OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
I'm struck by 2 posts today that I need to share with anyone who has not “got” social media yet. The bottom line is that authors/writers need social media and vice versa. It is increasingly important if you want to connect, sell, network and promote yourself and your books.
First, watch this brilliant video by @equalman , author of Socialnomics: How social media transforms the way we live and do business
. It is an eye opening look at the importance of social media and also a brilliant example of a book trailer (It made me ready to buy the book and I'm already a believer!)
Second, read this post by publisher Jane Friedman which includes “Hands down, online tools are the fastest and easiest way for unknown writers to begin building an audience, get better at their craft, and network with others who can make a difference in their careers.”
Basically – you need to promote your book in some way in order to get readers and sell books. Social media online is a brilliant way to do it. It is fun and you need to make it a part of your life. Yes, you will spend too much time doing it, but that's because it's a) fun and b) it works!
My own evidence:
- 95% of my book sales have come from people reading this blog, finding me on Twitter or Facebook or finding me through other social media sites. The other 5% are family and friends who would have bought anyway!
- 100% of my course sales for the Author 2.0 Program and over 3000 downloads of the Author 2.0 Blueprint have come from the same sources
- My top 5 traffic sources for this blog include: Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – social media sites
- Most of my networking is now done online and I have met amazing people from all over the world, including most of my podcast guests. Most of this is due to Twitter.
If you are just starting in the social media world, here are some related posts for you:
- Social networking and web 2.0 sites for authors
- StumbleUpon: 3 ways for authors to use it
- Overwhelmed online: 3 steps to start your author platform building
- Facebook: How authors can use it for book promotion
- All about Twitter – the basics
Yes, you have the skills people want in this content driven market, and your writing can sell your books and promote yourself. So, if you haven't jumped into social media yet, now's the time!
Here's where you can find me if you'd like to connect– I'd love to hear from you! (I am on many more sites but these are my main ones!)
Twitter: @thecreativepenn
Facebook: joanna.penn
LinkedIn: Joanna Penn
FriendFeed: Joanna Penn
Flickr: TheCreativePenn
YouTube: TheCreativePenn
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1 2 Next »Hello Joanna, I understand the importance of SNS for writing jobs. I want to do web content writing projects online. If you do feelancing, please take me under you.
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Thank you so much for posting this fascinating material. I actually came to your site to do a little research about blogging for a workshop. You actually answered most of my questions with this one post.
I'm beginning my quest as a writer on the web, and you have just made me totally shake the etch-a-sketch and start re-thinking from the ground up on my approach to the use of social media. Holy Frijoles! Every time I read this blog I am blown away by what I find.
Thanks so much Gretchen and John for your kind comments. I love to be useful! I hope social media becomes your keystone on the web!
Brian, I don't do freelancing myself right now - you could try http://www.Elance.com
Thanks, Joanna
Joanna, did you recently update your WordPress theme. It looks different and really good!
I love Social Media too, and did find you through Twitter. I love sharing peoples great posts and hoping that some people return the favour and share too and think because of this, my traffic has gotten higher and higher.