10 Tips for Writers Hesitant to Embrace Social Media

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Most writers dream of writing a book and getting a publishing deal, preferably followed by a check with multiple zeros attached. We want the world to love the characters we've developed, the encouragement we share in our devotions or the teachings we compose. I know I do.

None of us, at least no one I've met, wants to market themselves or their writing on social media. While online engagement is second nature for younger writers, for many older ones, it is invasive to our personal lives and feels like work. And to be honest, it is a bit of work, but hear me out.

If you’re standing on the edge, afraid to jump into social media, fearful you’ll make mistakes, jump anyway! You will make mistakes, and that’s okay. No bird has ever flown without leaping from the safety of the nest. 

Do you want that book published, or hope your words improve lives? If yes, then embrace the power of engaging with others online. If you’re ready to leap, here are some suggestions.

Even What a Writer is Hesitant Here are 10 Tips to Move Ahead with Social Media

• Use social media to find your readers. When you post content regularly on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X, you discover the content readers enjoy. This feedback reveals what readers want to read from you. Maybe they prefer when you teach something, or they adore your inspirational stories. Discovering what readers want from you is vital to building an audience for your work.

• Take advantage of social media's free access. At the end of 2023, Facebook reported a worldwide reach of 3.065 billion monthly users. That’s a billion with a B. It's doubtful that you will ever publish anything (book or magazine) that can reach that number of people. Think about it: your content can encourage, inspire, or teach people behind the Iron Curtain or in countries where your book or article would never be available. 

• Develop your writer's voice by posting regularly. When I finally embraced social media as necessary to build an audience, my persistent question was, "What should I post?" So, I began with what I know. As a pediatric physical therapist specializing in children under age three, my early postings were developmental tips for moms. People loved that information, so I have continued giving readers what they enjoyed. My willingness to build followers with that content led to a book deal and multiple writing opportunities. 

• Learn to meme. A meme (pronounced like seem) is a picture, video, or text shared online. Maybe you've seen those beautiful pictures or videos on social media containing Bible verses or inspirational quotes. Those are memes. Writers create them to encourage their readers. One writer friend of mine has a heart for therapy dogs. Sharing dog videos is always a hit!

• Start with Facebook. While there are newer platforms (TikTok, for example), Facebook remains the behemoth. If you’re already overwhelmed with where to begin, Facebook is readily available and easy to learn. Set up an account and troll (don't post anything; scroll through and see what others are posting). Doing so helps you understand and discover what you want to share.

• Use your face for your profile picture. When I started, I preferred being anonymous, so I didn't use my face as my profile picture, instead opting for a sunflower picture. People engage best with people. And people still prefer to see the face of the person to whom they’re communicating. When accounts have other pics or avatars, they could be real or a bot (short for robot). A bot is a robotic computer program designed to post repetitive tasks, like social memes, while appearing human. Putting your picture out there can be scary, but you want people to identify you with your writing.

• Avoid sharing identifying information. For example, when you post your pictures, do not have your house number, car tag, passwords, or anything you don’t want the world to see in those pictures. Remember that your posts can reach billions. All of those folks are not nice. The more you post, the more you will become aware that some accounts should be blocked. Blocking is necessary, especially for those that appear to be bots. Do not fear doing so. 

• Share your life, not try to sell. Think of your posts as billboards along life’s highway. We’ve all ridden along interstates and know the power of a great billboard. Your memes are like those billboards. What do you want readers to read? Do you want them to enjoy your cooking pictures? Or gain some hope when life gets dark? Social media is about being social and letting readers get to know you. Every once in a while, you can let them know about your products or books. But most of us will scroll past your posts if you constantly sell.

• Get help from another writer. We’re all on this writing journey together. Some of us are further up the mountain of success than others. Do not be afraid to learn and make mistakes. The older we get, the harder it can be to stumble willingly. Children make tons of mistakes. Be adventurous like a child and make some messes.

• Just do it. Nike’s famous tagline is brilliant because it's straightforward yet challenging. Most of us have many things we need to do. I need to exercise more. You may need to embrace social media as vital to building a platform for your writing. If so, just do it.

While I can’t say I love putting myself out there online, I no longer dislike it. Over the years, I've learned to enjoy the connections, embrace the opportunities it offers, and appreciate its power to help my readers. Upon deeper reflection, it's truly the chance of a lifetime to reach so many with your work.

If you’re hesitant to try social media, what is one thing you could begin today?

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10 Tips for Writers Hesitant to Embrace Social Media from Ginny Cruz on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT is a pediatric physical therapist, early intervention specialist, and award-winning author. Her writing encourages and teaches moms simple and effective ways to help their baby meet developmental milestones. In addition to writing, she enjoys hiking, reading, and camping with her husband. Find out more at ginnycruz.com, Instagram, or Facebook.