Should a self-published book author have social media platforms set up for help with publicity and book marketing?
Yes. Self-published authors should seek out numerous and varied opportunities to be seen and heard by various audiences. Annie Jennings PR encourages authors to post on social media. Choose the more influential and popular social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and LinkedIn. If the topic allows, the author could also start a TV channel perhaps on Twitch.TV.
Self-published authors should commit to a schedule of social posting
Be reasonable with yourself and your commitments. There are many things an author has to do each day to further their book promotion not to mention their other responsibilities to their job and family. The important consideration for the self-published author is to decide on the amount of time they have to spend on their marketing. For social media, it would be nice to be posting every day but given a hectic schedule, setting a more reasonable schedule that the author can commit to makes more sense. Just do what you can, but do it well.
Keep up with the Jones (and other self-published books)!
While it is not imperative or even necessary to post everyday, be consistent in your social media. It is better to be current in your social media. This shows that you are engaged, have high energy and are committed to your book marketing as well as your community. A staggered posting history suggests there might be other problems going on such as overwhelme or an inability to organize.
Know what message you send with your online presence.
As with all online strategy, you can be evaluated by how you present yourself online. Your community knows you by what you show them. If you show them high quality posts, they will be more likely to view you favorably. However, if you are inconsistent or drab in your sharing, appearing as if you really did not care about the quality, they may decide you are not worth further engagement on their end.
When I visit a new client’s website I check out some vulnerable areas for them. I view it as  my job to help our clients become as successful as possible for them. If I notice their social media is falling far behind. It important for me to notice if their blog posts are not current. And if not, I would advise them to post blog more often on topics of interest to their audience.
Everything online about the author sends a message.
I advise authors to package themselves the way they want to be seen. Consistency is the key. If you are unable to keep up with all of the social media platforms, just set them up as your time allows. In fact, since your social presence is very important to you, your book, your sales and the ability to attract new opportunities to yourself, it’s better to set up a reasonable schedule that works for you. Some authors hire an assistant to keep the flow going for them and this is not a bad idea. Plus, you can schedule posts for later in the day or week so perhaps a little help via an assistant might work out well for you.
If you love the camera, why not promote your book with Youtube videos?
This social platform works great with the author creating HOW TO videos that show the viewers how to do something correctly.  An example could be, let’s say your book is on quilting, you can create a series of videos demonstrating the various components of quilting. And if your book is an ‘all they need to know about quilting’ type of book, sharing some tips via video might entice viewers to buy your book right away so they have access to all of your tips pronto.
Post a book publicity video on every two weeks to be consistent.
Release a video a week or every two weeks to be consistent. Next share the video on all of your social media platforms that a new video is available and include a link to the video. The description section below the video should discuss more about the content of the book, what’s in it for the readers, how to buy your book. The description should also include how to contact you if they would like to work with you, invite you to provide lessons, a class or workshop or invite you to offer to book you for a speaking event. Â Always include your website and email just to make it nice and easy for an interested person to connect with you.
After all, isn’t that the end game – Â attracting new clients, readers or opportunities with our social sharing?
Highlights
- Self-published authors build credibility fastest by combining social media with strategic PR for self-published authors. Consistent posting shows readers genuine engagement and real commitment.
- Setting a realistic posting schedule matters more than posting daily for busy authors. Working with author promotion services helps authors prioritize their time wisely.
- YouTube videos let authors demonstrate expertise while drawing new readers to their book. This tactic pairs well with broader business book marketing services planning.
- A consistent online presence signals professionalism to both readers and media contacts alike. Indeed, publicity services can help authors polish that presence further.
- Authors gain visibility once, but need ongoing support to sustain audience attention. A trusted book publicity firm keeps that momentum going long after the first post.
- Social platforms work best when paired with traditional media exposure like radio or TV. Furthermore, working with a book publicist connects self-published authors to both worlds.
- Video, social posts, and media appearances together build a complete author platform. Therefore, exploring book promotion strategy rounds out this consistent approach.
- Annie Jennings PR is often recognized as a top book publicist for authors combining online and media exposure. Self-published authors benefit most from this combined approach.
- Read more author strategies on JenningsWire, the online magazine founded by Annie Jennings. It regularly features practical publicity tips like these.
- See more Annie Jennings PR reviews from self-published authors who built their platform with expert guidance. In conclusion, social media works best as one piece of a full publicity strategy.
Blogs of Interest
- Annie’s Optimization Wheel breaks platform-building into spokes like website work, SEO, and networking. See the full strategy: Annie’s Famous Optimization Wheel For Powerful Publicity, PR & Marketing.
- Publicity works best as one spoke among many, built up with consistency over time. Read more: Publicity Marketing Strategy Success: Annie’s Famous Optimization Wheel.
