This week I'm writing about how self-published authors can use popular social media networks to promote your books, and today I want to focus on Twitter, the social network that hit the web by storm in 2008. I've always enjoyed Twitter because of the mini-challenge of fitting whatever I want to say into 140 characters, and I've also found that it's an amazing way to connect with people who otherwise would be out of reach.
I'm going to share some advanced tips for how authors can use Twitter in a clever and effective way to generate buzz, get readers, or any other goal around your book. (If you're not familiar with Twitter, I would recommend starting here and here.)
1. Bloggers: It's hard to get publicity for a new book, and especially a self-published book. Contacting bloggers with cold e-mails to pitch your book can be a tough slog filled with a lot of e-mails you don't get responses to. But bloggers hang out on Twitter, and it's a great way to contact bloggers while circumventing the e-mail inbox. An @message on Twitter really stands out, and you have a better chance of getting a response there (from the same person) than you do from a cold e-mail.
2. Direct Messages: With Twitter, you can send a private Direct Message when you and another person are both following each other. This is a great way to connect with people who are your fans, current readers, etc. I've seen authors use DMs to send thank you messages, alert readers to an upcoming promotion, or just to ask for a favor.
3. Schedule + Spontaneous: I use SocialOomph to schedule tweets for authors, the kind of tweets that are just straight promotions for books or reading gigs (though cleverly worded, of course). Those scheduled tweets will go out regardless and be the foundation of an active Twitter account. But they won't be timely or have that personal touch. An author can let the scheduling do the foundational marketing work on a schedule, then add the personal and spontaneous moments, thoughts and links for flavor.
*Note: Twitter is also expanding and customizing their advertising options, if you're feeling adventurous.
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