Post on 19-Aug-2015
transcript
Networking Online: Twitter for Authors
Leigh-Anne Lawrence @writenowsocial #mafwi15
2015 Mid-Atlantic Fiction Writers Institute
Twitter by the Numbers
Current Stats
316 million monthly active users
1 billion total users
500 million tweets are sent each day
63% say that Twitter is a source of news for them
Legitimacy: Heads of state that have personal Twitter accounts = 67%
What Makes You “You?”
How would you describe yourself?
Funny or wise-cracking?
Serious or scholarly?
Sarcastic?
Playful and upbeat?
This is your tone.
What to Share: Things you love (books, movies, hobbies, etc.)
Writing articles, tips, and recommendations
Information about YOUR writing process (successes, trials, and tribulations)
Interesting articles on subjects you’re passionate about (remember to share those blog posts if you’re a blogger!)
Photos from vacations, workshops, conferences, and other events (like this one!)
Once You’re Established…
Offer sneak peeks of your writing
Hold contests for fans
Offer giveaways (bookmarks, signed copies, etc.)
Hold a Twitter Chat to answer fan questions
Tweet live from events
Never Ever… Rant. That makes you look unprofessional
and petty. (Watch that Soapbox!)
Get defensive or throw a public tantrum.
Feed the Trolls. (Don’t get in arguments with followers.)
Talk solely about yourself. That’s boring.
Ignore questions or requests.
Disappear for months at a time.
Forget that your Twitter account is your PUBLIC face.
Always… Be gracious.
Be kind.
Share content by others.
Thank people who mention you or share your content.
Be positive (as much as possible).
Let people see the REAL you.
Your Public Persona = Your Brand
Twitter Lingo + Etiquette
Words to Know:
Mention
Retweet
Favorite
Hash Tag
List
Things to Do:
Tag Other Users
Use .@
Participate in #FF
Hash Tag Protocol1. Try to use one hash tag in every post.2. Don’t use more than five.3. Look up your hash tags in advance.
Two Types:
Trending Emphasis
#writing
#Sorrynotsorry
Hash Tags to Know
Writing
#writing
#writetip
#amwriting
#amediting or #amrevising
#writegoal
#writerslife
Publishing
#mswl used by agents/editors looking for submissions
#askagent and #askeditor used to ask agents/editors questions
Crafting the Perfect Post
1. Your tweet needs to make sense.
2. Your tweet should include a hyperlink or an image.
3. Your tweet should include a hash tag.
Remember: Spelling and Grammar Count
How do you tweet every day?
Schedule your posts in advance
Track retweets and mentions
Track favorite hash tags or search terms
Use that Smartphone Twitter and Hootsuite apps are easy
to use
Love taking photos? Connect your Twitter account to Instagram and share photos on both platforms simultaneously
One Hour Every week Find new accounts to follow
Decide what you want to share (your own content and others)
Go out of your way to engage with other users
Real Life Examples via Jane Friedman:
Debbie Ohi posts a daily doodle on social media as part of her creative process
Jeanne Bowerman started a Sunday night Twitter #scriptchat to learn about scriptwriting, and ended up becoming an expert herself in the topic she set out to study.
Robert Brewer issues a poem a day challenge to get himself and his community producing poetry.
Final TAkeaways
Be yourself. Be real and authentic. Your voice is your brand.
Be professional and respectful of others.
Focus on the positive instead of the negative.
Think before you post. Once something is online, it lives forever.
Be gracious. Thank followers who mention you or compliment your work.
Final TakeAways Share content by others. Don’t just promote yourself.
Create community. Schedule time to browse sites, read things that capture your interest, comment, and participate in online conversations.
Be consistent. Post content on a weekly or daily basis.
Treat social media like email. Check your accounts every day and respond to fan questions in a timely manner.
Remember: Social media is about engagement. If you don’t engage, your fan base won’t grow.
ResourcesSocial Media
Jeff Bullas
Business 2 Community
Mashable
Social Times
Social Media Examiner
Social Media Today
Author Marketing + Branding
The Book Designer
CopyBlogger
Galley Cat
Jane Friedman
Where Writers Win
The Write Life
workshopGet the presentation online at: www.leighannelawrence.com
@writenowsocial #mafwi15