The Social Media Monster & You: A Primer
Hi. It’s me, Terry. This verges into bragging, but I do have some things that I’m intensely interested in, and I think that foments ability. I write three-dimensional female characters. I use humor to frame stressful events as a tool to invest my readers, and I am vehemently against the predatory practices of the publishing industry. I’m an author coach and a history professor who is enthusiastic about pie, waffles, giraffes, coffee, and nefarious villains. I also run, because punitive experiences make for good fiction but today I’m going to discuss the social media monster and you.
Listicle:
1. Don’t spam. Ever. If you have the urge to spam endless Facebook groups, twitter, or anywhere else, don’t. The numbers game works against you, and you’ll create a backlash. This should naturally bring you to ask, “Well, then how do I”—stop right there. Let’s go to point number two.
2. Build Your Email List. Immediately. If you have a time machine, go back, strangle Joseph Stalin, and then start building your list. Your list is implicit permission between you and the people who know and like your work. It’s your core, your tribe, your peoples. This is how you become a part of a community in which your books—and you—are the engine that drives the fun. And it should be fun. Not spammy. Naturally, you ask, “How do I”—go to point three.
3. How To Build Email Lists. First, get an app or program that lets you manage your email so it isn’t illegal (gmail isn’t legal). I use Mailerlite, but other people use Mailchimp—I find them to be too expensive. Build a template email that looks professional—header, graphic, your brand name, etc—and then test it by sending it to yourself and a few accounts you can check.
Then, begin building the list in three ways.
When I coach young authors (or first timers) I always say that they should get involved in giveaways with other more established authors. Ask in your online groups or at events. At signing events, have a signup sheet for your mailing list. Offer something free, like your first book. Send one or two emails per month. One out of three of my emails is about books, mainly because I hate spam and love food. You can guess what the other two emails are about (hint: rhymes with waffles). When you send your first emails, people will unsubscribe. Relax, it’s not personal. I can tell you that the more people you meet (who sign up in person), the more ‘sticky’ list members you will have. These people are your friends. Don’t forget that, and reward them with fun stuff (deleted scenes, swag, etc).
4. Be Positive or Be Silent. Hate the president, government, puppies, left-handed people? Fine, but if you make that your voice on twitter, you’re screwed. Half the population will hate you, half will say they love you and not buy your books, and a small percentage will actually go after you to the point of raiding your reviews and trashing you online. If you choose to be political because that’s your calling life, then you aren’t making writing—and your career—first.
5. Use the 90/10 Ratio. Ten percent of your social media posts should be about books! The rest should be about you, your passions, food, cats, travel, other books you’re reading (cannot stress this enough), movies you see, and events you will attend.
It’s a big world. Your books are only a small part of it. Show everyone who you are and what you love, and your books will make more sense as you build your readership.
Author Bio:
Left-handed. Father of an apparent nudist. Husband to a half-Norwegian. Herder of cats and dogs. Lover of pie. I write books. I've had an unhealthy fascination with dragons since the age of-- well, for a while. Native Floridian. Current Tennessean. Location subject to change based on insurrection, upheaval, or availability of coffee. Ten books and counting, with no end in sight. You've been warned.
Contacts:
Website: http://terrymaggert.com/
Twitter: @TerryMaggert
IG: https://www.instagram.com/terrymaggert/