A very heated debate in many circles is whether or not social media marketing and social networks are a good use of time or simply the activity of fools. One writer’s group I belong to recently had just such a discussion.
The mud slinging by a couple of members got so intense the moderator of the group said, “Enough is enough.”
I discovered this when my post was rejected. Not for content but because the moderator felt the discussion had reached a point of nonproductivity.
I was in complete agreement with her stand but felt shortchanged in that up to that point there were lots of reasons why someone should or should not use social networks to market a book but very little on exactly how to effectively use social media.
As an author and a book marketing expert I can’t imagine not using social networks to market either my books or those of my clients. However, a very targeted approach is essential.
There are dozens upon dozens of things that can be done. Here are three that can prove to be very effective.
1. Facebook ProPage. Build a following for you and your book with a professional page. This does take time, effort and commitment. Avoid simply starting a ProPage and doing nothing beyond that.
Be visible, add value and interact. The more involved you are the more the members will be inclined to want to read your books. (If you add value)
2. Facebook event postings. When you have any type of event as it relates to your book(s) you can post on FB. However, avoid posting every single one or potential attendees may not pay as much attention.
3. LinkedIn Groups. You can begin your own group specific to your market and genre. Groups are a wonderful way to keep in touch. As with Facebook you need to continually add value.
If you do events in your local market you can either start, or join, a group specific to a geographic region. The video I posted shows exactly how.
A local group could be one of the best ways to build community and a loyal fan base.
In conclusion. All of these methods do take time. However, the payoff can be huge. To get the most out of your social media efforts keep an eye on just how much you are doing and what the results are.
Otherwise you will be on the side of the discussion where people say, “Social networks are a complete waste of time.”
I will be the first to admit that social networks can be a huge time sucker with very little result other than people knowing what you had for breakfast.
I will also stand by my position that in today’s world of book marketing social networks and social media marketing are incredible additions to a well planned campaign.
Be sure to RETWEET this post.
Wow Kathleen:
Sorry that happened to you.
I love your strategy; it is strategic and requires effort and anything worthwile is worth the effort.
I am glad I stopped by!
Thanks Maureen. Actually, it’s somewhat of a blessing it did happen in that I would likely not have written this blog post if it didn’t. I am going to reach a heck of a lot more people with my message due to the “block”. Gotta love it!
Thanks for sharing this experience, Kathleen. Strategic focus is definitely the right approach. Working on my self-discipline to maintain that focus is the next step :-).
Just to clarify, when you use the term Facebook ProPage, you just mean a FB page as opposed to a profile, right?
Yes. The pro page is the same as a FB page. Thanks for asking for clarification.
So true and you know I agree that using the internet and social media to promote is a great idea.
The biggest problem I see with people is that they set up a few profiles, connect with their existing friends and then have no idea how to proceed.
Just like so many things in life, social media isn’t the problem. The problem is not knowing how to use the tools that we have available to us. One of the many reasons I work with authors and businesses too and why I wrote Book Promo 201 🙂
You are also right that this post will definitely reach more people than the original comment 🙂 Its interesting how we are nudged into sharing the information that people need to hear 🙂
I enjoy your teachings Kathleen – bite sized and understandable! Thanks,
People who take that view are people who don’t know what to do or how to do it when it comes to social networks. To promote yourself, your business, or your books takes time, energy, and knowledge. You provide a lot of knowledge, Kathleen, so I wouldn’t waste my time on people who do not want your generous help. I promote authors and I see time after time that some of them do not understand the work and commitment this takes to get the word out there. Their books have to be good as well. Keep up the good work. You are great!
Janis Friesler
Assisting Authors Online
Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking; where it is absent, discussion is apt to become worse than useless.