It allows followers to know what to expect and gives them repeated opportunities to connect with your message.

Many authors become discouraged when they don’t see immediate results, but growth often comes from steady effort over an extended period of time.

Let Your Personality Shine

Readers connect with people more than products.

While beautiful graphics and polished content certainly have their place, audiences are increasingly drawn to authenticity. Some of my most engaging posts have been simple glimpses into everyday life: preparing a meal, decorating for a season, homeschooling, sharing a lesson God has taught me, or discussing the realities of family life. (The time I set my oven mitt on fire was a hit!)

People appreciate knowing there is a real person behind the account.

As authors, our stories, experiences, and unique perspectives are often our greatest marketing assets.

Use Video to Build Trust

Reels and video content played a significant role in growing my Instagram presence.

Video allows followers to hear your voice, see your expressions, and get a sense of who you are. It creates a level of connection that static images often cannot achieve.

Many authors hesitate to appear on camera, but video has become one of the most effective ways to build relationships online. You don’t need expensive equipment or a professional studio. A smartphone, natural light, and a willingness to show up are often enough.

Engage With Your Community

Social media was designed to be social.

Rather than viewing Instagram as a broadcasting platform, I approach it as a conversation. I respond to comments, answer messages, ask questions, and genuinely interact with those who take the time to engage with my content.

Building community requires more than posting content; it requires participation.

Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career—including podcast interviews, speaking engagements, media appearances, and collaborations—have come through relationships that began online.

Create an Ecosystem

While Instagram has been an important part of my marketing strategy, I try not to rely on a single platform.

My social media content connects to my podcast, television appearances, articles, speaking opportunities, courses, and email list. Each piece supports the others and creates multiple pathways for people to engage with my message.

When readers discover you through one channel, they should have opportunities to connect with you in several others.

Remember Your Mission

It’s easy to become distracted by follower counts, analytics, and algorithms. While those metrics have value, they should never become the primary focus.

For me, the mission has always been to encourage women and families, point people toward Christ, and help cultivate homes filled with beauty, purpose, and love.

When your mission remains clear, your content becomes more meaningful and your audience can sense the authenticity behind what you share.

Final Thoughts

If I could offer one piece of advice to fellow authors, it would be this: focus on serving people well.

Social media growth is often the result of consistently showing up, providing value, and building genuine relationships over time. Readers are looking for trusted voices, not perfect brands.

When we approach online marketing as ministry and relationship-building rather than promotion alone, we create opportunities for our message—and our books—to reach the people who need them most.

Thank you to the Christian Authors Network for this recognition. It is a privilege to be part of a community of writers committed to using their gifts to impact others for God’s glory.

Because of Him, 

Gina Romero, MA, ASBC 
Founder, The Welcome Home Collective 
Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Podcaster
welcomehomebygina@yahoo.com
www.welcomehomebygina.com 
www.thewelcomehomecollective.net
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