Smorgasbord Book Promotion – Twitter – Tagging and Pinned Tweet to spread the word.

I am almost at 10,000 posts since I began blogging four years ago and at least half of those are book promotions. It is one of the reasons that I began blogging four years ago as I wanted a platform to promote my own work as well.

When I look at those posts in retrospect, is quite clear that the ones that did well as far as comments, reblogs and sharing was concerned, were ones where the author featured participated fully in the effort.

This means reblogging (better a couple of days later to keep the ball rolling) shared across their own Facebook, Twitter and other social media, and very importantly responded to comments over a period of days. This engagement with people who took the time to comment is critical in building relationships that support going forward.

Apart from sharing on Facebook and Twitter, these particular authors also responded to those who shared their post on Twitter. I tag the featured authors when I respond to shares on that platform, and this not only shows the author who has shared their post, but also enables them to respond and follow if they do not already do so.

The same applies to Facebook provided the author has an account, and is another way to find other writers and importantly readers for their books.

There are a great many ‘how to ‘ market your books out there but it is actually quite simple if a little time consuming. It is done by communicating which involves responding and engaging with others.

I understand that people are very busy and time is short, but how you communicate about your current or previous books, will have a direct impact on the sales of your future books.

I have said this before and I will say it again.. People buy People First.

They will judge you by how you are perceived online and if you can find the time to respond to comments, or thank people for sharing, they will remember you and respond positively next time.

If you want an example of an author and blogger who does all of the above very well then check out D.G. Kaye of https://dgkayewriter.com/. Debby responds to all comments and communicates far better than I do on Facebook, Twitter and other platforms.

On that point I do have to say that in recent months I have spent less time on certain platforms. Google+ has become user unfriendly in its new format and my focus for book promotions is across Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.. although I do post promotions on Google + during the week.

This brings me to Twitter pinned tweet which I have mentioned a number of times before.

If you are an author I am sure that you already have your profile photo, genres that you write and a link to your Amazon account and blog in your profile.. however 160 characters is not a great number to do you justice.  But you can use the Pinned Tweet to add more.

This can be used as an extension of your profile and gives you an additional 140 characters to promote either your latest book or a post that is key to your blog. Currently my pinned tweet is a link to the post I wrote about increasing reviews for our books.

Your pinned tweet is a fixed piece that anyone going into your profile is going to see and stays there as long as you are promoting that post or book.. You can also put a composite of all your books there with a universal link to your Amazon Account.

How to set up a pinned tweet.

If you have not used your Pinned Tweet facility before, it is very straightforward.  Compile your tweet offline first to make sure you use your 140 characters to their best advantage. Play around with it so that you insert & for and.. abbreviate if it makes sense and make room for an image and a link to buy or visit. Then transfer to your update box and when satisfied click TWEET.  Go to your Tweets folder and you will see this most recent tweet.

On the right hand side facing you is an down arrow. If you click this you will be offered options, one of which is to pin this tweet to your profile..click and it will tell you that it will replace any other pinned tweet, click okay and then it will offer you the chance to view.. click and you will see your new pinned tweet which will remain in prime position until you decide to change it.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sgc58

There will be those who say that building a following on a blog or social media does not sell books.. I am sorry but I do not agree.

With the millions of titles that are available, often within a particular genre, it is essential that you create a name for yourself. I am afraid that readers do not just stumble into our Amazon accounts by accident especially if you are a new author. They visit because they have seen you in action on social media or your blog.

This was just a couple of ways that you can make a name for yourself and your books. It may not happen overnight but you will be surprised what you can accomplish in six months to a year.

If you are not already in the Cafe and Bookstore you can find details and also look at the over 200 authors on the shelves at this link.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore/

Thank you for popping in.  Sally