SEEKING INPUT and OPINION:

I have to create a greater online presence, I think, in order to build what agents and editors want an author to have: that is platform. Platform is the network, connections and contacts that a writer brings to a book deal. No matter how great your non-fiction book is, apparently your platform is more important.
I have connections and contacts across Canada but they don't amount to a great big bunch of "followers" (does anyone else flinch at the idea of being a "follower"???); I don't have a network and definitely not online. Writing columns for my weekly newspaper is fine but it isn't reaching many people. Leading classes, hosting workshops, and giving presentations is very limited to me because of where I live, because of saturation (small province with a lot of writers trying to grow their own platform), and because I'm busy writing and submitting articles. So I'm having to read and consider ideas for building my platform instead of sending out my query letter and book proposal.
I'm in serious need of a direction sign right now.


So my question is, if I were to develop an online location for myself as a writer, would it be better to do it through Facebook or through a website? Where would you rather go? Where would it be easier to find me these days? Please provide your insight and opinions through comments.

GREATLY APPRECIATED.