Social media strategies.

I wanted to wait a little before posting after the New Year because we or maybe it’s just me, can get a bit gung-ho and overambitious about all the things we want to achieve and need to do when the year has just turned.  But now that we are settling into the second week of January and the realities of life and routines have kicked into place, I think it’s the right time to set realistic achievable goals for the year ahead.

So what are your goals?  Is it to finish the first edit of your manuscript or finish it ready for it to be sent out to literary agents? Is it to start working on your social media strategy or to grow your existing audience?  For me, as mentioned in my last post of 2023 Looking Back I want to;

A) Finish the second draft of the book and send it back to the Book Edit for a final round of editorial feedback along with my book proposal and query letter

B) Start submitting to at least five - ten literary agents

C) Start promoting my blog and video content to grow an audience

But what comes first the publishing deal or the audience? The unfortunate truth is that when I look at this list as important as getting the book completed is, if I don’t have an audience, no agent is going to be interested. If you already have an audience well done, but if you are like me starting at ground zero this can feel like an insurmountable task. So let’s go on this journey together.

Before I go through the steps to take, I’m going to assume that you don’t know where and how to start and/or the thought of putting yourself out there feels scary and overwhelming (the second part has definitely been me) so taking these steps in bite size is key;

1. Start Small: Begin with one or two social media platforms. Focus on the ones where your target audience is likely to be. You don’t need to be everywhere at once.

2. Profile Optimisation: Complete your profile with a clear profile picture, a concise bio, and a link to your website or book. Make it easy for people to know who you are and what you write.

3. Content Planning: Create a content calendar. Plan posts in advance, covering a mix of personal insights, writing updates, and relevant content related to your genre or industry.

4. Consistent Branding: Maintain a consistent visual and writing style across your posts. This helps in establishing a recognisable brand for your writing persona.

5. Engagement: Interact with your audience. Respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in conversations related to your niche. Genuine engagement builds a loyal following.

6.a Gradual Exposure: If the idea of self-promotion is overwhelming, start by gradually sharing snippets of your writing journey, thoughts on your genre, or even book recommendations. It doesn’t always have to be about your own work.

6.b Gradual exposure: I really didn’t like the thought of posting on my personal accounts because it felt like shameful promotion, so I set up another FB account as a writer including a business page as I will be putting money behind my posts to boost it and get it in front of new audiences. It’s really helped give me confidence to proceed.

7. Use Visuals: Incorporate visuals like images, quotes, or even short videos. Visual content tends to capture more attention on social media.

8. Learn from Others: Observe how successful writers or authors in your genre utilize social media. Take inspiration from their strategies, but remember to stay authentic to your voice.

9. Consistent Schedule: Post consistently but don’t feel pressured to post every day. Quality is more important than quantity. Find a posting schedule that works for you.

10. Seek Support: Join writing communities on social media. Share your concerns and seek advice. Many writers have faced similar challenges and can offer valuable insights.

Remember, it’s okay to start small and gradually expand as you become more comfortable. Social media is a tool to connect with readers and fellow writers, so enjoy the process and let your passion for writing shine through. Please leave a comment or subscribe to Journey of a Memoir if you’ve found this post useful, I’d love to hear from you.

Speak soon.

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