Tuesday, February 19, 2019
When was the last time you showered your social media accounts with a little TLC? If it’s been awhile, it’s time to give them some lovin’.
First, open all your accounts in separate tabs so you can streamline your TLC process. This will be easier if you use a regular computer and not a mobile device. Then review using the steps below.
- Is your author branding consistent across social media platforms?
When we talk author branding, we mean both the tangible and the intangible qualities that make you recognizable as “that." author.
Tangible qualities include consistent colors, fonts, profile photos, and taglines. You want to build awareness with your fans so they know it’s you when they see these, even if it is subconscious on their part.
Intangible qualities are those more subtle things that make you who you are as an author. Are you known to use dry humor in your writing? Do you uphold certain values at all times in what you write, such as a specific political view? Or are you a romance writer known for posting photos of hot dark-haired guys wearing cowboy hats?
Check to see that both your tangible and intangible qualities are consistent in all your social media.
- Is your profile pic current?
Oh yes, years later I’m still harping on this one. If your favorite photo of all time was from 11 years ago, get it printed and display it in your house. But delete it from your social media profiles and upload a recent good-quality author headshot. Show your fans some love and let them see who you are today.
And while we’re on the subject, unless your branding includes colorful parrots or, say, key lime pie, do not designate photos of these types of items as your profile pic. If they ARE part of your branding, find a way to include them in a high-quality photo of you where we can also see your face. Otherwise, we want to see you and only you!
- Are you posting to every account consistently?
As you look closely at your social media accounts, take note of how often you’re posting to each one. If you are highly inconsistent, or even mostly absent, on one or more, then do the loving thing and delete those accounts. Yes, get rid of them.
Successful authors focus intently on one or two social media platforms. They take the time to learn where their fans hang out, go there, and post and interact consistently. They take the time to learn how those specific platforms work best and they incorporate this into their social media strategy.
- Are you utilizing the latest update or functionality on each social media platform?
While reviewing your social media accounts side by side, do you notice you are posting the exact same post with the same wording and the same graphic size to each one?
Stop that. Immediately.
Every platform has its own personality, if you will, and what works on Twitter most emphatically does not work on Facebook and certainly not on Instagram. Twitter is short and sweet, Facebook is casual and fun, and Instagram is all about visual content. And to make things a little more complicated, each one has specific sizes for graphics.
If you’re confused about what works best for the platform your fans use, then I recommend an excellent online resource to teach yourself what you need to know: Social Media Examiner. Take the time on a weekly basis to read the latest on your social media platform of choice, and then use what you learn.
The month of love is a good time to apply a little TLC to your social media accounts and get fully updated. Streamlining your social media keeps you fresh and current and your fans love that.
Melody Jones is the Founder of Social Media Aspirin™ for Writers and Authors, an online community dedicated to helping writers and authors learn and use social media in a fun, educational, and supportive environment. Members get daily, weekly, and monthly learning opportunities hosted by a seasoned social media expert. Join at www.SocialMediaAspirin.com. Melody Jones is an Associate Member of AuthorYOU. Email her at Melody@SocialMediaMelody.com.
AuthorYOU is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Ongoing education programs delivered face-to-face and online, the weekly Book Publishing Tips ezine, webinars, member-only events, monthly live programs, and the mini one-day Extravaganzas are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Become a VIP AuthorYOU member at AuthorYOU.org.
Latest posts by Judith Briles (see all)
AuthorYOU is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Ongoing education programs delivered face-to-face and online, the weekly Book Publishing Tips ezine, webinars, member-only events, monthly live programs, and the mini one-day Extravaganzas are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Become a VIP AuthorYOU member at AuthorYOU.org.
Latest posts by Judith Briles (see all)
Coast to Coast Compounding (www.ctocrx.com) is located in Golden, CO and serves the greater Denver Metro area, Boulder and surrounding mountain communities. As a compounding pharmacy they provide customized compounded medications and carry a wide variety of vitamins and supplements. Their team of pharmacists regularly consults with patients and physicians to solve medical problems related to pain management, hormonal health and general well-being.