5 Social Media Post Ideas That Every Author Can Try
Many authors I work with want to know how they can sell more copies of their books. To answer this question, I always highlight the importance of engaging with readers on social media. If you’re an author trying to build your audience and promote your book on social media, you can benefit from learning about ways you can utilize social media to sell your book. In this article I’ll highlight five social media post ideas that every author can try.
1. An introduction
I highly recommend including an introduction post on your social media pages. While some followers might know who you are, others might simply find your page because of your recent content. These social media browsers are unlikely to know who you are or what you do. So consider writing an introduction to inform them about you and your work. Your introduction might look different depending on the platform, but your goal is the same: let your readers get to know you.?
While some platforms, like Facebook, allow you to include a lengthy introduction, others, such as Twitter, only permit you to introduce yourself using a few characters. Regardless of which platform you're using, you might write a get-to-know-you post every few months as your following grows. Here are some ideas of what you can include:?
2. Sharing reader photos
Another idea that can be fun for you and your readers is sharing photos of your book taken by readers. Your readers might tag you in their posts, so it’s nice to acknowledge them in return. Spend some time searching the hashtag of your book and perusing the tagged content. If there are quality posts, consider asking the users if you can share their posts on your page. This way, you’re engaging your readers and showing other social media users that there’s an interest in you and your work.?
Another effective strategy to show?#readerappreciation?is to inform your readers that you’ll share some posts if they mention your work or book. For example, you might inform readers you’ll share their posts of them reading your book. Ensure that you always give credit to the original poster by tagging them in the comment. Not only does this idea keep your book fresh in your follower’s minds, but it can also inspire others to share content related to your book.?
3. Price promotions
Everyone loves a good sale, so if your readers have the opportunity to purchase your book at a discounted price, tell them! A price drop might be the extra push someone needs to purchase your book, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to promote deals on your book. Some examples of price promotions you might post about include:?
When you notice that a retailer or publisher has your book on discount, you might share a post urging your readers to act fast to get this book while it’s on sale. Remind them that the price is likely to return to normal soon. A bonus to getting new orders from price promotions is that you’re likely to get some new reviews, as well.?
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4. Videos
Video is still king on social media, so try to post videos that your readers find informative or entertaining. You might post a weekly video where you share information about yourself or your expertise. Here are some ideas for video content:
Videos are truly effective because they help boost you in the platform’s algorithm, make you seem more relatable, and allow potential readers to get to know you better. You might feel anxious before posting your first one, but you’re likely to become used to the process after sharing a few videos. Consider watching videos from other authors for inspiration.
5. Reader reviews or quotes
My last idea (in this post!) is to share reader reviews or quotes. Which one you share depends on the type of book you’re promoting. Here’s more information for both fiction and nonfiction authors:?
Fiction?
If you’re a fiction author, share real reader reviews so that anyone who hasn’t bought your book yet knows that others are enjoying it. To find reader reviews, you can browse the Amazon or Goodreads page for your book and see what readers are saying about your book. If you’re having a difficult time finding reviews, consider asking readers what they think and if they can provide brief reviews for you. You might also provide readers with free copies in exchange for an honest review.
Nonfiction
If you’re a nonfiction author, extract some strong quotes, or sticky statements, from your book. Sticky statements are quotes that really stick with your readers. They’re strong and stand on their own, but also showcase your strength as a thought-leader and expertise on a topic. When they believe you’re an expert, they’re more likely to trust that you can guide them effectively and purchase your book. Here’s an example of a sticky statement from author Elizabeth Gilbert for her book,?Big Magic:?
“It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner–continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you–is a fine art, in and of itself.” - Elizabeth Gilbert
Being consistent on the social platforms of your choosing is important, and it can help you build up a virtual relationship with your readers. People buy books from authors they feel like they know and trust, and the more you share and engage with readers online the more they will get to know you and trust you know what you're talking about.
Read more on social media for authors here.