Social Media
Social Media Marketing will be important in reaching readers.
The main social media options are: facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and multiple others. The field changes as new social media options develop.
Decide who your audience is. Each social media network has general age demographic so people usually choose the one(s) that will best reach their target audience.
Social media management takes time but it is doable. In our resources section, you will find helpful free sites, and a product store.
Why is Social Media Important? Social media will be important to your platform because it helps to get your message out. Also, when you publish, a publisher will want to know if you have a social media presence and how many followers, likes, etc. you have. A writer or speaker with a large social media following has an immediate marketing source for a book campaign.
Helpful Info:
Huite Suite is a program that helps you manage your social media so it doesn't manage you. There are other similar programs. Publishers also look for a Klout score, which is a compilation of your social media standing.
Free Resources
Edie Melson, The Write Conversation
Edie Melson is not only an authority on social media, she is an expert in social media time management. Her site is free and contains a wealth of information. Edie also teaches at conferences and helps manage the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. Edie also does social media coaching for a fee. The Write Conversation is her free blog. I learned about social media from a seminar Edie taught. I know she is credible so I list her as an example and a resource.
The State of Social Media Demographics: 2017 Benchmarks (infographic) by Amanda Zantal-Wiener
Why Is Social Media Important, 7 Reasons You Can't Ignore, by Donne Torr for Huitesuite
5 Habits that will Improve Your Platform and Save You Time, Bethany Jett
The Top 10 Benefits of Social Media Marketing, Forbes
The ABC's of driving Traffic to Your Blog, by Andy Lee