You’re writing your first book and you want to be ahead in marketing when you approach a publisher or agent. You’re willing to jump in to social media, but it feels overwhelming and you don’t know where to start. I have a few suggestions to keep in mind as you start.1. From the beginning, use the name you are writing under to name EVERYTHING to give it a streamlined look. Once you have an online identity, then every time you leave a comment, on a blog or on FB or Twitter, that comment will lead people back to you. Other bloggers will begin to recognize your name. You’re leaving breadcrumbs for people to follow right back to where you hang out.
2. Remember: you cannot do everything. You simply don’t have enough time. Don’t spread the time you have too thin. It’s better to be great at 2 or 3 than mediocre at a dozen or to start something and leave it unattended. Choose wisely. But do keep a list of all the ideas and links you run across – for possible use later.
3. Remember: one size does not fit all. Not everything works for everybody. And even if you are determined to use what another author uses, you need to MAKE IT YOUR OWN. Put your own twist and personality into it. Ask the questions in #5 to help you determine which ones will fit you best.
4. Start with JUST the basics: Facebook (I think google+ is also a great basic) and a website. By limiting how many you start with, you allow yourself plenty of time to become proficient at one thing before moving on to others.
5. Ask critical questions to help determine other social media involvement:
- Where are you active already as a consumer or an
author? - What are you comfortable with? If twitter isn’t your thing – it can wait till later – see if you really need the headache of learning it. If you don’t do photography, then Flickr may not be for you.
- Who is your target audience (genre/age)?
- How much time do you have?
- What is your brand/purpose/message?
If not, what is your greatest deterrent?
photo credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net //isophere