Okay, let's start this thingy.

Most writers and bloggers, when they first start on social media or create an author platform (that vague term which they're not sure what it even means), will ask:

how do I connect with readers?

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So they come on over to Twitter, FB, IG, TikTok, wherever, and start following other WRITERS. Or celebs or gamers or ya know, people they're interested in. Which is great! Super fun.

But, this doesn't connect us to our future book buyers (or blog readers)

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On top of which, social media can be a huge time suck. It's fun and all, but without a STRATEGY, it's mostly just a time-waster.

So you may have spent YEARS goofing around on social without a plan (sound familiar)? That's okay. It's not too late.

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Regardless of which social media channel you're on, you want to be where your demographic is, where your readers are. So, where are they?

There's no easy button, however, I always start with @pewresearch. Non-partisan data, always valuable. #BookMarketingChat

. @pewresearch is a fact tank that provides tons of great info about our world. Enter whatever search terms you’re looking for about demographics and it’s likely in there. All free info.

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also, @HubSpot: one of my favorite marketing blogs, hands down. If you know nothing about demographics or marketing, this is a great place to start! Their services are spendy, but the blog is free.

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. @Buffer: another favorite marketing & social media blog. Their blog is free also and separated by topics of interest.

A few more helpful blogs are from @hootsuite and @smexaminer. All free and SO valuable in terms of how to utilize social media to connect

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One of the biggest concerns from authors, especially, is their discomfort about being on any social media channel beyond Facebook.

This is too bad because readers are everywhere! Facebook is indeed the largest social media channel in the world,

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so being there is definitely important. Remember, however, that you must use your author page (not your personal ‘friends’ account), for marketing and selling your work.

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(If you don't use FB that's fine - just remember, your READERS do.)

Example: connecting with readers, particularly if an author writes YA (Young Adult), is about being where readers are, and that’s on social media channels other than FB!

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like Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram, and newer channels I probably haven’t even heard of yet.

If you write nonfiction, channels like Medium and Twitter

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(Twitter is a key SEO Google ranking factor) are key.

If you’re an expert in some kind of business, LinkedIn can be critical to your success. I always recommend LI to be honest, since businesspeople are readers, too!

And don’t forget Goodreads and BookBub!

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So, the million-dollar question: What’s The Best Channel?

The best way to connect with readers is to pay attention to this research, understand what your author branding is (what are your key topics of interest?) - that's another topic for another day -

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and share interesting and compelling articles, quotes, and visuals about those topics consistently on the channels where the readers of your demographic are.

What’s your genre? What’s the age range?

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If you’re sticking to FB because you refuse to try out something new, and your readers are Middle Grade, well, good luck to you.

***The best social media channel is the one that connects you to YOUR readers.***

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It’s not rocket science — none of these social media channels are that difficult to figure out, so here are my suggestions:

1) Pick at least three social channels and follow/connect with readers, not other authors (or not ONLY other authors)

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2) learn how to use these channels via YouTube tutorials or their Help Sections (most are very user-friendly),
download the mobile apps so you can use them on the go as well,

3) and just START.

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Not sure what to talk about? Read my articles on author branding. Create your strategy. You'll follow people based on these keywords and key phrases.

Ask questions. Don't spam people. There's more to you than just your book or blog. You're a whole people.

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Networking

Social media isn’t just for teenagers, so throw out that old, silly notion. Sure, teens use it and have phones growing out of their hands, but so do most adults at this point.

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Social media is an integral part of any author’s platform, and it needs to part of yours, too. Social is SOCIAL, and it’s how adults and professionals network.

Every one of my clients comes to me via online connections,

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mostly through social media, referrals, and networking.

Tip: I find it’s really helpful to join groups on Facebook and LinkedIn — not the ‘buy my book!’ promo groups most authors join, but groups with other interests (remember, be strategic)

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(e.g.., women’s groups, professionals, wellness, etc.), to sincerely build relationships and network.

Eventually, someone will find out about your books and the news will spread like wildfire.

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Social media is about building relationships and increasing visibility.

The rate of conversion is fairly low, however, it will help you to connect with readers who will then opt-in to your newsletter, read your blog,

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click on a giveaway, or follow you elsewhere to find out more – all of which can lead to a sale.

It takes work and it's not a quick process. I've been on social media since 2009, blogging since 2008, and publishing since 2012.

Take a breath, y'all.

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Questions? I'm tired. lol

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