There are many reasons why authors need to be on social media. Here are a few of the most important ones:
To connect with readers.
To promote their books.
To build their brand.
To network with other authors and industry professionals.
Overall, there are many reasons why authors need to be on social media. But, the above are truly the most beneficial.
What Platforms Should You Be On as an Author?
Now that we know WHY you should be on social media, let's talk about the three hottest platforms for authors: Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.
Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, and it can be a powerful tool for authors.
Based on the above reasoning, here is more information on why an author might want to use Facebook:
To connect with readers. Facebook is a great way for authors to connect with their readers and build a following. They can share excerpts from their books, answer questions, and give behind-the-scenes updates. This helps to create a sense of community and loyalty among their readers.
To promote their books. Facebook is a powerful tool for promoting books. Authors can use it to share links to their books, run contests and giveaways, and even host live events. This can help to reach a wider audience and generate sales.
To build their brand. Facebook can also help authors to build their brand and establish themselves as experts in their field. This is especially important for non-fiction writers. They can use it to share their thoughts on writing, publishing, and other topics of interest to their target audience. This can help to position them as thought leaders and attract new readers and followers.
To connect with other authors and industry professionals. Facebook is also a great way for authors to connect with other authors and industry professionals. They can use it to find beta readers, connect with potential collaborators, and stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in the publishing world.
In addition, Facebook offers a number of features that can be helpful for authors, such as:
Facebook Groups: Facebook Groups are a great way for authors to connect with other authors and readers. They can use them to discuss writing, publishing, and other topics of interest. A group is a great way to get more personal with your readers and fans vs. using the Facebook Page as more of the "advertising" section.
Facebook Pages: Facebook Pages are a great way for authors to promote their books and build their brand. They can use them to share information about their books, run contests and giveaways, and even host live events.
Facebook Ads: Facebook Ads can also be a powerful tool for promoting books. Authors can use them to target their ads to specific audiences and track the results of their campaigns. We've had great success using Facebook Ads with our authors but doing so requires patience and a bit of money for the testing. It doesn't have to break the bank to use ads. If you haven't done it before, just start with a $1 a day liker ad for your page.
Overall, Facebook is a powerful tool that can help authors to connect with readers, promote their books, build their brand, and connect with other authors and industry professionals.
#BookTok and #Bookstagram are popular places to find and post about books.
TikTok and Instagram are also popular for authors. Both are popular social media platforms, but they have different strengths and weaknesses for authors. TikTok is a video-based platform that allows users to create and share short videos. Instagram is a photo- and video-sharing platform that allows users to share photos, videos, and stories.
There are several reasons why an author might want to use TikTok instead of Instagram:
TikTok is growing rapidly. TikTok has over 1 billion active users, and it is growing at a much faster rate than Instagram. This means that there is a larger audience for authors on TikTok.
TikTok is more engaging. TikTok videos are typically shorter and more engaging than Instagram posts. This means that authors are more likely to keep their audience's attention on TikTok.
TikTok is more visual. TikTok is a visual platform, so authors can use videos to showcase their books and their brand.
TikTok is more interactive. TikTok allows users to interact with each other in a variety of ways, such as through comments, likes, and shares. This can help authors to connect with their audience and build relationships.
Of course, there are also some reasons why an author might want to use Instagram instead of TikTok:
Instagram has a larger audience. Instagram has over 2 billion active users, which is significantly more than TikTok. This means that there is a larger audience for authors on Instagram.
Instagram is more established. Instagram is a more established platform than TikTok, and it has been around for longer. This means that there is a larger pool of potential followers on Instagram.
Instagram is more professional. Instagram is often seen as a more professional platform than TikTok. This means that authors may be more likely to attract serious readers on Instagram.
Ultimately, the best social media platform for an author will depend on their individual goals and target audience. Authors should consider the factors listed above when making their decision.
If you are an author just getting started on social media or looking to maybe decide where to go next, request a copy of our FREE WORKSHEETS on finding your ideal client here.
Rebecca Paciorek is an Online Business Manager specializing in assisting in the growth of your business through traditional and digital means.