Ask Jerry
social media
Asked by Lynne Curry on November 6, 2020
How do I grow my twitter following and better use Goodreads? Can the Guild help me increase my twitter audience? Are there strategies you recommend for better utilizing Goodreads? Are there articles you recommend for either topic?
Jerry's Answer
Lynne, I would concentrate 90% of your writing time to writing and the rest to platform building. The key to social media is frequency and reliability. People should learn to expect posts from you at regular intervals, and they should always be reader-oriented. You visibility will arise from and be enhanced by them, but that should not be the point. The point should be reader takeaway so they're motivated to return.
Ask questions. What's their favorite book, favorite fictional character, favorite movie, etc. I often ask for six-word stories based on an interesting photo, and I get hundreds of responses.
Offer giveaways, like a download of hints on something or another. Mine are always writing related, but they don't have to be. They can consist of anything that might benefit someone.