Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Sometimes I feel weary of all the social media “musts” in my life. How about you?
Can I really add one more thing to my day, which is already as overstuffed as an LA freeway during rush hour? Yet, aren’t we assured by everyone who has a new idea for our to-do list that “you can do this in just two minutes a day”? We know the reality often is a much bigger commitment than it sounds like. Are you with me?
Still, as I think about how to make my social media efforts more effective (I’m already making quite a time commitment to the Internet, after all), I need to improve. So I’m trying to press forward into new frontiers–with reluctance. Do I hear an “amen”?
Here are three changes I’m trying to talk myself into:
Use hashtags in my tweets
When I first started tweeting (seems like decades ago), I regularly used hashtags because I knew they are a great way to enter into a conversation or to start a conversation. You might remember about two years ago, agents used the hashtag #agentfail. The idea was to provide hints to writers about what causes an agent to say no to representation. But the communication turned ugly when some writers thought the agents were snarky and unkind. (That’s what 140 characters can do to a perfectly helpful idea.) Still, it was a good idea.
But I’ve fallen out of the habit of using hashtags. How hard would it be for me to add #agenttip or #writingtip at the end of a tweet?
Common hashtags writers use are #amwriting and #amediting. It gives you an easy way to talk about your WIP. #bookgiveaway could be a nice draw to those of us who scroll through tweets looking for something that calls our name. Or make up your own hashtag as a fun touch to a tweet, such as #SoOverMonday. You also can alert those interested in a certain topic to find you by searching for a subject hashtag such as #adoption, #romanticsuspense, #Amish.
Schedule tweets throughout the day
I’ve read several articles on how to do this, but I find the process of setting it up mind-numbing. So, instead, I retweet several helpful tweets, reply to a tweet and write a few tweets of my own in the span of a few minutes. All of my activity is, therefore, lined up like orderly little soldiers, marching off to Tweetland together. Since people read tweets throughout the day, I need to make periodic contributions rather than clumping my comments. Not to mention I can write a variation of a certain message (such as #bookgiveaway or enticing people to click on my blog post link) and schedule those tweets throughout the day so more people are seeing my message.
I forthwith resolve to make better use of my tweets by figuring out how to schedule them.
Employ more photos on Facebook
I’ve read the results of several studies that show I’ll receive more comments and more exposure to my remarks if I use photos. But, here’s another confession: I’ve never enjoyed photography. My husband was a superior photographer so I’ve always relied on him to capture memories and significant moments. He’d make me take my camera (which he bought me) on our travels. I’d halfheartedly snap a few shots and then leave the real work to him.
But I know that when I scroll down my FB wall, I stop at every photo. Yup. Every one.
And I like the multiple levels on which I connect with people through photos. One of my favorite people to check out on my wall is Judy Christie because she uses photos in such an effective way. Some are funny, some are touching, some are beautiful. But they’re all arresting.
I’m just beginning to face the fact that I don’t even think about photo ops until, oh, an hour or two afterwards.
So those are my social media confessions. What are yours?
What are possibilities you’ve been thinking about? Do you want to join me in making some social media resolutions?
What are some simple ideas you have developed that have increased your social media engagement with potential readers? (Obviously I need all the hints I can get.)
Good morning Janet,
I’ve still got one foot in the Rotarydial Age. I STILL struggle with the “how is this relevant?” question in terms of socialmedia. Twitter is still a chore for me, although I do link my blogposts to my Twitter feed and Facebookpage ,which seems to have really upped the readership.
But that ain’t so new. The hastag thing as something I was wondering about yesterday, so thankyou Ma’am. I may use ‘#redheadsrock’ . But I’m so self absorbed anyway, who will even notice when I add more about myself?
One thing that has worked for me and has been truly enjoyable, beneficial, educational, uplifting, etc… is to find and play at various industry/writer blogs. I have learned a tonne from this blog and Rachelle’s, as well as Steve Laube’s, Jody Hedlund, Katie Ganshert, Heather Day Gilbert, Becky Doughty and Michael Hyatt’s just to name a few.
Being labeled a long winded narcissist at a young age (oh,come on now it’s 100% true!!)has made me overtly cautious about “getting myself out there”. I have a difficult time enough as it is NOT talking non-stop, and now that I’ve actually written a book and even own my own domain name, I’m breaking out in hives just thinking about the business of promoting my name and work.
And that’s where engaging in the blogs of others and learning something whilst getting one’s name out is a win/win situation. I have learned a tremendous amount and have made some very dear friends along the way.
I guess we could all call it “socializing at work”, minus the watercooler and the line up at the bathroom.
As usual, I’m looking forward to allthe comments and ideas.
((Warning to Blogger users-I made a minor name change to my blog yesterday and my carefully selected/edited blogroll disappeared!!))
Was that, “#socializingatwork”? 🙂 Actually, I love that idea. 😉
I love the concept of #socializingatwork too. That’s a very fun way to label social networking. And Jennifer, commenting on blogs is a wonderful way to make connections and get your name out there. While learning!
And when I tried to go on your blog, I got a message that it had been moved to an “unknown address,” so I’m not sure how to find you now. 🙁
I changed the name from jennym-talesfromtheredhead.blogspot.com TO
******talesfromtheredhead.blogspot.com******
Thank you. 🙂
I’m still figuring out the social media realm. 😉 Gearing up to start a blog will, I hope, become a way to connect with potential readers. The few times when I do tweet a post, I usually forget the hashtag, or I use a @by mistake.
I’ve found my biggest way to connect with others is by interacting on blogs. Though, most of those interactions are with other writers. I’m looking forward to reading tips of those who have this social media thing figured out.
“I’ve found my biggest way to connect with others is by interacting on blogs. Though, most of those interactions are with other writers.”
Correction:
The biggest way to connect with others is to poach the readers from the blogs of others, ESPECIALLY the blogs of other writers 😉
Laughing out loud, Larry!
Uh, Jeane, anyone who claims to have social media figured out is self-delusional. It’s a dynamic medium, and that’s part of its challenge.
Amen! Sistah!
THAT’S a relief to know. 🙂 I may just sleep tonight. Just kidding.
Thank you, Janet, for mentioning my FB photos. I take almost all of those with my iPhone; it brings out the old newspaper reporter in me. I found that when I used the camera and waited to download and upload that the load was too heavy. My social media resolution is to increase the frequency of my relatively new blog — and I appreciate your reminder to revisit my social media marketing plan. #GreatAgent Have a great week! Judy Christie
Judy, thanks for those insights. I’ve been using my smart phone more for the few pics I take, and that does make it a lot easier.
I like your resolutions; those sound worthy.
And I love the hashtag. 🙂
Loved, loved, loved this post!
I already use hashtags with my tweets, and I often schedule tweets throughout the day with links I think others might find helpful. I do this so I won’t Tweet-bomb folks with a dozen tweets at once. I also throw in a mix of personal tweets and I tweet with friends because I love to connect. I love Twitter! Jill Kemerer (www.jillkemerer.com) is one fantastic Twitter go-to gal! *waving at you ACFW roomie!* No question is too silly; she answered a million for me.
I also like Facebook, but I find I must be careful with my time there. Too much of a time-zapper, so I set a timer initially, and then pop in and out throughout the day.
One area I’d like to venture into is Pinterest, but I’m waiting a wee bit as I decide how to best use it.
Oh, and I love your tweets and read every single one of them! 😉
Thanks, Cynthia, for the comment about my tweets. I need to set the timer when I’m on Facebook. Especially when I’m tired or procrastinating, FB is like standing around at a party I know I should have left an hour ago, but I can’t get my feet to move.
I’m still exploring Pinterest, too. I want to explore more how authors are using it and learn from them.
Good grief, Janet…I forgot to answer the question! lol 🙂
I try to engage folks by asking a Question of the Day on my author FB author page. I also host an end-of-the-month blog giveaway. Last month’s giveaway included recipe cards with a Mozart CD, handmade soaps from the Ozarks, and a box of colorful notecards. September’s drawing will include a Barnes & Noble gift card and a miniature tote. I love to give and it’s so fun to surprise folks with “You’ve won!”
Those are great suggestions, Cynthia. Thanks for sharing them.
I’m with you on the photos! And then I get Ann Voskamp’s daily post and the pictures are so GORGEOUS. Yup, that’s one I need to join you in pursuing. (My husband recycled the box that had the download cord for my camera in it. That’s my current excuse!)
Okay, Sarah, let’s hold each other accountable. No more excuses; we need to just do it! Let’s see, the only photo op I can think of is the disastrous condition of my kitchen…Nope, that is not going up on Facebook.
Janet, it’s so good to hear that you see the struggle with social media. I confess that I don’t tweet at the moment, and I know I’m going to need to figure that one out sometime soon. But right now, I feel like I need to concentrate on writing so I have something to market.
I also haven’t jumped in to Pinterest, but I’ve been taking notes on great ideas I’ve heard. My plan is to finish this book, create queries and proposals, and start working on the social media aspect.
A handful of years ago I bought too much into the idea that you had to have a platform to sell a novel. I finished a book, got a good agent, and. instead of working on another book, dove into the blogosphere. Then when editors passed on that book but asked my agent if I had anything else they could look at, we had to say no. And I’ve always regretted that.
So that’s my confession. I do think social media is important, but I see too many unpublished writers putting too much time into that at the expense of writing. Does my plan to wait awhile make sense? I’d love to hear any thoughts you have, Janet.
Sally, good question. I’d say that publishing houses expect you to have a social media presence. But you don’t have to be involved in every aspect of it. Instead, concentrate on building connections through one venue, the venue that you “get” more than the others.
Unfortunately, in the publishing world, writers have to not only be strong wordsmiths but also connecters to potential readers. It’s more than a bit daunting.
Thanks, Janet. I know I want to connect with my readers. I think Laura Frantz is a great example of that, and I like how she does it. It feels very natural and genuine–because it is, I’m sure.
Good to know I don’t have to do it all. I’ll keep your comments in mind when the time comes to dive in.
Social Media Confession:
If somebody asks me to play Farmville, I will ban them from my LIFE.
My Social Media Resolution:
Get the darn website put up. (Sure, writing a 400-page work of art is no problem, but selecting a color pattern for my blog? Now that’s just CRAZY talk 🙂 )
I’m with you, Larry. Websites can seem like such a sidetrack, but an editor who likes your writing will immediately pop online to take a look at how you’re presenting yourself.
Good luck with that color pattern!
But Larry, if you don’t post *this* , 10,000 kitties will hurtle themselves over cliffs and can only be saved if you re-post this to all your friends in the next 30 seconds or lightning will strike your car and melt your transmission.
I was scheduling my tweets in HootSuite, but have fallen off the Twitter wagon a bit…I need to climb back on.
I also would love to be more intentional about my Facebook author page. I currently only post links to my blogs, but I’d love to engage others more purposefully.
Both excellent goals, Lindsay. And they sound very doable.
Confession: I’m usually buried in work so juggling social media and work is my challenge.
I try to be upbeat in social media– fun and engaging so very often its not a reflection of where I really am. (I call it my Facebook life as opposed to my much-less-engaging real life.) It can be confusing to friends and clients. Having recently taken a medical leave I tried posting when I could but everyone immediately assumed I was “all better” and at my desk ready to work.
And I joined Goodreads because I wanted to see how it works. I’ve had little to no time to explore it. And I keep getting dozens and dozens of notifications from them. Aaaarrrgghhh.
Okay, now I’m thoroughly guilted. I need to go tweet and post something on Facebook since I’ve been woefully absent.
Wendy makes several good points. One of them is that we need to be intentional about what we write on social media. For we professionals this isn’t about jotting down the first thing that comes to mind. What are we trying to accomplish? How do we develop a persona online? (Not that we’re false about who we are but that we’re selective about what we tell.)
Taking time off from social media is worthy of a blog post itself, Wendy. It’s a complicated decision.
Wendy, I’ve been on Goodreads for awhile, but I haven’t fully explored it either. Someone recently described it as FB for readers so I think it’s something a writer needs to seriously look at. It’s one of the first things on my to-do list when it’s time to step up the social media stuff.
Yes, stuff. Technical term. 🙂
Great topic. I too get overwhelmed. But then I go to my happy place…Ravelry.com. I”m lucky to have found a site dedicated to my area of interest and where many of those I write for hang out. That said I still worry about doing more and getting social media “right.” There is no right, though, as Janet said it’s a changing medium. So I try and only add things to the mix as I get comfortable with one.
Lisa, mentioned an important way to think about social media. Rather than trying to bring people to us, it’s always a smart plan to figure out how to connect with others in a venue that already exists. For Lisa, that’s the knitting community on ravelry. Searching around the net for those connections that are natural communities for each of us makes all kinds of sense (not reinventing the wheel).
Thank you for your confession, Janet. Like Sally, I’m so glad to hear that you, a professional at writing and publishing, struggles with the social media requirement.
My best venue is Twitter. I don’t know why since I tend to be long-winded normally, but it is the place where I’ve most successfully connected with people and gained followers. I get new followers daily, something that hasn’t happened with Facebook or my blog. One thing that is an absolute for me is to welcome each new follower individually. Some people bunch their new followers together in a list: “Thanks for the follow @somebody, @somebodyelse, @whoever.” That just hits me wrong, so I greet each person, by name if it’s available.
Recently, I started using a hashtag #fantasyquest. I have numerous followers who are writers, but since I’m writing a fantasy, I wanted to attract people who are interested in the genre. Most days (I need to make it everyday) I have a fantasy question, such as, “If you could be any winged creature, what would you be and why?” The conversation part hasn’t gotten off the ground yet as much as I had hoped, but I have gotten numerous fantasy followers and some magazines and small presses that are looking for submissions. Also, the number of retweets has gone up considerably. I try to retweet the question three times a day and often elaborate on it.
On my blog, I have added pictures. This part is difficult for me because I rarely take photos and don’t have a scanner or a camera that downloads. So I have resorted to doing my own pictures on Paint. They are a bit primitive, but they add color to the page.
On FB, I’ve gotten photos and artwork by following a Celtic site. I simply put the link to the site on my FB post and it brings the picture up. I’m focusing on fantasy type pictures.
FB, my blogs and G+ are linked to my Twitter account, so anything I do on those sites automatically comes up as an announcement and link on Twitter. Often I will add a bit. For example, on the fantasy blog, I have a new character, a faerie healer, who will be talking for a few posts about her homeland of Cu Tailte and the beings who live there. So when I did the first post, I added comments to the Tweets such as “Meet faerie healer Keena Mythweaver,” or “If you met a faerie, would you know it?” On the blog, I put “an artist’s rendition” of Cu Tailte. This week I will put a map of Cu Tailte on the post while Keena discusses the five lands that make up her homeland and the nearby human world of Baile Eile.
I know that there are many other things that I “should” be doing, but there are only so many minutes in the day and the number seems to be decreasing daily.
(Did I mention that I’m long-winded? Sorry.)
Many blessings!
Whoa! I knew it was long, but didn’t realize it was that long. I do really apologize.
I’m the Queen of long winded.But you’re so nice, You can be Miss Congeniality.
Thank you, Jennifer.
I am THAT nice, eh?
Christine, thanks so much for sharing your social media strategy with us. You mention that you don’t have much a Twitter conversation going on, but I consider retweeting the biggest compliment I can get. It says that not only did someone value my comment but also that person thought others would as well.
Well, now I need some chocolate. Two out of your three are about Twitter, and I just don’t understand Twitter. I’m on there, but I don’t have many followers, and all I tweet is that day’s blog post. I just can’t figure out how to retweet, reply, send messages, etc. I’m also a little repulsed at how commercial it seems. No one is personal. All they want to do is push their products on me. Every time I scan Twitter it has the feel of the pushy household-cleaner salesman who rings the doorbell at just the wrong time. I guess I want relationship, and that’s better attained on Facebook. So, I actually enjoy Facebook (just one click for “Like”), and I’m beginning to enjoy Pinterest quite a bit – including a pin-able photo in each post and all that. Okay, that all sounds a little more rant-ish that I wanted. Time for some chocolate. (Did I mention that already?)
Meghan, as you acknowledge, each type of social media has its own tone, or voice. Some we resonate with, others we don’t.
I don’t think of Twitter as a conversation but as a source of factoids, links to valuable information, or a funny or thoughtful comment that adds to my day.
Facebook is a conversation; therefore, the tone of what I write there generally is personal.
You don’t have to be on Twitter; I officially grant you permission not to be. If it doesn’t work for you, why try? Go with the medium (or media) that makes sense to you and to your message.
Permission not to do it all is HUGE. Great reminder to do what works well and feels right to you. What makes sense for your voice and how you operate. Ahhh it feels better already doesn’t it? teehee
Thank you, Janet! I’m saving this blog post for future reference and encouragement.
Let’s not forget that some thought the invention of the telephone would trigger the downfall of society.
I mean, all those party lines and busy bodies???
Yet it’s just another shape our conversations take, isn’t it?
I just love internet in all its facets, Janet. I think though many people have lost some of the magic they initially felt and therefore less interaction goes on. However, people still read what one writes even if they don’t say anything, this you can tell by the numbers who visit your blogs or facebook pages. To me it’s always a thrill to know I can be in contact with wonderful people from all over the world just by using my fingertips- this awareness becomes even more enhanced if you live on top of a hill in some lonesome corner of the world as I do. Nevertheless, it isn’t a game, it takes ability, patience, a sense of humour, being able to read between the lines and can take up a lot of energy. Sometimes one wonders if it’s at all worth it but then you think, it’s all part of humanity and sharing yourself with others is the best way to show you care.
I think most of us would say we’ve developed online friendships via social media (including the regular commenters on this blog), and that’s a very good thing. These are people I never would have known otherwise. Me likes.
I have all the strategies written down and try to implement daily but,
I find I get to worked up if I get too wrapped up in what to do next and how to try to get a higher number of followers. Sometimes it makes me feel very lonely.
I trust God to establish my work. I am very thankful that each number represents a person that takes the time to read my thoughts. I don’t take that lightly. Building relationships take time and so does building a social media presence.
I’m thankful for the friendships I have made over social media. I want to try to take joy in those and not worry so much about how to keep striving forward.
Lisa, it’s true that it takes time to build any sort of relationship. My hope is that I’ll say something worthy of the people who take the time to read it.
I think God has established Books and Such in that way, including your posts:) I don’t ever miss a post on this blog.
I love this post. While I enjoy Facebook and Twitter, a less than social person such as myself struggles with the pressure of trying to be so personable. 🙂 I prefer Twitter to Facebook because I don’t feel the expectation
When I worked in online book promotion, I used ping.fm to post to multiple social networks at once, which at least saved time. Now, I have to be careful I don’t play around on social media sites instead of write. Discipline. Discipline. Discipline.
Oh, yeah, that writing thing.
Hi Janet,
Thanks for this post! So much comes to mind. I guess my biggest confession is that I don’t use Twitter, and don’t intend to in the near future. Facebook is used much more by the general public than Twitter, so I have placed all of my emphasis there (in the absence of infinite time).
As to your question about increasing engagement, here are the key things I have found:
1. I use my Facebook page primarily as a way to announce a new blog post. Rather than just posting the link, I spend a lot of time considering exactly what to say WITH the link to get people to click through. The introduction is a huge factor in engagement. I monitor engagement rates very closely through the Insights panel Facebook provides (I maintain a spreadsheet with click through rates for every blog post to see what is working and what isn’t).
2. Time of day for the post is critical. The average post lifetime (i.e., the window during which Facebook decides to put your post into your fans’ feeds) is 3 hours. Since I only post about twice per week, I have to be sure I am posting at an optimal time when my fans are online! I have experimented with my particular fan base and found that 8 AM hits the most people on both coasts. The middle of the day is a dead zone.
3. I don’t do any superfluous Facebook posts. Facebook does NOT show your posts in your fans’ feeds automatically. It uses an algorithm that heavily weighs how much a fan has engaged with your posts in the past. For me, that means that if I really want the most people to see the important posts announcing a new blog entry, I can’t risk posting “fluffier” filler that few people interact with during the rest of the week. Facebook literally punishes you when you do that because fewer people engage with those posts and then Facebook decides not to show your more important posts the next time! So, I guard the value of each Facebook post closely to ensure a high engagement rate with my blog post links (my ultimate goal).
3. Given the issue I just mentioned, I have taken advantage of the new Facebook option to pay to promote your Facebook posts. There are many people who technically are your fans (have clicked “like”) but never see your posts because they didn’t click on them the first few times and Facebook has taken you out of their feed. Unless you find a way to get back in their feed, they are basically lost as a fan. With the new Facebook promotion option, you pay a minimal amount to get into your fans’ feeds when they wouldn’t have been shown the post organically. If they see it and click on it, that has generated engagement and the next time you probably won’t have to pay to reach them. You have to use it strategically so you don’t waste money, but it’s working for me and I’ve seen my reach go up in huge ways because of it.
Phew! Sorry for the length. I’m a marketing professional so this stuff is all top of mind. 🙂
Excellent tidbits, Natasha. Thanks so much for sharing them. I read through your list and checked off, “Doing that wrong,” for myself several times. Your suggestions are invaluable.
Likewise I’ve heard the advice to use photos in blogs, but it doesn’t make sense to me.
If a person subscribes to my blog, it’s because they want to read it, not look at pictures (unless I had a photo blog, which I don’t).
If someone stumbles onto my blog while doing a search, the photo didn’t elevate my search engine placement, it was the words I used.
I suppose a photo may cause a casual reader to pause for a moment and skim my blog, but that’s about as much as I can hope for.
What am I missing by not using photos when I blog?
Studies show that you really will have more people read and want to come back to your blog if you post a photo. I’m guilty of not doing that because I have to locate free photos online that suit my subject.
Too much work for me. But I have to recognize I’m giving up a way to help people to engage with my post.
Janet, thank you for this very honest blog post. I thought I was the only one out there having difficulties with social media. I once worked as an editor/PR writer/photographer for a small university and, after quitting my day job to be a full time writer, I really never wanted to see another camera again in my life! So with my blog and FB and Twitter, I’m cheating by soliciting photos from my readers.
Hm, cheating or being savvy?
You’re showing an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and have figured out a way to have photos without posting photos.
OOOH, love the idea for more pics on my FB author wall. Hadn’t thought of that one, but I know several publishing companies use that technique!
Also, I’d love to put in a plug for the #Christfic hashtag. It’s a great way to meet other Christian fiction writers (who may not be using ACFW yet–I know I didn’t feel comfy using that tag till I paid to join ACFW). I think it would be cool if more writing peeps posted links to helpful writing blogposts with the #Christfic tag. It’s also a place to promote Christian fiction, so I think it would be cool to get more CBA reader input there, too!
I suffer from ‘my life is too boring and I don’t have any time to post about it’ syndrome. When I’m not writing, or editing mine or someone else’s work, I’m gardening, canning, herding cats (aka teenagers) or a myriad of other activities (I really need to decide what the choir is doing for the Christmas program this year!).
I’m always reading about keeping my posts important to my readers, but I think I personally go in too many directions to pick one.
Squirrel!
I have never understood how to do Twitter and this was really helpful, Janet. That made sense to me. I might try it again. I’ve been avoiding Twitter.
Because I blog with a couple group blogs, I didn’t want to worry about accidentally taking a photo from someone to go along with that, so I started carrying my iPod around and taking photos of my own for that. Now I post those photos on Facebook, too, and you’re right, I get more comments with those. They’re not great photos, but it’s so easy to take and post those photos.
I have entered quite a few books I’ve read at Goodreads, but I’m terrible about posting reviews. I do not always feel great about clicking those stars, either (I do, but I sometimes feel uncomfortable about it!) I’ve gotten where I “LIKE” certain Goodreads’ reviews so I at least get some contact there. I also belong to a couple Goodreads’ groups with like-minded readers/authors.
I really love the Pinterest stuff, but I’ve fallen off there, too. I’m behind on pinning books I’ve read and the ACFW Bookclub Picks, but like you said–we only have so many hours in our day. It boggles my mind.
I love this post! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.
*steps into social media confessional*
I am a horrible tweeter.
I am a worse facebooker.
I stink at connecting all my social media.
*prays for forgiveness*
I guess I have three very clear areas I need to work on!