Indie Author Series: Social Media - What Works

SOCIAL MEDIA ... the rabbit you can never seem to catch. Ever changing, monstrocity of time that lures us all in.

I love social media. You can find me on twitter, facebook and now Instagram. It can make you a star. Hey really, my son is addicted to making Vine videos for twitter and now has over 20K followers?! Way more than I do.

HOW TO GAIN FOLLOWERS

Interaction. My number of followers is a steady build. Truth is, yes it's helped me sell books, but I truly can't pin my finger no the how of it.

But I really pondered the difference between my number of followers (which I've been cultivating for years) and the number of followers my son has (which he's only been cultivating for about 6 months). The difference is - comedy and expression. My son's vines are funny, engaging, over the top, and still an expression of him. He gave his viewers and tweeters something that kept them coming back for more.

THE TIME SUCK

Oh this is the double edge sword to the Social Media inticement of a constant party going on. Problem is, most people always want to be there. And before you know it, you've spent 2 hours a day on twitter alone?! (Some self reflection here).

SECRET WEAPONS

Use the tools that allow you to plan out your tweets and interactions in advance. Also, use tools that allow you to spread the word from your blog post to twitter, facebook, goole + and more.

DON'T ALWAYS FOLLOW THE NEW FAD

Just because someone says this new platform is all the 'rage' doesn't mean it's worth your time pursuing it. Take your time, let that new hot place to party build up, then jump in the pool after you evaluate the following (1) Is my audience there? (2) Are my current friends hanging out there? (3) Will it add value to my current platform

So, HOW DO YOU SEE SOCIAL MEDIA WORKING FOR YOU?