Social media is a fun and fabulous way of connecting with others who love books, and it needn’t take a lot of time. Of course, I love writing above all else, but meeting kindred spirits online has enriched my life enormously. Here are my 7 social media tips for writers: – please share yours!
#1.Choose Your Platform – With so many social media sites available, it can be a struggle knowing where to begin. Be aware that different sites serve different purposes. For example, Twitter is great for making impressions, sharing content and engaging with new people, while Facebook is suited to longer, more personal interactions. Do your research about each site before you jump in!
#2. Be Consistent – It’s no use having a social media profile if you rarely ever use it! Posting at regular intervals at times when you know your followers are online too is the best way to build your social media platform. I’ve found Twitter works best for me in the early morning and evening, while my Facebook friends are online during the day.
#3. Don’t Be Shameless! – It can be hard to resist when you’re dying to tell everyone how great your book is…but the majority of your content on social media should not be about your book at all! Shameless self-promotion can drive people away. Far better to post relevant and engaging content to your audience – then they’ll be more likely to pay attention when you do talk about your own work.
#4. If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say – Don’t say anything at all. Negativity and online controversy is not a good way to attract an audience. Steer clear of controversial topics, and resist the urge to respond to critics and detractors in kind. Posting online when you’re drunk is best avoided too…
#5. Have a Schedule – Keeping up with social media can seem like a chore, especially when you have a book to write. You should set aside time each day to maintain your social media profiles, and stick to it, however tempting another fifteen minutes on Twitter may be!
#6. Don’t Be Afraid To Repeat Yourself – Given the nature of many social media platforms, it can be easy to miss something the first time around. If you have a piece of content that failed to get the traction you hoped it would, don’t be afraid to post it again. Experimenting with posting at different times of the day can help you gauge when your audience is online (see above).
#7. Be Yourself – Injecting your own personality into your content and posts will attract likeminded contacts, and expand your audience. I also send a free e-book to my newsletter subscribers – if they like what I write, they’ll stay subscribed and we can get to know each other better.
Do you agree? Connect on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+ and let me know!
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Although I spend far too much time on Twitter (especially addictive chat hours like #TheCultureHour and #BrumHour), I also find time to write crime thrillers like The Bride’s Trail! I love meeting other readers and writers both on and offline, so feel free to get in touch.
