5 Tips for A New You for a New Writing Year

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

We have been taught as writers to always have an online presence in some way. Most of us aren’t particularly fond of having to do so, but it’s something that comes with the writing gig. We press on and do the best we can. 

As we prepare for 2022, which is just around the corner, we should take the time before the year ends to make sure we are putting our best and most up-to-date selves out there. After all, you’ve spent the time writing quality pieces—whether that’s articles, blog posts or books—shouldn’t your writer information be quality as well? That's where social media for writers comes in to play.

I say it should. 

I have made a list for myself of what I believe requires some attention or at least a double check to see if they are current. I’d like to go into the New Year with my cyber connections all updated and ready to meet new people. I need to remember this is my opportunity to make that first impression to a new person reading my work for the first time. 

Here are a few things on my Social Media To Do list:

1. Website Landing Page: When a person types in your website address, what does that first page do for them? Have you given good instructions on where to find what you have there? Check all your social media links to make sure they actually do link. Sometimes with upgrades they don’t play well together and your links may need an update to link again. 

2. Website About Me Page: When was the last time you updated that? If you changed your brand or niche, does your About Me Page match what you are now doing? I know it’s a simple thing, but we often forget to go in and give it a good clean up. You don’t need a novel length About Me Page, but readers like to get to know you a bit and what this website is all about. 

3. Headshot for your Website and Business Cards: Don’t look for a paper bag to breathe into, I’m not suggesting a Headshot appointment in December! But you might look at your photo and add that to your To Do list in January to schedule an appointment before it’s conference time and there’s no time to get one for your updated business cards. You’ll thank me later, I promise.

4. Your Bios: I can’t tell you how many folks’ Bios I’ve read lately on blog posts and articles that are so yesterday. Make sure every December, if not twice a year, you look over the Bio you use to send along with guest blog posts or submissions to various articles and writing submission outlets. If you’ve changed positions in your writing group, change that. If you have added a writing related award to your resume, add it to your bio. Bottom line, look at your Bio you are including each and every time you send a submission. Is it up-to-date and relevant to your writing career?

5. Your Social Media Photos: If people look at your profile photo on all your Social Media locations, will they know that it’s you? Here’s where that recent headshot comes in handy—spread that fabulous headshot all over. It’s important that you use the same photo especially if someone met you at a conference or in a Zoom webinar and they are looking to connect with you. Maybe they think they remember your name, but they know they remember your face. Make it easy for them to find you.

This is a manageable short list to complete before the end of the year so you are putting your best foot forward as we move into 2022. I hope it helps challenge you to do a once-over of your online presence. 

What might you add to the list above to help our online presence be ready for a new year? 

TWEETABLE

5 Tips for A New You for a New Writing Year - encouragement from @TickledPinkTam on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

You’ll find Tammy using humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect in life. She’s gone from down and defeated from a past filled with bullying and criticism from family to living a Tickled Pink life as she believes there is always a giggle wanting to come out! All because of HIM.

She’s the Social Media Coordinator for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. President of ACFW Upstate SC, Past-President and current member of Word Weavers Upstate SC and Past-President of Cross N Pens Writers Group. She’s a member of My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. A writing team member for The Write Conversation, contributor for the Learn How to Write a Novel Blog and others. Published in the Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments.

She’s married to her college sweetheart Larry, a mom to their grown daughter, Kristen and excited to add a son-in-law in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, she now lives in South Carolina. Connect with Tammy at HTTPS://TAMMYKARASEK.COM.