Thursday, May 31, 2018

10 Tips for Writers Who Use Social Media

 

 
For many social media users, letting their followers know their daily activities is par for the course. 

But are we as writer's using social media to its full potential?

Or do we think we can some how manage without it?

The possibilities that come with using social media are endless, the very fact that you can reach so many people gain exposure so quickly, tells you how powerful social media is.

It doesn't matter which end of your writing journey your at, new or seasoned writer's alike you might learn something new.


Here are 10 tips for writers who use social media:

1. Make Sure You're Signed Up to at Least Two Major Social Networks

The biggest social media platforms today are Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.  Choose which two will suit your needs the most, and give them a try.  Later on you can always decide to build on another, or shut down your account if it's really not working for you.

2. Be Fervent With Your Interaction

Social media was invented to bring people together for close interaction.  Engaging with your followers is just as important as posting links and adding commentary.  It's important as a writer to keep your audience interested in what you do.

What other writers have to say about using social media platforms:

Karen Palmer author of novels All Saints and Border Dogs "make sure your personality shines through all platforms".

3. Social Media isn't a Billboard

In order to interact with other like minded people you need to connect with them first.  People like to communicate with real people not robots.

By using the 80/20 rule, that's sharing 80% of other people's work and only 20% of your own, people will soon start to respond because you've taken time out to post their work.

4.  Acknowledge Other People's Privacy

Privacy online is hot topic at the moment with all of the data protection rules being brought in (GDPR).  It's an important subject, and one that needs to be treated with kid gloves.  Only share and interact with what you're most comfortable with.

Any thoughts you put on the internet are permanent so be mindful of what you're writing about.

5.  Make Use of Your "About Me" Section

Give your followers a concise and clear explanation of what you're about.  Construct something that you can use across all platforms, and give people a real sense of what you do and what you're bringing to the table.

6. Stay On Middle Ground

Keep a happy medium when it comes to expressing your views on social platforms.  Drama queens and constant complainers go down like a lead balloon on social media.

Your voice is your own but be careful how you use it, you may miss out on valuable opportunities by being too loud.

Be interesting but not too edgy.

7.  Create Valuable Contacts

Interact with authors and writers you admire.  Connections are important to both new and seasoned authors.  You don't know where your connections may lead to.

8. Follower Numbers Aren't That Important

The amount of people who follow you isn't that important, engaging with your audience is. Follow this rule and your audience will grow.

9.  Use Social Media to Gain Valuable Insight from Your Audience

Ask you're readers what they like about your blog, or what your next book cover should look like.   You can do all of this and so much more through social media.  That kind of free research can be invaluable.

10.  Make Sure Your Hearts in It

Using social media can be pretty intense sometimes, and can often lead to burnout if it's overused.  By creating a simple weekly social media plan you can eliminate a lot of frustration.

Marketing is an important part of writing.  Use it wisely and you'll go far.

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