Project to Published: Facebook Hosting Styles and Examples
After receiving so much positive feedback from my last post on Facebook Party Tips and Tricks I’ve decided to revisit the topic with some common post types and examples for people who are unfamiliar or new to Facebook release parties or book related events. Here are what I consider the common post types. I like to separate them into three basic party style categories though I encourage people to mix and match to find their own style:
Trying to attract new readers – This party type can have a large variety of participation styles but generally has basic plugs to Facebook like pages, Twitter handles, Blogs, Websites and of course purchase links. The games/giveaways are normally things anyone can be a part of. For instance, a game would not feature a question only a reader could answer because the goal of the party would ultimately be to get a person to purchase the novel if they haven’t won a copy by the end of the night.
Most common post types:
Head over to ___ Page and like it for a change to win _____.
Change your profile picture to ____ for the next ____ minutes for a chance to win ____.
Follow @________ for a chance to win ______.
Catering to current readers – This party type normally features many questions/games only readers will understand or be able to participate in and normally features a Q&A of some sort. It can be very entertaining for readers but its exclusive nature is a double edged sword. Many times if an attendee was interested in the novel but felt ‘out of the loop’ it can be frustrating and cause them to be dissuaded from purchasing unless those participating are emotionally invested enough to create sufficient hype. If done well these can be a wonderful treat and help give extra content to readers, if done poorly they dissuade possible readers.
Most common post types:
These questions tend to be very specific to the story. For example:
(To audience) In _____ this very specific character _____ did _______. Tell us what ___ __ ___ for a chance to win ____. (Important note: Please don’t offer the novel as the prize considering they obviously already read it if they were able to get the answer right.)
Q&A such as: (To author) What was your inspiration for ______?
The Crowd Pleaser – This category focuses on joy and normally has the best overall outcome. While type #1 can seem a bit preachy and type #2 is a catch 22 this type centers on the attendees having fun and that normally manages to result in both expanding your social network and creating hype that can translate to purchases either during the party or down the road. This type normally features plenty of games, memes, good music and an overall party ‘vibe’.
Most common post types:
Flash Giveaways
Share your favorite party music with us for a chance to win _______. (Youtube links are then given in comments. Many times this party type will have someone dedicated to posting Youtube videos every once in a while as the ‘DJ’.)
Let’s get the laughter going and post some of our favorite memes. One lucky commenter will win prize pack ____. Commenter/Winner will be chosen by Random.org.
Caption this picture for a chance to win _______.
