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Writers: This Is Why Your Hard Sell Is a Fail On Social Media
And what you can do instead that works!
One of the biggest complaints writers share about being on social media is, “all the spam from other writers!” I smile, because I understand why this happens:
- They’re following too many writers who don’t understand how to utilize social media effectively
- They’re not following or interacting with readers, reviewers, and book bloggers, clearly the most important demographics for any writer
- They’re participating in many writer-related memes (e.g., #writerslift), which promotes a lot of writer link spam with other writers — not readers!*
As an author of seven books (so far), and solopreneur who helps writers and bloggers learn how to market their work, one of the first things I have writers do is audit their Twitter feed (or choose whatever social media they primarily use — for the purposes of this article, I’ll use Twitter).
*The #writerslift hashtag is very popular on Twitter. There’s even a website dedicated to it. And I’m all for writers supporting writers! Writers are avid readers. Be aware, however, of not reaching beyond that comfort zone. Who is your demographic? Are you interacting and building relationships with readers beyond writers in the #writerlift hashtag?
Let’s break this down.
What Are You Sharing?
Take a look at your last 20–25 tweets (or posts on any other platform). How many contain a link to your own books (or blog)? Promote something you’ve written? Go to a giveaway or some type of book promotion you’re involved in?
See a pattern here? If all you’re sharing is your own stuff, you’re doing the linky-spammy thing, which is the opposite of being social. You’re also violating the TOS (Terms of Service) of Twitter (or whichever social media platform you’re on). You’re also being pretty one-note, self-centered, and let’s face it, boring.
Most people are not on social media to be spammed by your stuff. Think like your readers. What’s in it for them?
This is difficult for many writers to face. Why wouldn’t they want to share their buy links constantly? “I’m not spamming,” they…
