Social networking tips

[Jason]

A few weeks ago I posted an article about the pitfalls you encounter with paid advertising on Facebook and their use of click farms. I have been running an experiment to find out how I can get more out of Facebook other social networking sites. I’d like to share some tips with you, but be warned what works for some may not work for others.

1. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and increases likes.
I think one of the main problems that people face with social networking is the amount of time they spend on sites like Facebook and Twitter. Reduce your time drastically and this will leave you with more time to write. I haven’t been on Facebook for over a week and when I finally went on there I had had picked up over 70 likes on one of my pages. I did make time to check out the people who clicked on like and they are genuine. I also plan to cut my social networking time to just once a month.

2. No cats please.
No one wants to see a picture of a grumpy cat. The people who clicked on like to your page are fans of your work, so irrelevant posts can lead to people unliking your page.

3. Spamalot
It is possible to spam yourself. People who have read your books won’t want to see constant newsfeeds leading to links they have already clicked on. So try to avoid ‘please buy my book’ posts. But what about the people who haven’t read your book? Well, if you have set your page up properly newcomers will find their way to all the relevant links to your Amazon page.

4. Do not engage! Repeat do not engage!
There’s no other way I can put this: Your fans are not your friends, they are your bread and butter, a source of income. Getting chatty can lead to all kinds of complications. From people wanting a free copy of your book, to people trying to tell you where you should be going with the book series. Its ok to click on like to the odd comments and post the odd thank you, but direct contact with your fans is a big no no. Try to be a little mysterious that way people will start taking about you.

5. Book promotion pages.
My advice, don’t bother, you’re just preaching to the choir. Look though some of these pages which allow you to plug your book. See if anyone is actually liking the posts other authors are posting. You’ll find hardly anyone is getting a like.

6. Know your audience.
Targeting fans of your genre is very important. There are plenty of pages, tweets and forums covering all manners of writing styles, from Game of Thrones to Fifty Shades. Form professional relationships with moderators. Always ask if its ok for you to post, don’t just jump in an spam.


Things take time but with a little patients you could be earning a few well earned extra pennies on top of your day job. And with any luck you could match your income.

As soon as I think of some more tips I’ll post again.
Good luck guys.
Jason

[Geza]

Well said! I have had similar views to you, Jason, but you articulate them perfectly. Thank you, and I will look forward to more words of wisdom.

[Jason]

I think I may have come across a bit strong with point 4. You should appreciate anyone who is following your work and has brought copies of your book.

[Feliks]

I mete and dole unequal laws
unto a savage race
Who eat, and sleep, and breed
and know not me

--Alfred, Lord Tennyson

[Justin]

These are very good tips. Thought I'd comment to make people aware of them again. Facebook is brutal when it comes to promoting pages and books but at the same time may be worth it if worked efficiently and properly.