Fall into social media -- change of leaves, change of heart

We've talked much in our blog about the importance of social media and building an author platform through an online presence. As the leaves change color, consider changing your approach as well. It can be a challenge to make time to keep up online presences but as the leaves go on falling, the world of social media goes on spinning. We get feedback from partners all the time on how important it is that an author have a strong presence online when searched for. An author's social media platforms are used in marketing programs, book awards programs, blog tours and reviews, and even purchasers can find you if you put yourself out there where you can be found.

This fall, we encourage all authors to take a fresh look at their platforms by following three simple steps. 

Pick 3.

Pick 3 platforms that you'll commit to keeping fresh. We recommend that all authors start with Goodreads and Amazon Author Profile. These are the first places that reviewers and purchasers will find you. After that, pick at least one social media platform you will keep updated (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.). 

---

Post 2 times a week.

Commit to posting new content on your platforms twice a week. You can re-use content if you like, just tweak the format for the platform. For instance, create an Instagram posting with a cool photo of your book and comment with hashtags that support your brand (#yalit #authorname #authorsofinsta #paranormallit #middlegradereads... there are many ...) and then select the 'share' option on the post to instantly share the post to Facebook or Twitter. 

---

1 blog post per month.

Setup a blog and keep it fresh. At least once a month will help show you are an active writer that cares about their platform. Think about topics that relate to your book, your professional expertise, or a special interest that ties into your brand (mystery writer creates a post on being a back-yard-detective; fantasy writer expands on the real-life setting of the novel, etc.). The simplest way to do this is to create a Goodreads blog. They make it very easy to setup. You can then include your Goodreads blog on your Amazon Author Central profile. 

---

Even if you are not a pro at this, what matters is that you stay active. It really is about connecting to other people which may include other authors, readers and fans, or groups that you are interested in.

A few pro tips

• Set aside a half hour each week to search for authors and books you enjoy. Follow them. 
• Scroll through your Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook feed and "like" or "heart" content in your feed from those you've followed.
• Review books on Goodreads and follow other members' and authors' reviews. 
• Follow your favorite authors on Goodreads and check your Goodreads feed once a week. 
• Join a Goodreads group that interests you. 
• ​Make sure your author photo is up to date across all sites.

Lastly, if you don't have the desire, interest, or time in doing all of this, search for and hire a virtual marketing assistant to help you do all these things . . . and it won't break the bank! You can specify marketing assistants or social media assistants and hire someone to help build your brand, keep your sites fresh, and work with you on connecting to followers. Search on LinkedIn or Google for people in your area (if you want someone local) or work with people around the globe offering their services. You can also find students at local colleges that may be interested in the job or just through people you know and already work with. Ask around! 

Images by Pixabay