Using Social Media for Your Book in 2020

Using social media for your book or business helps you boost website traffic, reach a wider audience, and provides an opportunity for potential readers to learn about you and your book.

Some statistics from Hubspot’s 2020 marketing report.

Facebook: As of Q1 2020, there are 2.6 billion monthly active Facebook users. (Statista, 2020)

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the second-most popular social media platform used by B2B marketers, ranking only behind Facebook. (Statista, 2019)

Instagram: Instagram is the social channel with the second-highest ROI among marketers. (HubSpot, 2020)

Twitter: The largest U.S. Twitter audience by age group, as of September 2018, is tied between 25-34 and 55-64 year-olds. (Statista, 2019)

Pinterest: During a survey, 25% of responding social media marketers at B2B companies stated they used Pinterest to market their businesses. (Statista, 2019)

Actively using social media helps you build relationships with your readers. So, instead of viewing it primarily as a way to pitch your book, think of it as a way to connect with people. Answer questions, inform your audience with relevant content, engage authentically. You will even start building connections with influencers who may even become your promoters.

Take the time to develop your brand so all your social media platforms have a consistent look and feel. Start with just one platform and focus on developing a strategy for that platform where you not only build a following, you really connect and engage with your followers.

Best Practices When You Are Interviewed

Another in a series of interview tips for authors.

  • Write up bullet points of your interview. Your interviewer may post these as part of the event description.
  • When you answer questions in your interview, remember to speak in bullet points. Don’t be wordy. Concise, clear answers act as sound bites that will be easy for listeners to remember.
  • Don’t worry if you say something not quite right. Simply correct yourself and continue. Most listeners won’t even notice. If they do, they’ll quickly forget when they realize how smoothly you handle it.
  • The same principle applies if the interviewer makes a mistake. Don’t try to correct them. Just respond with, “Actually . . .” and go on to state the facts.
  • Don’t be afraid of statistics, but use them sparingly. Keep them simple.
  • Use stories to make your ideas come alive for your listeners.
  • Tie your responses in to current events, trends, and news. Connecting with what’s already on the listener’s mind makes your message current as well.

The Series

January: Interview Tips for Nonfiction Authors
February: Are You Prepared for Your Interview?
March: What is Your Interview Message?
April: Practice Your Interview
May: Your Interview Environment
Your Interview Voice
July: Dos and Don’ts in an Interview
August: Best Practices When You Are Interviewed
September: Handling Negative Comments in an Interview
October: Wrapping Up Your Interview
November: Review After Your Interview
December: Enjoy Your Interview