Make Social Networking Work for You

Social media can be intimidating if you’ve never used it before, but once you get started, you’ll see how easily you can use tools, such as Facebook and Twitter, to market your book. Before you create your marketing plan, you should have a general understanding of each platform. Here are a few tips about different popular social media sites to help you decide which ones will work best to market your book.

Facebook

Facebook is the most popular social media network and should be included in any marketing plan. To use it for your advantage, create a fan page for your book. This will allow your updates to be seen on your fans’ news feeds. If you have a nonfiction book, share updates with your fans that coincide with your books’ topic. If you have a fiction book, keep fans interested by sharing about the writing process.

Twitter

The growing Twitter trend is sweeping the nation. The messages on Twitter are, by nature, short and sweet – updates have to be 140 characters or less. To gain Twitter followers, personalize your profile. Make your book’s cover your set picture. Don’t keep your updates focused on yourself. Tweeters want to converse, not be lectured to. There is also evidence that positive, uplifting tweets lead to more followers, so stay on the sunny side.

Tumblr

If you don’t want to be limited by the 140-character restriction of Twitter, but enjoy interacting with friends and followers by “resending” others’ posts, Tumblr is for you. Tumblr is a blogging tool that allows you to share photos, links, audio and video in a simple format. Tumblr is not as large as many other social networks, but if you feel more comfortable writing in the Tumblr format it will help you garner attention.

YouTube

You don’t need to be a filmmaker to use a YouTube account as a marketing platform. Create your channel to share uplifting videos that relate to your book’s topic. If you do want to start your own Webshow, a series of videos which act as episodes, all you need is a webcam or video recorder. Share a list of your favorite things, talk about the publishing process, or interview your writing buddy. If you decide to post a few episodes to YouTube, don’t expect to become a viral video sensation overnight; Webshows take time and energy to become successful. Remember, the main benefit of YouTube is to help supply engaging content to your other social media platforms.

If you want a professional video to share on YouTube, an Author Video will give you the freedom to discuss your book in a location of your choosing. Or, you can feature your book's story in a Premium Book Video that will bring your book to life in a video that's similar in style to a movie trailer. Keep in mind the power of the word-of-mouth. Visually pleasing, funny or inspirational videos can help you spread your message fast.

Don't forget to market yourself

After you’ve created a Facebook fan page, Twitter account or YouTube channel for your book, take a look at your preexisting personal social media pages. As an author, creating a brand for yourself is just as important as creating a brand for your book. If you already have social media accounts, make sure you position yourself as a professional, successful, author. Use your contacts to spread your message. 

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