Using social media to promote your books

Are you looking for innovative ways to create buzz about your book? Do you know that you can quickly propel your business beyond the competition through social media? Well, according to recent research, over 75% of businesses are using social media to get the word out about their services or products. If you are not using it to promote your books, then it is time to jump on the bandwagon.

Why Social Media for Books?

A few years back, book promotion largely relied on the traditional press. Reviews from the right publications were a major constraint for the success of a book promotion. Obviously, it meant spending thousands of dollars, along with time and efforts. Social media is a very effective way for authors and publishers to develop relationships and expand their reach with potential customers around the world. Now, authors can have a collective audience who is just one click away from sharing your work with their friends on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

You can put as much, or as little, effort and time into online book promotion. Remember, the power to connect with potential readers is in your own hands.

It is true that no one-size-fits-all plan exists to promote books on social media sites. However, there are some important points to consider in connecting with your target audiences.

Blog- Blogs are easy to set up. Google and WordPress offer free blog hosting, with premiums costing just a few bucks per year. There is no need to write a line of code. You can choose free templates or can add functionality with free third-party plug-ins. Such plug-ins can be installed easily with just a few clicks. A successful blog is one with many frequent readers. It is very important to maintain a successful blog. For this, you have to post often. Further, you should respond to comments on your blog. Remember, a blog is beyond a diary or log. A blog needs the most work, as you design it, create it and shape the community.

Facebook and twitter-

Facebook and Twitter are the buzzwords today. You can post a link and it will reach all your friends and some of your friends’ friends. Create a Facebook page for your book to expand your reach. You can also think about a Facebook Ad. Of course, you have to pay for it, but you can get the results worth your investment. Twitter is a very popular network and just 140 characters can work miraculously. While setting up your account, make your user name quickly identifiable.

Rather than selling, learn the skill and art of sharing on social media sites. Further, sharing includes providing information to others when you can.  Remember that even when you are tweeting or posting about someone else’s book, this online activity still gets you in front of others as an author.

You have to enjoy your own social media activity. Remember, you have to invest time and effort in online book promotion. If you believe in your capabilities and writing skills, then spare a little time each day to connect with prospective readers online.  Choose the platforms that align best with your time commitment, interests and abilities.

Respond positively and constructively to criticism. Remove inappropriate or spammy comments. Observe conversations about you and your company.  Use social media to promote but not sell.  Nobody is interested in following someone on Twitter just to hear “Buy my book” over and over again. By providing discreet links to your sample chapters or book excerpts, you can sell it indirectly.
All above tips will help you use the powerful tool of social media to sell your books effectively.

©2012-2013 Claretta Taylor Pam, Innovative Publishers Media Group & Innovative Publishers. All Rights Reserved