In this post about planning your social media strategy for non-fiction authors, we’ll look at how you can build your author platform using social media.
As a non-fiction author, your book is the cornerstone of your expertise and a powerful tool for growing your business. Just like the meticulous planning that goes into your book, your social media strategy should be equally thought-out. And the best bit? Much of what you need to plan your social media strategy parallels the skills needed to plan your social media, so let’s explore how this works and how they can collectively amplify your authority and business growth.
Strategic Outlining, Strategic Posting
Crafting a non-fiction book requires a structured outline that clearly presents your expertise and insights. Similarly, your social media content should be methodically planned to reflect your professional knowledge and business goals. Each post should reinforce your position as an authority in your field. As you outline your book, think of how you could use the content within one chapter to create social media content for a month, using those themes, stories and activities to develop content and showcase what you do.
Engaging Your Target Audience
In non-fiction writing, you address specific problems or needs of your readers. Apply this approach to your social media content by creating posts that solve problems, answer questions, and provide valuable information to your target audience. This not only engages but also builds trust with potential clients or customers.
This is the whole premise of the book: They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan. If you haven’t read this book, then I highly recommend it.
As you write your book, see how people respond to your content. Involve them in the process. Ask for help choosing the book title and the book cover, and use your audience as astounding board for what would appeal to them once your book is published.
Establishing Credibility
Your book’s content establishes your credibility. Mirror this on social media by sharing snippets of your expertise, insights from your book, and industry knowledge. This consistent demonstration of expertise helps in building a professional brand online. Remember, before people will buy from you, they need to know you, like you and trust you.
Networking and Collaboration
Social media opens opportunities for networking, much like a book launch or industry conferences. Use your platforms to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential clients. Share and engage with their content to build a community around your brand. Set yourself a daily goal to post something each day, to comment on other people’s posts and to connect with a specific number of people. This simple strategy will help grow not only your network but also your authority.
In addition, join groups and networks that will go on to help you raise awareness of your book and be a source of beta readers and advance copy readers.
Driving Business Growth
Every post can act as a lead magnet, directing followers to your business offerings, be it consulting services, speaking engagements, or workshops. Highlight how your book and services can provide solutions, much like you do in your book. Use a range of content to appeal to your audience and then track the results. Does your audience respond to images, text or video? Do they prefer the fly-on-the-wall stuff or your advice and teachings? Use your social media content to drive people to your website and email list so that you can nurture the relationships you’re building.
Benefits of Growing Your Audience Online
- Authority Building: Regular, insightful posts establish you as a thought leader in your field. Very few people post consistently, so being one of the few will set you apart from your competition.
- Market Expansion: Social media extends your reach, connecting you with a broader audience that can benefit from your expertise.
- Client Engagement: It provides a platform for direct interaction with potential clients, enhancing relationships and trust.
- Boosting Visibility: An active social media presence increases visibility, driving more traffic to your business and book.
- Feedback and Adaptation: Immediate feedback on social media allows you to adapt your content and offerings to meet your audience’s needs more effectively.
Finally
When someone talks about you developing a social media strategy, it can feel overwhelming, but as an author, you already have the skills to do this. The skills you used to outline and plan your book can be used to develop your strategy, and the content you write can be used to build your authority.
Each element of your social media presence should reflect the expertise and professionalism showcased in your book. This alignment not only strengthens your brand but also opens up numerous avenues for business growth and audience engagement.