Comments on: Which Social Media Platforms Should Writers Use?

By: Lorna Sixsmith

Lorna Sixsmith — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 18:10:00 +0000

Some authors’ tweets can be very hard sales though, Denise, I can understand why Sally is turned away by them.
The key to writing blog posts about products, for example, is to write about the benefits for the customer rather than making it all about the product itself. If you have your target customer in mind, it’s much easier. For example, one of your knitted scarves may have benefits of being warm, stylish, colourful and perfect for anyone who is allergic to wool as it is created from bamboo cotton etc so writing a post where you describe the scarf as such, perfect for an autumnal or winter walk, will put me in the mood for buying more so than a list of features. Then the call to action at the end with the handy link for where I can buy might work or at least, if I don’t buy then, it will stick in my mind. I hope that makes sense

By: Denise

Denise — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 17:59:00 +0000

Such an in depth article. If there is one thing I have learned so far, there is no ‘one’ magic formula for anyone. Although I have no intention to write a book (well not yet anyways…small steps) , I am very interested in how writting blog articles & copy for social media can link to selling products. Its interesting what Sally said about never buying a product from a sales pitch, Sally buys when she has made a connection with the author. So how does one write a blog/copy with a view to selling without loosing members of your community/tribe. Very difficult to strike a balance.

By: Lorna Sixsmith

Lorna Sixsmith — Fri, 29 May 2015 11:11:00 +0000

Thanks Clare, agreed, it’s a great place to hobnob with authors and get your brand out there.
Barcode – that was the word I was looking for last night when replying to Sally!

By: Lorna Sixsmith

Lorna Sixsmith — Fri, 29 May 2015 11:08:00 +0000

Having a smartphone changed my life!
I use twitter etc much more on it than on the tablet- some people use the tablet a lot more.

By: Clare O'Beara

Clare O'Beara — Fri, 29 May 2015 07:18:00 +0000

Great article Lorna!
I like to use Goodreads to connect with my readers. This is a great place to make friends with other authors too, since the site is only about books.
QR code stands for Quick Response code; it is another form of barcode.

By: Sally

Sally — Thu, 28 May 2015 20:01:00 +0000

Ah, I had a feeling that is what a QR code is, but I’m a bit of a Luddite when it comes to phones. I keep thinking a smartphone would be a good move, but I’m not sure I can justify the extra expense, so Luddite I will probably remain!

By: Lorna Sixsmith

Lorna Sixsmith — Thu, 28 May 2015 19:26:00 +0000

Thanks Sally, I’m amused to hear you cross books off your TBR list if their tweets irk you – certainly a lesson there for authors. I agree re commenting on blogs too – I’ve often found new blogs and new books that way too.
Yes, there’s quite a few difference between Pinterest and Instagram, in terms of advantages, how to use it and the results, will be covering more on the course too.
A QR code is a number of tiny black and white squares within a square, usually about one inch by one inch in size and it can be read by a QR reader on a smartphone, it then brings the user to the relevant landing page on a website. Therefore each QR code is slightly different.

By: Sally

Sally — Thu, 28 May 2015 19:03:00 +0000

This is a great introductory article, Lorna. I was wondering why someone would use Pinterest and Instagram or choose one over the other – so thanks for clearing that up! I have often interacted with an author on social media (usually Twitter or their blog) and, having liked what they say, bought their book. I have never bought a book from a sales pitch – and have even crossed ones off my TBR list when someone has gone overboard on the selling.

What I like to see is the author’s personality come through – so if I like them, I give their book a go to see if I like it. Having said that, if they post too much about their baby or getting drunk or squashing bugs, then I cross them off the list and move on. It’s a fine line, isn’t it? Let your personality shine through … but maybe not too much in case the reader doesn’t like it! But maybe it’s a case of losing a few and gaining a lot. This is possibly where someone with a niche market has the upper hand as your audience is more targeted.

I have also found books and writers through seeing them comment on other people’s blogs – so I’d say they also need to have good interaction on their chosen social media platforms.

I think your course is going to be great for authors who are still finding their feet with social media … and there are a few “old hands” I could suggest do a bit of a refresher!

PS What does QR code mean?