With over 336 million monthly active users, Twitter is still one of the most popular social media platforms. For this reason, you’ll find many best-selling authors using Twitter to connect with their readers, including Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Jodi Picoult, Rick Riordan, Neil Gaiman, and many others. The social media experts at Web Design Relief have some tips to help you take full advantage of Twitter to build your own reader fan base:
Make Smart Use Of Hashtags
Many Twitter users assume that when it comes to hashtags, the more the better to reach the widest possible audience. However, this may not be as effective as once thought. New studies show that the optimum number of hashtags per tweet is one or two at most. Here are a few hashtags that are specific to the writing community that you can try next time you tweet:
#amwriting – This tag is most commonly used when writers discuss projects in progress.
#WriterWednesday – Twitter absolutely loves alliteration, and Wednesday is the day for writers. This hashtag can be used to update your current (and potential) readers and followers as to what’s new in your writing life.
#WritersLife – Keep in mind many of these can be used together. #WritersLife is similar in intention to the previous hashtags.
#WriteTip – Share your experience and knowledge with the Twitter writing community.
These are only a few examples of the many writing-related hashtags you can use on Twitter. And you don’t have to stick with preexisting hashtags—you can make up your own as well!
Update Your Profile From Time To Time
Do you still have the same old Twitter profile photo from when you first opened your account? The one from three hairstyles ago? Time for a change! Many authors use professional headshots on their various social media profiles, but you can use something casual as well.
In addition to updating your profile picture, be sure to update your profile’s cover photo as well. This could be anything you’d like it to be: the cover of your latest book, a photo you took that represents you and your genre, artwork or images that will appeal to your fans and readers, etc. Just be sure to keep your images and style consistent across all of your social media platforms to help reinforce your author brand and make it easier for your audience to recognize you.
Remember to update your bio with current projects you’re working on, any new publication credits, and details that show off your personality.
Tweet During Peak Hours And On High-Traffic Days
Twitter experiences high and low activity times just like every other social media platform. While your peak hours may be relative to your location and the location of your audience, there are days and hours that absolutely have the most traffic. For Twitter, the best time to tweet is 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. on weekdays. This would be the perfect time to announce a contest to win your latest book or a genre-themed gift basket!
Utilize More Multimedia
Photos and videos are the best way to stand out from the crowd on Twitter. Share some photos or videos you’ve taken during a recent book signing event or a writing conference you attended—just remember to keep safety in mind. Tweet a photo of your book or the literary journal you’ve been published in. And yes, it’s true—cute photos of pets are very popular on social media, so go ahead and post that adorable photo of Fido or Fluffy. Your followers will enjoy a glimpse into your daily life.
If you’re comfortable, consider making a video of yourself and talk to your audience directly. Most laptops and smartphones make it super easy to create short, simple videos. Vlogging (video blogging) is growing in popularity in the online writing community. You might find that you enjoy this new way to interact with your readers and fans.
Question: What have you found most effectively boosts your tweets on Twitter?
0 Comments