Hello, marketeers! If you’re new here, welcome! This is my place for sharing interesting findings and industry tips as a freelance publicist, digital marketer, content developer, social media manager and whatever other fancy words are used for all the things ‘children’s creator and book promoter’.
I’m doing this post a little early because today I’ve been thinking (amazing, I know!) about social media in particular. It’s about the love-hate relationship we have with it. Do you feel that, too? It’s this absolutely essential piece of the marketing puzzle we, as creatives, have to have. The connection made with people all over the world is priceless. The ability to spread your message and who, and what you stand for is astounding. But …
Social media gifts us highs and punishes us with lows, or ‘woes’ as I’ve referred to it in the title.
Sometimes, it feels like we are spending a lot of energy on scrupulous, tiresome work for the sake of ‘being present’, only to be met with disappointment when the result is far from our expectations. Sometimes, social media is just a time-zapping, brain-drain! And sometimes, we feel up against those uncharitable algorithm monsters that want your blood, sweat, tears and $$$ (not to mention, arms, legs and first-borns) just to get noticed. *
*Slight exaggerations here. There are methods to the algorithm madness.
Here’s the key: Don’t be discouraged. Numbers aren’t everything. There are, most likely, more people you’re reaching than you realise, and how you like to connect is what’s most important.
A good idea is to follow (not stalk!) and engage with other creatives and those you admire. What kind of content are they producing? What’s their engagement like?
Ideas are inspired by our experiences and interactions are where connections are made.
(Do have the secret social media sauce? Feel free to share!)
Now, here’s the ‘challenge’ part of this post:
Planning and scheduling your content can really help to feel in control of the time and energy you’re using on social media. If you’re looking for quick, inventive but repeatable strategies, there are some things you could try, test and analyse that might help to change the way you present your content in the future. Wanna do this challenge with me?
I’m calling it: The ONE Idea THREE Ways challenge.
(#oneideathreeways #substackchallenge)
I challenge you to post THREE different types of content using ONE idea on your chosen platform (I’d suggest Facebook or Instagram).
That is:
ONE plain text post - text with/without colour background
ONE image and short text - photo or illustration
ONE video reel - keep it seriously short!
Ideas (choose ONE for all three posts):
A book review.
A recent or upcoming bookish event or outing.
Feedback from a fan.
A snippet of your publication journey.
A writing, illustrating or marketing tip.
Your own brilliant idea.
Tips:
Make each post slightly different and KISS (Keep It Short & Simple)!
Leave the reader with something to think about or answer.
Use a catchy title or emotive language - alliteration, play on words, humorous, heartfelt, etc.
Try to put a face or other attractive imagery in your post!
There are no hard and fast rules to this challenge!
Remember (this is important!):
After 24 hours, note the engagement for each post in terms of ‘views’, ‘reactions’, ‘comments’, and ‘shares’. How do they compare? Which one/s will you / won’t you try again?
These results are not definitive, there are plenty of variables at play.
MOST IMPORTANT: Please tag me! I’d love to play along. Tag @booksontouraus on Facebook and @booksontour_aus on Instagram, then use the hashtags #oneideathreeways #substackchallenge.
If we want this go VIRAL, tag a friend to join the fun! ;)
AND finally, have a well-earned break from social media!
That’s it! Good luck! Look forward to ‘engaging’ with your posts! :)
#thanksfortouringwithus
Romi x