7 Social Media Secrets of the Savvy

1) Make sure what you write benefits others.

Stacey Zink, historical romance writer, says, "I try to ask myself, 'Is this something that is going to encourage someone or be of some type of benefit before I post it.'"

Stacey adds, "I love to encourage people, so if I have a chance to encourage a fellow writer on Facebook or Pinterest, then I will take it."


2) Promote other authors.

From Stacey Zink: "I will gladly share their links or promote their free books, because I know it can make a difference in their lives and it only takes me a moment to click a button. On Facebook, we have a chance to be a blessing to someone every day."

Roseanna White, author of several novels including Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, states:
I "share when others' books are free or on sale, if its a book my readers will connect with."

Lindsay Harrel, women's fiction writer shares these thoughts on promotion:

"I like to link to other people's articles that really struck me. Or tag other people. Or give them props. It's such an easy way to give encouragement and brag publicly about someone else, and I love it for that."


3) View Facebook as a ministry.


Stacey Zink writes: "I suppose I look at facebook as a ministry, even if not in the traditional sense. I may not preach from the Word of God every day, but I hope that my posts reflect the love and grace of God."



4) Be real.

Carrie Fancett Pagels shared the following: "I was a psychologist for 25 years and I don't want to be straight-jacketed when I am making comments on Facebook. If I want to use exclamation points I will whether they are considered professional or not!!!! (See my point!) And psychologists are told to STAY off of Facebook. I use caps a lot but am not yelling. Maybe people think that I am. I have arthritis and my fingers hurt more to try to bold something but on Facebook I don't know even how to do that, LOL! Anyway be genuine, be yourself."

(And Carrie well illustrates another important point. Don't take yourself too seriously.)


"My whole goal with my posts is to remind my friends that I'm a writer and my readers that I'm a real person," says Roseanna White.


5) Keep a good mix of posts.


Alleymate Pepper Basham keeps the following criteria in mind: "When I put something I want it to be three possible things: 1) a good hook--oooh, that's an interesting thought. 2) funny--ah, that brightened my day. 3) (RARE) deep, thoughtful, and short.


Roseanna White also states she likes to have a good variety of posts.

"Usually about once a day or so I'll post something personal, but clever. Often it's the hilarity that my small children speak, or a silly thing I noticed. Why? Because people love to laugh, and kid witticisms tend to stick with them. And then I'll sprinkle in updates on my writing. If I've just reached a big milestone, I'll share that, because people love to celebrate with others."


6) Stay interactive.


Roseanna writes about her most frequent posts: "But more often I try to post something that's interactive--asking for help on naming a character, a book, thoughts on a plot devise, or something fun I encounter in my research that invites reaction, like "I just discovered this but am choosing to ignore it--shh, don't tell!"


Lindsay Harrel writes: "Essentially, Facebook is a way to get to know others better, and as an author, you are NOT just all about your writing."

7) Don't forget the MAIN thing.

In closing I would like to cite two Scripture verses that Stacey Zink mentioned that I think are fantastic thought for writers to keep in mind.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.

In two weeks, I will be sharing more social media strategies from Kristy Wedge Cambron and others.

What are your secrets to writing quality Facebook posts?

Julia enjoys writing women's fiction whenever she can find a chair free of smushed peanut butter sandwiches and lego blocks. She is a wife and homeschooling mama of two littles. She also is a reviewer for Library Journal, Title Trakk and Christian Library Journal.