Group Promotion

So I imagine that by now you have amassed some level of friends on Facebook and followers on Titter, so it's now time to move into the group format. Facbook writers and reader groups are some of the best there are around. I joined tons of writers groups in the beginning, like way before I ever published a book. 

Groups

When joining any writers or readers groups, remember to read the about page. I'm guilty of not doing that important step myself. It will tell you what that group is for, writer discussions, promo and link posting, or just discussions period with no links posted. If you break the rules you'll receive a kind or not so kind comment or email. I find this to be a put off personally, but it would be my fault because I didn't read the rules to begin with, so how can I get mad, right? I find that I keep the discussion only groups to a minimum. I take part in them when I can or whenever real life let me sneak away, but for the most part I concentrate on link posting groups.

Whenever you are added to groups it makes you mad, right? I check them and if I feel they are not a place I need to be, I simply remove myself from it. No sense in getting all snarky about it. On the other hand I must say that I have been added to some pretty amazing groups! I also join author street teams such as Tonya Kapps who I happen to love. I love her positive energy. She's also very helpful on her blog. She has a real positive energy that is great to see.

Okay so you requested and were added to a new group... take the time to introduce yourself and comment on the discussions over there. That way people see you more than just a link posting robot! Like I said before, I did this before I ever published a book.

When I did publish my first novel, I utilized the link posting groups and did it twice daily. You need to be careful with this. If it's a big groups they hopefully have enough activity so that  you can do this, but if not I go by this rule I made for myself. If I can scroll all the way down the page and I don't see my link I post it, if not I wait until it disappears. That way people don't view you as a spammer. It's not spam, it's promotion people. Don't ever label yourself as a spammer.

There have been people that told me not to do what I did on groups. Most os the naysayers I had were people who think they know all about promotion, but are not authors yet. I'm not saying they are wrong or that I'm right. I just know what worked for me. 

Two words about a book that is not promoted ~ not sold!

Public vs Private

So you have amassed a huge following on Twitter and Facebook, now what?

I have contemplated the same thing that I'm planning to touch base with now. Do I take my Facebook profile public (where everyone can see my posts), or do I keep it private (where only my friends can see my profile)?

Private profiles are limiting to the readers you're hoping to attract. If you are one of those people that for some reason don't allow anyone to post anything on your page — you just hit a huge roadblock. It's perception that you need to think about it here. Whatever your reason behind it is, it's a major put off. Now I won't go into this further by telling you what I think when I run across a profile like that. When I find out it's a writer, I just groan and slap myself in the head. Also if you happen to be someone like me who has over 5,000 friends I can't even see your page! Believe me I love looking at Facebook profiles, and guess what, I buy books too. Again if you'd prefer to keep a separate profile for your family and friends do it sooner rather than later. It takes time to amass friends on Facebook.

Public profiles are where everyone can see what you post, even the drunken late night posts. No judgement here, we all do that, including me. I try to remember every time I post a picture or make a status update... will someone take offense... or misconstrue my words. As a writer, I want to be professional for the most part. We all have those moments though. I also try and be positive everyday with every post or picture. If I rattle someone's chain too much, I'll probably delete the thread. Not because I think they were right, but because it was going into a negative direction. I'm a flippin' ray of sunshine most days and I'd like to remain that way. 

Public profiles also mean that your crazy ex or former best friend could read it, unless you block them, which is what I'd recommend in that case. I have my own list of blocked friends too. I hate to do it, but sometimes I don't think people get that I'm a writer by profession.

The best part of having a public profile is that any subscriber can comment on any of your post threads. What is a subscriber you ask? It's someone not on your friends list. For me, my subscribers leave the most comments and are readers. Do I spend time talking to them, you betcha!

It's not an easy decision but one you should ponder wisely.
Happy writing~

IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE

Social media is the hugest breakthrough since the lightbulb. It has blown up even more so for the writing community the last four years. I should know because I was there with a front row seat watching and precipitating as it unfolded. 

#1 Get as many Friends on Facebook as you can!
This is the most daunting task of them all because Facebook doesn't make it easy. Now it's even harder as Facebook puts you in jail. Now I can't tell you at what level this happens, I just know it does.

I have 5,000 plus friends on Facebook and people are like wow, and I'm like it took me three years. The maximum number of friend requests I sent out were ten to twelve and I quit for the day. While I'm not sure this will positively work now, it's worth a shot.

Don't forget to also go over to Twitter and start amassing followers. Find a Twitter profile and start following their followers. Most likely they will follow you back, if not, you can flush them out later... more on that in a future blog. Writers are the best ones to start following because they are more apt to re-tweet you tweets especially if you re-tweet them! Check me out on Twitter here.

#2 Be engaging!
While you amass you friends list on Facebook don't forget to thank them individually or post a cute photo with a huge thank you. Thank you is one of those things you could never hear of enough! FInd your own style for posting engaging status updates. For me it's good morning, but questions work well too. Don't forget to add photos with some saying about how great your friends are too. This is very engaging! GO to that home page and like, comment, share and show everyone that you care about what they have to say too! 

#3 Posting
If you're a writer on Facebook, I'd highly recommend you to remember why you are there. If you want a profile with all your family and co-workers on it; you might want to think about using another profile for your writing. The main reason is that many readers, or your fans, might not care so much what you had for breakfast. They certainly don't want to read anything about politics. Of course; post about writing and your word count for the day. Post and share cute pictures, and above all, don't let your profile page look like a billboard. It's great to share books or free books written by your friends, but keep them to a minimum, I don't post my book link until it's scrolled pretty low on my profile. Check me out on Facebook here.

While there is no Rhyme or reason behind what works and what doesn't, it can't hurt to mix it up and try a new approach. Always think about what you could that is different or what will set you apart. It's this kind of unique approach that will be the difference between selling books or not.