Your publisher can only do so much. Authors must always do the necessary leg work it takes to develop a strong presence online. There are numerous social media platforms that can serve as quality marketing tools. By determining which platforms best fit your needs, you can invest your time and energy wisely to grow a following, connect with readers and, most importantly, sell your books.
It’s best to keep any personal social media platforms you might have separate from your official accounts as an author. While you might occasionally link one to the other, for instance, to give readers a glimpse into your daily life, the distinction between personal and business should remain clear.
Which social media platforms are best for marketing books?
According to a recent article on Kindlepreneur, the five sites included in the following list are the best platforms for authors who are seeking ways to promote and market their novels:
- Goodreads
- TikTok
- X (formerly Twitter)
You can use one or all these sites to get the word out about your books. Just remember, however, that nothing’s worse than an outdated page, meaning if you launch it, make sure you keep it relevant and updated with fresh content for your readers. If you don’t have time to do that yourself, hire a copywriter.
How Instagram differs from the rest
If you’ve explored at least several of the social media platforms mentioned in the previous section, you may have noticed that Instagram is unique in that its primary focus is on photographs with captions, rather than text-heavy content or video-based content (like TikTok), although Reel (videos) are becoming more popular on Instagram, as well.
Authors can take advantage of the Instagram vibe by posting pictures of their books, as well as glimpses of their writing process, book-signing events or people and places that have inspired their stories.
Tap into resources for each platform
There are many resources available with how-to guides and other helpful information regarding using social media platforms as marketing tools. Advanced technology is an integral part of everyday life in the modern world. The most successful business owners and entrepreneurs understand this and take advantage of the tools available whenever they can to increase traffic and boost sales.
Authors can do the same thing. No matter how great of a marketing deal you might have with your publisher, developing your own presence online, connecting with readers and promoting your books can add to your success.
