Social media marketing for authors

Social media marketing for authors is extremely important. Do it right, and you can reach an unlimited number of potential readers and get your book out into the world.

1. Why is social media good to use as an author?

Authors use social media marketing to spread awareness and news, events, and projects. Social media is often used to:

• • Promote work: Authors use social media platforms as they are platforms that house a large audience. This makes it easier to share work and reach new readers.
  • Connect with readers: Authors interact with reader on social media to build a community. Personal connections with readers helps the author to know their audience better.
  • Professional networking: Social media connects authors with professionals in their field, like other authors, editors, publishers, and industry professionals. As an author, expanding your professional network is important.
  • Keep up to date: Social media allows authors to keep track of trends and industry news. Using a social media platform also enables authors to find out about events and opportunities.

2. What is the best social media platform to use as an author?

There is no right or wrong platform to use when social media marketing as an author. Instead, choosing a platform which suits best is dependant on the authors goals and target audiences. Having said that, there are a number of popular platforms which can be used, so we have narrowed down a list below of the key platforms to take advantage of:

1. 1. Twitter is a platform which is good to network, connect with readers and promoting work.
   2. Instagram is a visual based platform where users can share images and videos. As an author using Instagram, the writing journey can be documented, cover designs posted, and behind the scenes content shared.
   3. Facebook is a good platform to connect with fans and also get in touch with the writing community. On Facebook groups can be made, and authors can join groups to network with other people in the industry.
   4. Goodreads is a social media platform which was created specifically for readers and authors. It is a reviewing based platforms where readers can network and also add books to virtual bookshelves. To find out more about Goodreads, read our dedicated Goodreads blog post.
   5. TikTok is a social media platform where users create and share short videos. An author who uses TikTok typically will use the platform to promote their work, and share their opinions on popular topics. There is a big trend on the platform called BookTok where users post content such as reviews, hauls and memes related to books.

Using more than one platform is a good way to make the most out of marketing your book. Green Hill offers marketing services and can help you with social media marketing.

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3. What defines a good author social media account?

Having a good social media account can be defined by the following factors:

• • Engagement: A good social media account needs to be active and the author must regularly engage with their followers by replying to comments, posting content, asking questions, and opening up discussions.
  • Consistency: Posting regularly and consistently is a good step. It is important to have content to post.
  • Relevance: The content posted should be relevant to the intended target audience. Authors may give updates on how their writing is travelling along, promote their work, and keep their followers updated.
  • Visual Appeal: A good social media account should have visually engaging content such as high quality images and videos to make the account appealing to followers.
  • Personality: Authors should show off their personality and make their readers familiar with their voice.

By using this criteria, social media can help an author boost sales, promote their name, make a connection with their readers and have a strong and unique online presence.

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4. How do I make a social media account?

There are different steps to follow depending on which social media account is being signed up to. Below are the instructions on how to sign up to the previously mentioned social media platforms.

Please note, it is important to keep your privacy safe. Do not give out too much of your personal information on online platforms.

4.1 Marketing through Twitter

To create a Twitter account, follow the steps below:

1. 1. Open up the Twitter website (twitter.com).
   2. Click on the Create Account button on the top right hand corner of the homepage.
   3. Fill out the required information as requested. You will need to include your full name, phone number or email address, and a password to proceed.
   4. Create a unique username.
   5. Verify your email address or phone number via the confirmation code sent to your preferred sign-up method.
   6. Log in to Twitter to start to customise your profile. You will need a profile picture and header image and can choose to write a bio about yourself.
   7. You are ready to start tweeting!

To join Twitter, you must be 13 years old or over and agree to their Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

4.2 Marketing through Instagram

To create an Instagram account:

1. 1. Either use a browser (instagram.com), or download the Instagram app from your devices store (such as App Store or Google Play Store).
   2. Open up the app, or browser tab and choose the Sign Up
   3. Add your email address, phone number, or username and password to the given fields.
   4. Once your account is created, fill out your profile information such as profile picture and bio.
   5. Start exploring the platform by searching for friends, like and comment on phones and start sharing your own content.

To have an Instagram account you must be 13 years old and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

4.3 Marketing through Facebook

To join Facebook:

1. 1. Go to the Facebook website (facebook.com).
   2. Click on the Create New Account
   3. Enter your given name, mobile number, email address, birthday and also password.
   4. Click Sign Up.
   5. Verify your email address or mobile phone number with the code sent to you.
   6. Fill out your profile information. This includes setting a profile picture and cover photo, and adding your personal details such as where you work and education history.
   7. Start connecting with people. You can add friends, join or make groups and pages and also share your content.

To use Facebook you must be at least 13 years old and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

4.4 Marketing through Goodreads

To create a free Goodreads account, follow these steps:

1. 1. Go to the Goodreads website (www.goodreads.com) and click the Join button located on the  homepage.
   2. Fill out the registration form by entering your name, email address, and password.
   3. Click on the Sign Up button.
   4. Verify your email address by following the instructions that are sent to your email address.
   5. Once you’ve verified your email address, you can log into your Goodreads account, you can start building your virtual bookshelves, follow authors, and join groups.

It’s also possible to create an account by signing in with your Google or Facebook account, which can be faster and more convenient. You need to be 13 years or older to use Goodreads and you must accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

4.5 Marketing through TikTok

To create a TikTok account, follow the steps below:

1. 1. Download the TikTok app or visit the website (tiktok.com).
   2. Open the app or the website.
   3. Click up on the Sign Up
   4. Choose a sign up method. You can choose to use your phone number, email address, or an account such as Facebook or Google.
   5. Fill in the needed information such as full name, phone number, email and password.
   6. Verify your account via the sign up method chosen. You may get a link emailed to you, texted to you, or a third party account like Facebook or Google will open up a confirmation link.
   7. Complete your profile by adding a profile picture, bio, and display name.
   8. Start creating, sharing videos and exploring the app.

The minimum age requirement to create a TikTok account is 13 years old and you must accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

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5. What should I post on my social media accounts?

When marketing your book and yourself as an author on social media, your platforms should promote your work, and your content must be engaging. Below are some post ideas to consider posting:

• • Previews of upcoming work.
  • Updates on current works.
  • Behind the scenes of the writing process.
  • Reviews of books that you’ve enjoyed.
  • Reflections that are related to your work/writing.
  • Information for readers about upcoming events and book launches.
  • Polls, discussions, and Q&A sessions.
  • Industry insights and topics related to your work.
  • Re-posts of fan content (artwork, reviews, recommendations, book photos, etc.)

As a professional, it is important to be respectful on social media. However, it is also good to be authentic and yourself!

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6. How do I create social media marketing content as an author?

Sometimes creating content for social media can be challenging, but we have put together some tips for you to follow.

1. 1. Make sure you know your audience and what content they would be interested.
   2. Plan your content and post regularly (consider a schedule).
   3. Vary the content posted (text, images, videos, live streams, etc.).
   4. Use visuals.
   5. Keep your message short and sweet.
   6. Ask questions, respond to comments, run polls, and encourage interaction.
   7. Make sure your content aligns with your brand.
   8. Use hashtags to reach a bigger audience. This also helps people find your content.
   9. Make use of analytics features to track your performance.

Social media marketing your book and author persona takes effort, but it can be valuable in the long run.

6.1 Platforms for Social Media Content Creation

• • Canva: Canva is a graphic design tool with lots of templates, stock images and design options to help people create great graphics for social media.
  • VistaCreate: VistaCreate is a tool which is very similar to Canva. Offering heaps of templates for social media content creation.
  • Hashtagify.app: Hashtagify.me is a tool to help search for hashtags related to your content. It also shows you the popularity and the way to use it.
  • Adobe Express: Adobe Express is a platform which helps you create graphics, videos for social media and web pages.
  • Unsplash: Unplash is a website which has a large selection of free stock photography that can be utilised to use on social media.
  • Hootsuite: Hootsuite is a platform which allows your to manage you social media accounts by scheduling, publishing and analysing how your posts track.
  • Later: Later is another platform to help you schedule and publish content specifically for Instagram.
  • Buffer: Buffer is a tool which allows you to schedule, publish and analyse posts on social media.

There are hundreds and thousands of other online tools and platforms that can be used to help with social media content creation. The most important thing is to find platforms that are easy to use and help enhance your social media page.

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