Fix Your Social Media Engagement: Top Mistakes Authors Make and How to Avoid Them
Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like your social media posts are echoing into a void. You’re showing up, you’re posting, but where is the engagement? It’s barely there, and it can be incredibly frustrating. What’s going on, and how can you fix it? Mandie Stevens from Finding Your Indie is here to help! This post will break down why your social media might not be working and give you actionable steps to turn things around for better engagement.
Grab your notebook, because things are about to change!
Why Your Social Media Isn’t Working: Are You Making These Mistakes?
Let’s dive into the biggest reasons why your author social media might be falling flat.
Mistake #1: Non-Stop Book Promotion
Social media is about connection, not just sales. If all of your posts are “buy my book” with links, readers will tune you out. It’s like that one friend who only talks about themselves. Facebook’s algorithm also recognizes this and won’t show your posts to as many people.
Mix up your content. Instead of only promoting your book, share content that will get readers interested in you.
Mistake #2: Zero Audience Engagement
Are you responding to comments? Are you asking questions? Are you supporting your fellow authors? Social media is a two-way conversation. It’s not a billboard where you just post and leave.
Think of social media as a party. You can’t just walk in, yell “Buy my book!” and expect people to like you. You need to mingle, chat, and get to know people.
Mistake #3: A Missing Content Strategy
Are you posting randomly without a plan? It’s hard to build momentum that way. You need a clear social media strategy with a mix of content:
- Engagement posts: Things that spark conversations.
- Value-based content: Tips, insights, or helpful information.
- Promotional posts: Yes, you can promote your book, but don’t overdo it!
Check out Finding Your Indie’s “Social Media Corner” videos for more content ideas.
Mistake #4: Spreading Yourself Too Thin
You don’t need to be everywhere! Trying to manage too many platforms leads to burnout. Focus on one or two platforms where you’re comfortable and where your readers actually hang out.
Trying to do everything also takes away from your writing time. It’s better to do one or two platforms well than to do five platforms poorly.
Here are some of the top social media platforms for authors:
- Facebook: Great for community building and sharing longer content.
- Instagram: Ideal for visual content and connecting with readers through stories and posts.
- TikTok: Perfect for short, engaging videos that showcase your personality and books.
- X: Use for quick updates, discussions, and connecting with other writers and readers.
Mistake #5: Losing Your Authentic Voice
Readers, especially indie book readers, want a genuine connection. Don’t sound robotic, generic, or inconsistent. It’s harder for readers to connect with you if you don’t sound like yourself.
If you hire someone to manage your social media, make sure they capture your voice. Otherwise, it’s better to do it yourself.
Revamp Your Social Media: Turning Crickets into Conversations
Now that we’ve identified the problems, let’s get to the solutions. Building a successful social media presence takes time and consistent effort.
Tip #1: Content Balancing Act: The 80/20 Rule
Use the 80/20 rule:
- 80% of your posts should be engagement-driven or provide value.
- 20% of your posts can be promotional.
Here are some examples of engagement-driven content:
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses into your writing life.
- Value-added content, like writing tips or book recommendations.
- Questions for your audience.
- Fun polls (“This or That”).
- Pictures of your dog or what you’re cooking.
Focus on building relationships, not just selling books.
Tip #2: Choose Your Social Media Battleground
Again, you don’t need to be everywhere. Choose the platforms you enjoy using and where your readers are.
Here are some content ideas for different platforms:
- Facebook or a blog: Great for longer content and in-depth posts.
- TikTok or Instagram: Perfect for short, fun videos.
- X: Use to discuss questions and share quick updates.
- Facebook Groups: Join relevant communities and engage with readers.
Tip #3: Engage, Engage, Engage (Don’t Just Broadcast!)
Engagement is more important than simply posting. Instead of just posting and walking away, spend 10 minutes responding to comments and engaging with other people’s content. Join relevant conversations and book communities.
Tip #4: Consistency is Key (But Don’t Burn Out!)
Consistent posting is important for building momentum. You don’t need to post every day, but aim for a regular schedule.
Post three to four times a week with a mix of engagement, value, and promotional content. Add a couple of stories too.
Use scheduling tools like Later or Facebook Business Suite (it’s free!) to plan your posts in advance.
Tip #5: Call to Actions (CTAs): From Casual Reader to Loyal Fan
Use calls to action in your posts. A call to action is a prompt that encourages readers to do something.
Here are some examples:
- “Drop your favorite book trope in the comments.”
- “Tag a friend who would love this book.”
- “Sign up for my newsletter for a free story.”
CTAs encourage interaction and help turn casual readers into loyal fans.
Bonus: Need More Help?
Consider “Boss Mode for Authors” a quarterly program designed to help you schedule out your social media for the entire quarter. Authors who use Boss Mode find it easier to manage their social media and have more time to write.
Conclusion
It’s time to put these tips into action and revamp your social media! Remember that building a strong social media presence takes time, but with consistent effort and the right approach, you can turn those crickets into conversations.
If you found this post helpful, like and subscribe to Finding Your Indie for more book marketing tips. Let us know in the comments which social media platform you struggle with the most. Thanks for reading!
