Social Media. A Deliberate Endeavor.

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by Suzanne Kuhn

Social media. Just the mere term can stir fear in the heart of the edgiest thriller writer, causes the romance writer to pine for simpler days and has the mystery writer wondering if social media works. Social media doesn’t have to be a questionable proposition. With a little help and explanation, SuzyQ can restore your confidence, offering you hope that you can successfully and effectively reach readers through your social media.

Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde. You must be consistent when engaging through social media. As a writer, you have effectively shared your heart, your passion and your ministry at the deepest level with your readers through your books and even personal appearances. Your fan friends may already feel like they’ve gotten to know you. The person the reader met within the pages of your books needs to be the same person the reader meets online.

Memoir vs. Resume. The goal of your social media profile or bio is to intrigue readers or cause a potential reader to want to follow or like you. Ultimately, this follow or like is just the stepping stone to drive them to your website or blog. If you treat this profile as your resume, it can lack dimension, therefore having little to no impact on the virtual fan. This resume approach runs the risk of leaving the fan with no desire to get to know you better. Instead, allow you profile or bio to be more of a memoir that showcases your dimensions. You are not just a writer. You are mom, wife, chocoholic. Fill in your own blanks, making sure to pique the curiosity of your virtual followers or fans. Show them a unique side of your personality, make them smile, make them laugh out loud.

Shawn and Suzanne Twitter bio examples (for reference only):

SuzyQ’s bio: Lover of Jesus, Speaker, columnist, owner of SuzyQ. Very sweet, but not the snack cake.

MrSuzyQ’s bio: I am the trophy husband behind the woman. I love all things Disney. I really enjoy working with authors, especially those in the CBA market.

Share and share alike. Key elements to an effective social media campaign are getting noticed and remaining relevant. Social media is not about your books (yes, I did just say that), but about YOU, the author. The more interesting your virtual followers and friends find you, the more likely they will be compelled to find your books. Share interesting thoughts, quotes, insights, questions, recipes, photos, links and YouTube videos … just to name a few. All content does not have to be original to you, but it does need to be relevant to your audience. Be yourself, but be cautious of over sharing or being negative. Feel free to share your readers’ thoughts or comments about you, in moderation. Sharing what others are saying about your books is one of the most natural ways for you to promote your books without coming on too strong or feeling like a hard sell. By sharing thoughts someone else has written about you, you are not talking about yourself, but simply sharing what someone else has said.

Social media doesn’t need to be a daunting task. But it does need to be a deliberate endeavor.

Suzy Q 2013
Suzanne Kuhn has more than 20 years of book retailing experience and event sales, including traveling as part of Karen Kingsbury’s team. In 2010 Suzanne launched SuzyQ, a full-service author promotion and retail development firm that works with authors, publishers and retailers, helping to coordinate events, train staff and authors in reader engagement, and develop promotions for increased sales and reader/customer loyalty. Suzanne’s experience and knowledge in the book retailing venue gives her an edge when consulting with retailers for niche and business plan development, facilitating book tours, and ensuring more successful and profitable events. Suzanne truly believes in the power of Christian literature to impact and change lives. Connect with Suzanne:
www.SuzyQ4U.com, on Facebook: SuzyQ4You or Twitter: @SuzyQn

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