You’ve heard for the umpteenth time that: Indie authors need to use social media as part of their online marketing strategy.

A successful platform provides published authors a big platform to promote themselves and their work. It’s irrespective of whether they’re into books’ self-publishing, working with a big publishing house, or an indie company.

What is social media?

Social media refers to digital platforms that allow users to create, share, and exchange information, ideas, and content. It includes a wide range of online social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, video sharing platforms like YouTube and TikTok, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat… Other online forums and communities are also available.

Social media has transformed the way we communicate and connect with each other, enabling people to interact and share information with a global audience. It has also become a powerful tool for businesses and organizations. They engage with customers, build brand awareness, and drive sales.

Social media is an indispensable part of modern life. It is no surprise that social media is an inseparable medium for authors. Here are some reasons why social media is supreme to authors:

• Building a following: Social media allows authors to connect with readers, build relationships with readers, and gain a following.
• Promoting their work: Authors can use social media to promote their work, share excerpts, and generate buzz around their upcoming releases through trailers created by an animated video agency such as White Magic Studios.
• Engaging with readers: Social media provides a platform for authors to engage with readers, respond to their questions and comments, and build a community.
• Networking with other authors: Social media enables authors to connect with writers, share tips and insights, and collaborate on projects.
• Staying up-to-date: Social media helps authors to be up-to-date with industry news, trends, and events.
• Generating ideas: Social media can be a source of inspiration for authors, providing a wealth of ideas and resources.
• Building brand awareness: Social media helps authors to grow their brand and establish themselves as experts in their field.
• Selling books: Social media can be a powerful tool for authors to sell their books, promote discounts, and drive sales.
• Feedback and reviews: Social media furnishes authors with valuable feedback and reviews from readers, helping them to improve their writing and better understand their audience.

Now let’s look at the reverse scenario.

When you don’t use social media:

1. You may miss out on opportunities to connect with your readers, promote your work, and build your brand.
2. It is still possible to reach your audience through other means, such as book signings, interviews, traditional media coverage, and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Ultimately, it’s your personal preferences and goals.

Like other individuals, authors are also expected to follow some codes of conduct on social media.

Here are some actions that are considered to be inappropriate behaviour on social media:

• Cyberbullying: It is unacceptable for authors to use social media as a means to bully, harass or intimidate others, which is commonly referred to as cyberbullying. Authors should refrain from engaging in negative interactions with readers or other authors.

• Self-promotion: While promoting one’s work is important, authors should avoid excessive self-promotion on social media. Posting too frequently about one’s book or constantly asking for reviews can be seen as spam.

• Insensitivity: Making insensitive comments about a sensitive topic like religion, politics, race, or gender can offend readers and harm an author’s reputation.

• Plagiarism: Posting content that is not original and claiming it as one’s own is a serious offense and can damage an author’s credibility.

• Engaging in online feuds: Engaging in unnecessary arguments with readers or other authors can lead to negative publicity and harm an author’s reputation.

• Posting offensive content: Posting inappropriate content, such as hate speech, graphic images, or explicit material, can lead to backlash and a loss of followers.

• Ignoring readers: Ignoring readers’ comments or feedback can make readers feel unappreciated and can damage an author’s reputation.
• Don’t leave your header image blank or use any other picture for your avatar on any social media account.

How to make yourself visible on social media and promote your writing?

• Choose the right platform: Recognise which social media platforms your target audience uses the most and focus your efforts on those platforms. For example, Instagram may be a better platform for visual content. Twitter may be more suitable for short updates and discussions.

• Develop a strategy: Create a social media strategy that aligns with your marketing goals. Determine the type of content you want to share, the frequency at which you’ll post, and the tone of your message.

• Share valuable content: Share content that is valuable and relevant to your target audience. This can include updates on your writing progress, excerpts from your work, and behind-the-scenes insights into your writing process.

• Engage with your audience: Respond to comments and messages from your followers and actively engage with other authors and influencers in your genre. To expand your reach and building relationships, it’s a powerful strategy.

• Collaborate with other authors: Collaborate with other authors to cross-promote your work and expand your audience.

• Use hashtags: Target specific audiences, increase engagement, and gain new followers using hashtags. Research and select the most relevant and popular hashtags that align with your content and objectives.

• Run giveaways and contests: Running giveaways and games can be a great way to generate buzz around your work and attract new followers.

• Leverage paid to advertise: Consider paid advertising on social media platforms to reach a wider audience and drive traffic to your website or book sales page.

• Utilize analytics: Use ‘Google Analytics’ or social media analytics to track your progress and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• You can also create a social media ad that allows readers to click through to your author’s website, where they can buy, subscribe, or engage with your content. Organic social media content is a great no-cost option for writers on a budget, but it can take a lot of time.

By following these tips and creating a thoughtful and consistent social media strategy, authors can increase their visibility and engage with readers and fellow writers on a meaningful level.

Hence, use social media to your advantage to grow. Approach self-publishers like White Magic Studios to assist you with the creation of an author’s/book website. They will help you with all the book publishing services such as editing, formatting, layout, illustrating, creating book covers, et cetera.