by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28
“Just post something.” Once platform-building began to take more time than writing, this subtle mantra echoed in my subconscious. Of course, I wanted to post something worthwhile on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, LinkedIn, and more. But who has time to keep up with all of that when you’re writing a book and blogging every week? I was overwhelmed and desperate. I just wanted to post something.
Then last year, something happened. My focus shifted. Maybe it was because I had reached a certain milestone on my pages. Maybe it was because I was burnt out on everything a writer (and publisher) needs to do. I believe it was God’s solution to the stress. I shifted my focus from focusing on numbers to focusing on quality content. I cared more about creating encouraging posts than pushing the numbers higher. Relief flooded my heart, and social media posts became a joy again, not a stress.
Keeping Social Media a Joy
Connections and encouragement—that’s what posting on social media means for a writer. A post by Edie Melson reminded me that we use social media networks to build connections with people, not primarily to talk about ourselves. My own quiet time with God reminded me that just as I appreciate encouragement from God and His word at just the right time, others appreciate encouragement given at the right time, too. What content would they want to read? What content would help them the most? Social media posts became a joyful habit of life, not another “have to” of the writing journey.
So here are some ways to keep social media posting a delight rather than a burden. Consider including some of these ideas in your next posts, and see how your friends and followers respond to them.
1. Share a few devotional thoughts with the Bible verses you post.
This doesn’t have to be long—just two or three sentences. When you share a verse by itself or a meme with Scripture on it, also share what this verse means to you. This allows others to get to know you a little better. Pick verses that either preview or echo the topic you’re writing about in your blog posts and books.
2. Share the fun and the funny, as well as the serious.
I can’t count how many times on Facebook recently I’ve seen Bob Hostetler’s selfies taken with other people’s phones. Sometimes life just surprises you. You never know when a cute minion mug or a funny Cracker Barrel plaque may make someone smile. Include the light-hearted posts with the more serious ones to mix things up a bit.
3. Share encouraging posts by other writers.
Every Christian writer has the power on social media to bless at least two other people—a friend who needs to read what another writer wrote, and the person who wrote it. Reading our friends’ blogs takes time, but if we can build it into our daily devotional reading, we can be blessed by their stories and insights, and then in turn bless someone else by sharing what they’ve written. We don’t always have to share our own insights or talk about our own writing. We can spread around the encouragement by sharing others’ insights.
4. Share a question first and the blog link second.
I’ve seen DiAnn Mills do this, and wow. Did she get a great response or what! On her Facebook wall, she once shared a question about how to handle negative thoughts. The comments poured in, and she took the time to respond to each person. In the very first comment, DiAnn shared a link to a post on her blog that talked about how to overcome negative thinking. I love that method of engaging friends in a conversation first, and then sharing a related link in the comments section. (It helps us with Facebook’s algorithm, too.) Starting a dialogue with our social media connections gives us a chance to build relationships in addition to discussing spiritual matters.
What other ways have you made posting on social media a joy instead of a burden? We would love to hear your ideas and suggestions, so join the conversation!
TWEETABLES
You're so right Ms. Katy, and Ms. Edie, and Ms. DiAnn; it's about creating relationships with others who will want to hear about you, share with you a praise or a burden, and be there for you just as you are for them. My social media relationships/friendships are different than my church family for example, but every bit as important. Great post ma'am.
ReplyDeleteThank you, JD! I appreciate the friendships on social media that I have. I don't want those to be neglected with everything else a writer needs to do. They are encouraging, and thank you for being an encouraging friend.
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ReplyDeleteWonderful ideas, Katy. I resolved a few years into my writing and blogging journey not to post just for the sake of posting on social media. It's so easy to get caught up in the numbers and forget the people behind them. I like the idea of posting humorous things and asking questions. Two great ways I can mix things up. And, for me, I decided to keep Christ at the top of my stats. Then my focus seems laser sharp. Beth Moore made a statement in her Bible study, "Entrusted," that drove this point home for me. "Concern yourself with the depth of your ministry and let God worry about the breath."
ReplyDeleteJesus definitely is the reason why we're doing what we're doing! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this, and I appreciate knowing you on social media.
DeleteThanks for the great tips - they are an encouragement to me - someone new & overwhelmed by the social media aspect of writing. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you found it encouraging! May God bless you and help you to balance the different aspects of the writer's life.
DeleteThank you! I needed to hear this today. Platform building has me burned out with the numbers game, when I'd much rather focus on the quality content.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found it encouraging! Thank you.
DeleteI, too, needed to read this! I have marketed via social media in spurts - I'll do really well for a few weeks, then I get tired and skip posting on my blog for a day - or two, and then the guilt sets in. But you know what? Yesterday I got a call from a reader. An actual land-line telephone call from a lady who doesn't have a computer, doesn't do facebook, but she loved my book. Go figure! Good writing trumps social media! LOL!
ReplyDeleteHello, Regina, that's so encouraging. God can take our books and put them in the right hands. Hearts need to be encouraged online AND off-line! Thank you for sharing this.
DeleteVery nice, thank you for sharing - you've helped me as I've been rethinking my social media approach recently.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found the post helpful. Thanks for telling us!
DeleteLove these ideas! I'm always on the lookout to refresh my social media posts. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Glad these ideas may work for you. Thank you.
DeleteJoy? Hmmmmm. Gotta get a new perspective on how I view social media!
ReplyDeleteYour post certaining provides good suggestions for creating a brave new paradigm.Thanks!
Hello, Candi, I hope joy becomes a way of life as you connect with folks online. I needed to shift my perspective, and it has helped. Still trying to keep the main thing the main thing! Thank you, and take care!
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