Social Media Marketing for Self-Published Authors

3/10/13
Sheri Henry-Harrigan
Social Media Marketing for Self-Published Authors

Social Media has been a blessing for new authors. Before the social media age, authors did not have the luxury or benefit to connect with readers or book clubs via computer. They had to go out and look for readers and book clubs. Now because of social media authors can get up close and personal with readers and book clubs without ever having to step foot out of their front door. This article attempts to explain several ways authors can use social media to connect with their readers and do it all for free.

Facebook is not just for personal use. A person can create a fan page or business page and promote their work. They can use it to build a fan base, let their readers know about new projects and releases and a whole lot more. Authors can also join many social book clubs that are just for their genre. If used properly authors can quickly gain a fan base. However be aware that Facebook requires a lot of login time if you want to keep your readers and fans.

Twitter is another social media site that can be used for promoting. The posts word count is limited. However, sometimes less is better. I recently discovered that there are a lot of book clubs on Twitter. I haven’t made a decision yet about whether Facebook or Twitter is better. I can only say it depends on the author.

There are also other social media sites that authors use to promote their books. A lot of authors blog and have people subscribe. Some authors use Meetup. Meetup is a site where you can find book clubs in the area where you live. Just like Twitter and Facebook you create a profile and let people know who you are. There is also a site called Linked In. Linked In is a site just to promote yourself as a professional author. I’m sure there are a whole lot of other sites. These are just a few that I have utilized and found effective.

Social media is available twenty four hours, seven days a week. You can access it on a phone, tablet, pc or computer. Authors can always be connected to their readers. This can be a good thing when you have a new release coming and the readers can’t wait.

If you are shy or nervous social media works in your favor. No one has to hear you speak or even see you for that matter. You can let your fingers do the talking. Readers love the up close action with authors. Being that everyone is scattered all over the world, social media helps bring us all together.

The main benefit to social media is being able to showcase your work before it is released. You can release excerpts and book covers. Authors hold contest for readers. Readers like to know about things before they come out. Information coming directly from the author is special to readers. It makes them feel important. Making readers feel important helps to build your fan base and make and keep sales flowing in.

Social media is great but there is also a downside to it. Use caution with social media. Always stay professional. Everyone on these sites isn’t going to like you and your work. But that doesn’t mean that you have to respond. See something you don’t like. Delete it and keep it moving. You will save yourself a big headache in the end.

---