If you are a writer looking to get noticed, inspired, or build an audience, you need to get on social media. Social media is a gold mine for showcasing your writing ability, building a following, and gaining exposure. In today’s digital world, social media has the power to boost writers’ success. The platforms enhance the ability to reach far audiences by allowing a writer’s work to be immediately shared. The more people who read your work, the better exposure you gain. In this way, you can increase the potential to develop a larger, loyal following.
Now it’s time to talk about which social media platforms you should be on. Because let’s be honest, it seems like a new social media platform comes out every year. If you try to get on every single one of them it can easily get hard to keep track of. The more thinly you spread yourself, the less time you have to spend on each platform, and the harder it is to increase your following. As a writer, you should put your focus on recommended, select platforms. We’ve provided the breakdown below.
Social Media Platforms Every Writer Needs To Be On
It’s safe to say most of us are on Facebook. No matter what you write, your market definitely exists there. Facebook has the largest audience of any social media site–that’s a lot of potential book buyers.
If you haven’t done so already, you’ll need to upgrade from a profile to a Facebook Page. This way readers can simply “like” your page to follow your content instead of sending a friend request. Having a page separate from a personal profile is key in having a professional edge. You do not want to mix your personal life with your business. After creating it, ask all of your Facebook friends to go like it. Facebook even allows you to send an invite for friends to go like a page.
This author page will be your official writer page where you can post about your work or anything that is happening in your genre or subject matter. With a Facebook Page, you have more control over the marketing aspect of your writing. You can also dictate whether your followers have the ability to post on your page or not.
Here’s an example of an author using Facebook effectively: Neil Gaiman
Instagram is perfect for catching your readers’ attention. It has one of the highest engagement rates out there and with hashtags like #bookstagram, it’s easy to find like-minded people.
You’ll notice there are many authors on Instagram posting exciting and engaging content via pictures and stories. Simple quotes and creative pictures of their work are just a small part of them. Many Instagram authors also take wonderful photos of their inspirations in order to show their followers a peek into how the writing gets done. For instance, if you wrote a poem about an old tree, it would be cool to see a picture of that live oak you drew inspiration from.
In addition, this may be one of the best social media platforms to promote or get book reviews from. As you explore you’ll notice the growing success of book review accounts.
Here’s an example of an author using Instagram effectively: Rupi Kaur
Twitter is a great way to show your knowledge and share information about your works in progress. It’s the perfect platform to offer commentaries on recent books, blogs, scripts, etc. As of right now, there are very few platforms anywhere more watched than Twitter–it’s a huge arena to exchange ideas and get your author brand out there.
Additionally, Twitter provides a fast-paced platform for you to pitch your writing. By limiting the number of characters that can be typed, Twitter encourages the elevator pitch format: Get your point out there and bring in followers–that simple.
Here’s an example of an author using Twitter effectively: J.K. Rowling
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