New Social Media Trends for Writers

These days, it feels like social media, and technology as a whole, is a huge lifesaver for a lot of us. From Zoom calls with family and friends to staying up to date on business hours, we’re more connected online than ever.

This is also a great time to not only set up new social media accounts but to also explore some social media features you may not have used in the past. When deciding where to put your energy, here are the top social media trends for writers to be aware of right now:

Facebook use is down.

Overall, Facebook usage is down. If you already have a Facebook page for your writing and you see great engagement with followers, then keep doing what you’re doing. If you haven’t created a Facebook page, it might be better for you to put your social media energy into one of the options below.

Video content is a must!

If you haven’t dipped your toes into any type of video format on your social media accounts, now is definitely the time! Followers love engaging with interesting and informative video content. To get started, try recording video clips for a “Day in the Life” video series. You can post these videos in real-time as you move through your day. These videos are well received on Instagram and Facebook Stories.

Instagram Stories are dominating.

If you’re on Instagram, I’m sure you’ve noticed the uptick in Instagram Stories from the accounts you follow. Join in and up the number of posts, you make to your Instagram Stories. If you’re already a professional at Instagram Stories, try your hand at creating an IGTV or even go live for the first time on your Instagram account. These Instagram tools are great ways to boost your interaction with followers.

TikTok is rapidly growing, especially with Generation Z.

If you’ve written, or are currently writing, a young adult novel, there’s a good chance you’ll find your target audience on TikTok. The app is most popular with those aged 24 and younger. Don’t be afraid to download the app and find a way to authentically engage with your target reading audience.

Good content is king.

Great content, including cropped and edited photos, attention-grabbing or entertaining information, well-lit videos, and more, still dominates social media. So, spend an extra minute or two editing a photo before you post it to Instagram or sit next to a window when recording a video to get as much natural light as possible for your recording. These small tweaks will go a long way in delivering quality content to your followers.

Avoid hard-selling your book.

It may feel counterintuitive to not directly push your book in your social media feeds, but a softer sell will go so much farther with your audience. Instead of making post after post about your book being for sale and where it can be purchased, show your writing space or post an excerpt from your favorite chapter. When it comes to selling your book, always make sure you have a website link in your profile where followers can find your book for sale.

Need help setting up your social media? Click here

Looking for more information about social media best practices for writers?

We have tons of articles about marketing your book!