Do's and Don't of Social Media Marketing

Hellooooo, writers!

Are you ready to sell your stories like hotcakes? Of course, you are! But how do you do that without coming across like a used car salesman?

​Social media marketing, baby! But hold on to your hats because there are some do's and don'ts you need to know.

1. Know Your Audience: You can't sell snow to a penguin, mainly because 1) penguins already have a lot of snow and they are animals and they don’t even have money to buy anything! 

And you can't sell your romance novel to someone who only reads thrillers. Get to know your audience and where they hang out on social media. Are they on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok? Figure it out, and that's where you need to be.

2. Respond to Comments and Messages: Social media is a two-way street. When people take the time to comment on your posts or send you a message, respond!

It shows that you care about your readers and are willing to engage with them. Plus, it can lead to loyal fans who will help spread the word about your book.

3. Stay Consistent with Branding: Your social media accounts should be an extension of your brand. Use the same colors, fonts, and images across all your accounts. It helps with brand recognition and makes you look more professional.

4. Post Regularly: Consistency is key when it comes to social media marketing. Post regularly, but don't overdo it. A few times a week is enough to keep your audience engaged without overwhelming them.

1. Be Too Salesy: No one likes a pushy salesman, and that includes your potential readers.

Don't constantly bombard them with "Buy my book!" posts. Instead, provide value and entertainment. Share behind-the-scenes peeks into your writing process, talk about your favorite books, or share funny memes.

People are more likely to buy from someone they like and trust.

2. Engage in Twitter Wars: Negative reviews and comments are bound to happen. It's just part of being an author. But don't engage in Twitter wars or online arguments. It's unprofessional and will turn off potential readers. Instead, thank the person for their feedback and move on or don't respond to it all. 

3. Spread Yourself Too Thin: Social media can be overwhelming, especially when you're trying to maintain a presence on multiple platforms. Don't spread yourself too thin. It's better to have a strong presence on one or two platforms than a weak presence on several.

Figure out where your audience is and focus your efforts there.

4. Burn Out: Social media can be a time suck, and it's easy to get burnt out.

Set boundaries and take breaks when you need to. Remember, social media is just one piece of the marketing puzzle. Don't neglect other marketing strategies like email marketing or book signings(more on these coming soon 😄).

There you have it, folks! The do's and don'ts of social media marketing for authors. Follow these tips, and you'll be selling your stories like hotcakes in no time. Now go forth and conquer the social media world!