I'm obsessed with social media. It doesn't matter if it's Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok – if I'm not writing or hanging with family, I'm scrolling feeds, posting content, replying to comments, and doling out likes and shares faster than a wink of an eye. I chugged the Kool-Aid years ago, so it shouldn't be surprising that I also use social media to grow my writing business.
Don't worry. I'm not suggesting that social media needs to take over your life. I refuse to let it take over mine, and it shouldn't be that way for you, either. But if you want to be a busy writer or editor, you must establish a consistent presence in whatever way works for you.
There is a litany of ways social media can benefit you and your writing business:
* Let people know you exist
* Share your work
* Establish your brand
* Connect with other writers
* Learn something
* Expand your client base
* Increase your visibility
* Connect with fans and find new ones
* Learn what your followers want
Have you started a writing business, or are you at least thinking about it? Our consulting and coaching services are geared toward writers because we've been in your shoes and want to see you succeed! Call Steve today at 469-360-3611 or send an email to steve@editthisllc.com.
How Do I Use Social Media To Grow My Writing Business Today and for Years To Come?
If you're ready to start using social media to grow your writing business, the last thing you want to do is go in without a plan. Real social media experts will tout high-level tips to improve your social media presence, such as paying attention to audience behavior, what's trending online, and strategically boosting posts. All of those and more are extremely important. But from one writer to another, start with these 6 social media tips:
Editor's Note: You can read an extended version of the tips below in Chapter 11 of my book, Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion for the Written Word. If you haven't grabbed a copy yet, you should!
1. Avoid putting your eggs in one basket.
I love Facebook. But if my friend only uses LinkedIn, how will I get him to see the blog posts I share or the videos I post if I dominate a different platform? The easy answer is I won’t. Extend your brand and unique messages to Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, and more to engage different audiences. Brand your pages the same (company logo, colors, etc.) so people know it’s your writing business.
2. Promote your social media accounts.
Make it easy for people to find you. Include links to all your social media platforms on your website and include clickable icons in your email signature. The more people who are aware of your presence, the better. You can start by connecting with friends and family and ask them to share your pages.
3. Ask for reviews.
Speaking of promoting your social media accounts, don't forget to ask for reviews. New visitors to your page are more likely to engage and do business with you if they can quickly see what people say about you and your services.
4. Post often.
What’s the point of having a social media presence if you only post once per month or not at all? I’m not sure a magic formula works for all social media platforms, especially for the average business owner like you and me, who likely doesn’t have time to post 15 times a day. Start with quality and consistency; I try to post on my platforms as much as possible and try my best to get the most out of each post.
5. Engage with your audience.
I felt like I was talking to myself when I started posting. Over time, I've gained a decent following and can see that through likes, shares, and comments. If someone comments on your post, even if it's, "I love this post," a simple "Thank you" or clicking "Like" will do the trick. If someone asks a question or sends you a private message, respond to them. Engagement, showing appreciation, and building a community keep the conversation going and help you develop authentic relationships with those who see you as an authority.
6. Vary your posts, and have fun.
You may be like me and post a link to your latest blog post on social media every week. However, vary your posts by incorporating videos, pictures, and other fun content to spark engagement and show your company’s personality.
Want More Writing Business Tips? Call Edit This!
I feel an incredible sense of responsibility to share with other writers and editors who are just starting out on their own what worked for me, what didn't, what I wish I did differently, and everything in between. This way, they can start their writing business faster and with more confidence than I ever had all those many years ago.
A writing consulting and coaching professional works collaboratively with a writer to help take their passion for writing from a hobby to a successful freelance writing career. We aren’t your editor, writer, ghostwriter, or second set of eyes, and we won’t take the steps toward small-business ownership for you. But we will coach you through getting that business started, including giving you practical advice, actionable step-by-step instructions, accountability and structure, and anything else we can do to help you overcome obstacles that may pop up.
Everything starts with a FREE 30-minute call. From there, you’ll have three 45-60-minute phone, Zoom, or in-person sessions per month, where we provide customized step-by-step instructions to keep you on track and turn your hobby into a successful writing business.
There are hundreds of ways to flex your creative writing muscles and build a successful freelance writing business. And we want to help.
Thank you for reading!
STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This®, a writing and editing services company in Denton, TX. He is also a consultant and coach and the author of Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion for the Written Word. Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.
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