Let's Talk Writing

Chapter 4

Platforms

By platforms I mean social media. There are other platforms like literary magazines, blogs, and websites that you can showcase your work on, and gain followers and readers. But let's talk about social media for now.

In today's day and age, it is all about Instagram and Twitter, you can still build steady followings on Facebook but let's be honest. You see an ad on Facebook you read it for three seconds and you scroll past. 

You either got on to laugh or to awe in jealousy or actual awe at babies and new pets and whatnot. You don't get on Facebook to see the latest trending Amazon book. Unless you do...which then, how? But I digress.

Instagram is one of the main platforms you should be building your following on. I have just recently published my first novel and I am using my website, Instagram, and newsletter all as a catalyst to create return viewers who convert to readers, and readers who can convert to friends.

It's a long road of building, so I propose you start now. Start sharing stuff about you. Where you are in your journey. Small bits of your writing, like prompts or challenges. Showcase getting your first proof copy or buying the domain for your website. 

The more heartfelt and personal your content, the more viewers are likely to come back for you and support your work. Now I could be using my own advice, yes. But also, it takes time, and it is a lot of work. But if you are passionate about this, then don't let that deter you from making this work.

Instagram allows you to show videos and photos. Take advantage of their highlights feature, as well as their promotions and use of hashtags. Hashtags even though people say don't help as much blah blah, they really do. That's why they're there. To bring liked minded people searching for a certain kind of content to you.

I would say play around with each platform and stick with what makes you the most comfortable. You like to see little quotes and memes and have a quick turn around on engagement. You should do twitter. 

You like to see aesthetic content, to follow your favorite authors, and get promoted by bookstagramers? You should be on Instagram. Either way, it's about what your comfortable being on, what you prefer, how you can utilize it to grow, and being consistent.

No matter what you're going to do. Each platform will give you a little bit of something to help you grow. And if you can juggle it...heck use multiple platforms.