If you're considering the self-publishing route be it in paperback or as an e-read, you might be familiar with the need for a marketing effort to get your book out there. The easiest way in this modern age of technology would be to use social media to promote your works are here are 3 social media platforms that I think you should check out!
According to this website, almost 4.14 billion people are using social media as of Oct 2020. That's hella a lot of people! Hence, you can be sure that if you advertise on social media platforms, you're eventually going to reach out to someone who would be interested in what you have. Of course, it would be ideal to go on more platforms for a wider reach if you have enough time, money and manpower to help you but for the broke and busy writers like me, these 3 are my personal recommendations.
#1: Facebook Page
One of the oldest social media platforms around but not losing steam, Facebook has over 2.7 billion users. This is a significant number of users and while not all of them are keen on books, some only use it to play Candy Crush, it is still something you should consider.
Facebook has a very good advertising strategy that allows you to pay for as little as $1 a day to reach targeted markets based on their age, gender, location and interests. This means that you won't be wasting your money advertising for those Candy Crush users and will actually be pitching your new book to people who actually love reading.
One thing I love about Facebook is the ability to type lengthy posts, add hyperlinks everywhere and still be able to get people click on "read more". The Facebook culture is very different from the other social media platforms mostly because the people actively using it are usually older and have more spending power compared to newer social media platforms with your more IT savvy teens.
#2: Instagram
Did you know that Instagram was bought over by Facebook?
Yes, that is true. But it doesn't exactly explain why I chose this in my list. I'll have to be a little more specific.
Instagram is a visual appeal type of Social Media platform where images and short videos along with hundreds of hashtags work very well. They are where the influencers go to when they want to pitch something to trend followers. So how does this benefit you as an author? You write words and can't draw!
Don't worry, check out my other blog post about 3 Easy Ways For Writers to Create a Visually Appealing Social Media Content. I will explain more about content creation for Instagram there.
Like Facebook, Instagram has an advertising package for business accounts that can be created for free but that's not where I wish to draw your attention to. Instead, check the cross-platform posting function unique to only Instagram in the screenshot below.
This is a very handy tool to use for greater exposure. Sure, not all content will be well received with every platform because of different target users and purposes. However, I believe that regular updates and consistency will still benefit your account's appeal to new followers who wish to know if your account is still active for the latest updates. For busy people, this is a 3 in 1 solution.
#3: Twitter
Last but not least, Twitter might have only about 350 million users compared to Instagram with over one billion users and Facebook with over 2 billion users but let's not ignore it just yet!
Remember the thing I said about cross-posting? Yes. There is a reason why I suggest using these three. However, they should be used for different purposes and not just for cross-posting.
This blog post is generously sponsored by the following Patreons: *This could be your name*.
Think of it this way. Facebook is your advertisement front. Instagram is your brand image flagship store. Where does that leave Twitter? It's going to be your customer service. It's not as if Facebook and Instagram don't allow for a friendly chat in the comment sections or inbox functions but they are often less casual. Have you seen celebrities respond to any of their fans' comments or inboxes? Seldom. It's about image and formality. On the other hand, Twitter is a less formal environment that allows you to say what's on your mind at the moment. This brings that wall between you and your readers down so that they can get to know you as a person without all the advertisements.
Tweets are 140 characters or less which means you don't need to spend time crafting difficult pieces. Just a simple "OMG I cannot believe I typo'ed Bob to Boob AGAIN! #clumsy #typoist #notboob" will do. Let your existing readers know that at the end of the day, you're also human.
That's all, I hope this helps you decide the easiest way to kickstart your social media and marketing journey for the second part of your self-publishing journey.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message on any of my social media accounts or join my discord server.
This is Destiny Aitsuji, signing off.
