When my publishing company Write One Publications, Inc. joined Twitter, I was actively exploring tips for book marketing on Twitter that would help me to stand out from the crowd.

Twitter has an overwhelming yet intriguing vibe, but I wasn’t sure if book marketing on Twitter could be effective.

At times it feels like you’ve walked into a room full of chatty people. After a few seconds you interrupt with your own random conversation. Your followers then break from their conversations to join your conversation and the conversations of others. And on and on it goes…lol.

Now I’ll be the first to admit that Twitter isn’t for everybody. I’ve been using if for quite some time and I still go back and forth on whether it’s for me. But what gets me coming back every time is the fact that there are tons of readers at my fingertips waiting to discover my book. So if you’re currently using or thinking of using Twitter, here’s how you can make the most of it as a writer!

First, determine your value. What can you provide that other writers within your genre aren’t? Even if you can’t think of anything at this moment, know that your voice as a writer can provide something that no other writer can. Are you quirky? A button pusher? Cynical?

Or do you have knowledge of something that you’d like to share? Tips? Tricks? Or shortcuts?

Use these things to your advantage!

Now that you know your value, use that value to attract an engaged group of followers. These followers will become known as your target audience.

Why is a target audience important? Being in front of your target audience gives you a group of avid readers who will have daily exposure to your books and events, and whatever else you choose to share.

Ready to get started?

I’ve compiled a list of three tips for book marketing on Twitter that writers can apply today to improve their presence and find their target market. These tips for book marketing on Twitter if tweaked can be used on any social media platform.

3 Tips For Book Marketing On Twitter

 

(1) Listen and engage in the conversation – Use #hashtags to listen to what writers and readers are discussing on Twitter. Don’t be afraid to engage in the conversation or provide value to someone looking for tips and advice on a particular subject. Engaging helps you attract new followers, and increases traffic to your blog or website.

(2) Network – Make a good first impression. Welcome your new followers and take a few minutes, if possible, to view their Twitter profile. Follow an array of people that will be useful to you. I follow writers, publishing companies, editors, social media gurus, wine bloggers, moms, entrepreneurs and I could go on and on.  When I sign into Twitter in the morning, my timeline is sprinkled with useful articles, links to blog posts, and inspirational quotes. This gives me exposure to a range of topics throughout my day that is useful for blogging and listening to the trend of both my target audience and the publishing industry.

In turn I provide value to the timeline of others through my blog posts, writing tips, events, useful links, etc.

Remember, Twitter or any other social media site is not about “numbers” only. While a slew of followers are important for the “big picture,” followers who are engaged are way more significant!

Build a network! And when possible network beyond what Twitter provides.

(3) Use your time wisely – Let’s face it social media can be a time sink and can really draw you away from what you should be doing and that’s writing. If you’re good at multi-tasking, jumping on and off Twitter throughout the day won’t seem like too much of a disruption. If it seems like a distraction, determine what time(s) of the day your audience is signed on. I usually sign in three times a day (morning, noon, and early evening).

From my experience, I find that writers are on first thing in the morning. Midday and evening seems to attract users signing in from their desks or just returning home from work.

Knowing this allows me the ability to divvy my time between social media, writing, blogging and the other responsibilities of my company.

It’s also important to note that you may find it valuable to log on more than once a day. Depending on the number of followers a user has, they may or may not see your tweets. On the days that you choose to join in on the conversation, logging on twice a day may better your chances of your tweets being seen!

Note: These tips for book marketing on Twitter can be applied to any social media site.

Above all, have fun! Some of my best laughs come from my Twitter timeline, and it’s also where I gain knowledge on an array of topics. That sounds like a win win situation to me! What are your tips for book marketing on Twitter? Please share in the comment section below.

NEXT: Book Promotion – 3 Tips For Writers Using Social Media