Why Writers Need To Have a Social Media Presence

In today's digital age - everything is online and in our hands. 

Everything from grocery shopping to dating is done through the power of our phones and many of the decisions we make in our daily lives are directly linked to the advertisements and posts we see and interact with online. 

Our reading habits are no different. 

Most readers nowadays are heading into their local bookstore or more likely opening their preferred book-buying app on their phone, with a book already in mind to purchase because they have seen it either advertised or talked about on social media. Browsing store shelves and seeing what jumps out and catches a reader's attention is a thing of the past in most cases. 

The writer or author who doesn't take advantage of the free and in some cases life-changing opportunity in front of them will be the one who is left behind as society moves more and more into its digital era.

If you are a writer here is the biggest reason why you should have a social media presence.

Building A Brand

Being an author is more than just being an author. An author is also the whole face of the brand. 

And yes, I mean brand like a business because that is exactly what it can be summarized down to. You create, design, and market a product that you want to put into the hands of the consumer.

Now just like every other brand in the world, it's not enough to just put your product on the shelf and hope for the best or that word of mouth alone is going to bring people to you. 

Building your author brand is the way you introduce yourself to both the reading and writing communities that live in these online spaces and show them what you have to offer.  

Posting videos or pictures of your writing space gives your potential customers an inside tour of your facilities

Posts talking about your writing habits, routines, or process is a behind-the-scenes look into production. 

Posts about your book plot, charters, or cover design - well that's just advertising your product the same as a commercial on TV. 

I have bought (arguably too many if you ask my partner) books from authors online just because I watched their videos or interacted with their posts and I wanted to support them in their career. 

Some of these books were in genres I have never read before, but because I connected with them on their social media I felt a closeness to them that had me willing to take the chance on their writing. 

What Should You Be Posting?

Save the cat videos for your personal nonbrand account and try to focus on posts that you can make that will help you build your image and brand as a writer/author. 

Some things that you can post include - 

• Writing Progres Updates
• Cover Reveals
• Writing Tips
• Excerpts From Your Book
• Collages That Tell Your Reader Something About Your Book
• Host Giveaways
• Celebrate Milestones

Remember that you are building your image as a professional so be respectful and kind to everyone, potential readers and other writers alike.

Now go and start posting 

With love, 

B.K xo xo

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