Dude, I can't seem to get these social media posts up on Wednesdays! Maybe I'll just have to adjust my schedule or something.
Anyway, today I'm looking for advice from you. If you were talking to someone who's new to the blogging world, new to the wide arena of publishing and looking to do something online, new to writing even, what would be your biggest piece of social media advice?
I want to hear what people see as the most important thing to do, or the most important thing NOT to do.
So what do you think? What would you tell someone who was just dipping their toes in the social media waters?
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16 comments:
THE most important advice I can give is:
Be part of the conversation.
Not a megaphone blaring out ads for your book.
I definitely agree with Dianne! That is extremely important. I adore when when author's get more involved with their readers. It makes us feel important in a way.
I would definitely take advantage of twitter. This is such a great tool to use. Twitter is one of the easiest ways to connect with readers and get invovled with what is going on because as we all know things change by the second in this world!
I agree with Dianne. I'm tired of all the spamming that's going on. I skip over anything self promotional. That's not social networking. That's just annoying.
Okay, that had nothing really to do with blogging. Oh I've got one. Do NOT load your blog with those money making ads. I hate them. When I see them, I wonder if you commented on my blog because you really cared what I said or because you want me to comment back on your blog so you can make some extra $$$.
Agree with Dianne as well!
Get involved. Blogging is social. You can't just post and expect people to show up.
I agree with the above posts, but I would also add, look within and follow your heart and try to listen to your gut. There's definitely a model out there of how to be online, what that should look like, but I think we desperately need a new model, someone to break the mold and forge a new way. Be your own voice and swim up stream a bit.
I agree with everyone else, including Alex's suggestion. Social networking is about getting involved and supporting each other.
If you want people to follow you, you have to be a friend and follow back and comment on their blog. Especially if you're starting out as a blogger, it's very important that you take the time to read others' blogs and comment. You can't expect many followers unless you're a good friend back. We're all busy. I've stopped following some of the really blogs by people who never visit my blog.
Hmm. With everything changing right now, I'm not sure there's a simple answer, but I would have to agree with Dianne. The most important thing is to focus on getting to know people, and making friends. Knowing things is important, but knowing people is better.
Dianne hit the nail on the head:
Avoid becoming part of the static by engaging in the social media outlets that you feel suit you best. Test the waters and see if FB, Twitter, Pinterest or more work for you.
And
Be organic. It's great for your food and health but it's also great for online interactions. Trying to be something you're not may seem fun in the beginning or attract some followers, but followers stay for what you naturally are.
I'd say that it's helpful to think of your blog as a "venue" rather than a "platform." You want to create an environment where others want to gather around things that show up in your books. Writing shop-talk has become the norm for so many writer blogs, but readers don't connect with it. Make sure your venue gives a taste for your content--your followers will be far more eager to read your books if they already connect to topics in your books. If you write sci fi, talk about cool research on space exploration or how cultures work or gadgets you wish existed. If you write romance, talk about settings that stir your imagination or about the dynamics of relationships. If you want to talk shop occasionally, fine, but doing it all the time may not help as much as you think in the long run.
great comments so far! I'd also add that lurking for a while is a great way to learn. Read some blogs, follow some people on twitter - see how all of it works.
I would say, do not spam. Ever. No excuses. And, use Twitter to talk to actual people first, and then use it to spew your own junk.
Blog about things that pertain to the purpose and focus of your blog and always reply to people's comments. They didn't have to comment, after all. The least any blogger can do is reply to them.
The VERY first thing? Don't expect to start a blog and have readers if you don't let other bloggers know you're reading them too. :-)
I think the most important thing I've learned is to stay genuine no matter what you're talking about, marketing, or doing. Include people instead of taking the stage.
Did you write this post for me, Elana? ;-) I have nothing to contribute. I'm just soaking all the advice up!
My advice is to do all of the above, but don't spend too much time on it. Make a time allotment, comment and participate as widely as you can in that time, then turn it off and focus on the real world stuff: writing, reading, family, whatever else you've got going that is real and tangible.
Social media is awesome, but it shouldn't take over your life.
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