Yes, social media is a lot of work. But it’s “must do.”

Takeaways from a recent Authors and Journalists conference.

Looking back over my notes from the recent 2011 ASJA conference, which had a special emphasis on social marketing for writers, I see a few strong themes emerging. They aren’t anything revolutionary but worth repeating:

  • If you want success as a blogger, ie, to have influence and followers, you must be “a good neighbor,” and read, follow, and comment upon other blogs. Strive for engagement. See how you can help someone first before asking for a favor. It’s a two-way street.
  • Another key to successful blogging is consistency. Make a schedule and stick to it.
  • Video is the next big thing for authors, since your fans want & expect to see you. Practice your video presence via your own computer webcam. Learn the basics of what makes a good video (audio quality matters the most; plain background, off-center talking head, cutaways, if poss.). Enable video commenting on your blog.
  • Make sure all your “About” profiles in social media and your blog are specific and explanatory. And be prepared to tweak them every few weeks.
  • Sharing links with all your followers is key. Bit.ly is the url shortener of choice, since you can get a bunch of stats about who clicks on your links simply by adding a ‘+’ sign to the end of the bit.ly link.
  • The overriding theme, mentioned in nearly every session I attended, was how much time and effort it takes to do all this social marketing and blogging. (My favorite overheard quote from one audience member, following a blogging seminar: “I just want a mega-bestseller. Screw the rest of this stuff!”) It came through, loud and clear that it’s up to authors themselves to build their brand platforms, forge connections, and stay on top of publishing trends such as e-books, video, and book apps, etc. If you’re lucky you’ll find some time and space to write your next book—and all the authors seemed to be asking each other exactly how to find that time and space.

I’m going to be tweeting a series of shorter tips from #ASJA2011 over the next few weeks. Follow me at http://twitter.com/LectriceUSA to see them.

By Laura

Helping creative entrepreneurs manage their online presence. Website builder & social media consultant, ebook creator, book marketer, editor, writer, blogger. (Avocations are movie review writing and graphic design.) Worked in book and magazine publishing for many years as an editor and executive.

2 comments

  1. Thanks, Rhonda. Heard a variation on that theme this week from another author. He earnestly told me, “Laura, I just want a million readers. How can social media get me that?” Pause. Me: “Um, if anyone promises you a million readers, run the other way. Fast.” This author then hired his nephew’s girlfriend to set up his website and social media. I was amused… and relieved!

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