How Authors Can Make Social Media Work for Them: 3 Fun Ideas & 3 Strategic Moves

For many authors, social media feels like a chore—something you should do but don’t want to. But what if it didn’t have to feel that way? Instead of treating it as a sales platform, think of it as a tool for connection, creativity, and community-building.

If you’ve ever felt stuck on what to post, or how to actually see results from your efforts, I’ve got you covered. Today, we’re diving into three fun ways to use social media (so you don’t burn out) and three strategic moves to make sure your efforts actually lead to book sales.

3 Fun Ideas to Keep Social Media Engaging

1. Character or Book-Themed Challenges

Create a short challenge related to your book and invite your audience to participate.

• If your book is a thriller, challenge readers to share their own mystery-solving skills (e.g., “Guess the plot twist in 3 sentences”).
• If your book is a romance, start a “Most Awkward Meet-Cute” story contest.
• If you write self-help, host a 7-day “implement one lesson from my book” challenge.

This not only gets engagement but also builds community around your book.

2. Meme or Trend Adaptation

Not everything has to be serious! Take trending memes or challenges and put a bookish spin on them.

• Turn a viral meme into something that represents your book’s themes.
• Use the “If I had a dollar for every time…” meme to highlight common reader struggles your book addresses.
• Jump on trending TikTok/Reels audios and add a book-related twist.

People love humor and relatability, so this keeps you in their feed without feeling salesy.

3. Behind-the-Scenes Storytelling

Readers love feeling like insiders! Share unexpected or behind-the-scenes moments from your writing journey.

• Share a deleted scene and explain why you cut it.
• Show a rejected book cover that didn’t make the cut.
• Post a photo of your writing space, whether it’s aesthetic or chaotic.

This builds authenticity and makes people feel more invested in you as an author.

3 Social Media Strategies Every Author Should Implement

1. Comment on Others’ Posts (and Not Just “Nice Post!”)

If you only post and wait for engagement, you’re missing out. Social media is a two-way street!

• Find relevant authors, book reviewers, or industry professionals and leave thoughtful comments on their posts.
• Engage in discussions about book-related topics (e.g., AI in publishing, book pricing, writing struggles).
• Comment with personal experiences or insights instead of generic praise.

This makes people notice you and organically increases your visibility.

2. Turn Readers into Content Creators

Instead of always making your own content, encourage your readers to create for you.

• Ask them to post a selfie with your book and tag you.
• Run a review incentive, where people who post a review and tag you get entered into a giveaway.
• Start a “Where are you reading this?” series and have readers share their book locations.

User-generated content builds social proof and saves you from doing all the heavy lifting.

3. Use the 80/20 Rule (And Track What Works)

A huge mistake authors make? Only posting about their book. You should be mixing it up!

• 80% of your content should be engaging, entertaining, or educational (e.g., writing tips, fun book facts, or personal stories).
• 20% can be direct promotion (e.g., “My book is on sale!”).
• Keep an eye on analytics—see what posts get the most engagement and double down on what works.

Social media is a long game. If you’re consistently engaging and providing value, your audience will be excited to support your book when you do promote it.

Final Thoughts: Make Social Media Work for YOU

You don’t need to be everywhere, and you definitely don’t need to spend hours a day on social media. Instead, pick one or two platforms, have fun with your content, and use strategic engagement to build relationships that turn into book sales.

Which of these strategies or ideas are you excited to try?

The Author’s Journey Community

Take your learning to the next level by joining The Author’s Journey Community! Inside, you’ll find:

• Monthly Sprints: Hands-on workshops designed to teach you essential book marketing skills. February’s sprint focuses on finding and connecting with your target audience.
• Monthly Q&A Sessions: Get answers to all your book marketing questions directly from me.
• A Supportive Network: Connect with fellow authors, share your experiences, and grow together.

Join The Author’s Journey Community here to get the tools, knowledge, and support you need to thrive as an author.