What Does a Writer Post on Facebook

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Congratulations, writer! You’ve successfully launched a Facebook personal profile or group page. But followers aren’t jumping on to encourage you or praise your writing. Day after day, we see no growth or comments. What’s the problem? Perhaps the dilemma is rooted in what the writer is or isn’t posting.

4 Keys to Successful Facebook Posts

• Content is about our readers.
• Facebook algorithms favor lots of interaction.
• Photos and videos attract the readers’ eyes.
• Open-ended questions enlist comments from others.

Content is King

Posting every day on Facebook can be a challenge, especially when best practices dictate our content should be in support of readers. The task is easy and fun if we develop a supply of general interest ideas and topics. Where do we find those gems? 

Search online:

• Conversation starters for kids.
• Conversation starters for teens.
• Conversation starters for friends. 

Keep a file of topics and online links when your reservoir of ideas runs dry.

• Journaling prompts
• Seasonal inspiration
• Prayer requests
• Praise requests
• Recipes
• Ask for character or pet names for your next book and reward the person by mentioning them in the acknowledgments.
• Fun questions such as: 
• You’re invited to a picnic. What are 3 things you’ll bring that begin with the first letter of your name?
• We are on our way to Mars. What did you forget that begins with the first letter of your birthday month?
• Ask about favorites! Use your imagination.
• Color, season, books, food, music, scripture, vacation, subject in school, grade schoolteacher, craziest thing you’ve done, etc.
• Share quotes and ask for feedback.
• Create memes from free sources such as www.pixabay.com or take your own photos.
• Ask for feedback
• Ask for a title
• Pose a question
• Develop short videos that are funny, nature-filled, or inspiring.
• Consider a Facebook Live with Zoom book launch featuring giveaways, games, and giggles.
• Consider a Facebook Live with Zoom Christmas party featuring an ugly sweater contest.

When a writer has a new release, develop posts that focus on themes and book content related to your reader’s needs or interests. Giveaways and incentives show the readers we are proud of our accomplishment and want to share our book cause of something beneficial to them.

A Word of Caution 

• Avoid controversial topics that spur angry responses. Facebook is not the platform for a writer to advocate certain political views or religious convictions that condemn others.
• Avoid offensive language.
• Avoid posting vacation photos and videos until you’re home. No point in inviting a break-in.
• Avoid posting a child’s photo without parental permission.

Enjoy Facebook! Those who are interested in your posts are friends. Treat them with kindness and respect. You won’t be disappointed.

TWEETABLE

What Does a Writer Post on Facebook - tips from @DiAnnMills on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. 

She is the former director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson. Connect here: DiAnnMills.com