Does Social Media Work For Authors?

I'm often asked this question, and my answer is always the same. That depends on what you mean by work and what you are trying to gain from social media.

There are days when I feel like a social media ninja. My posts receive plenty of likes and comments, and I think, they're actually engaging with me. I've cracked the code!

The very next day I couldn't pay a friend, or anyone else to answer a question on twitter, or slide the smiling face emoji with hearts for eyes to the right to show how much they like my Instagram stories.

So what happened?

Who cares. Social media was never meant to be complicated, or depressing. It was meant to be fun. Shake it off. I've found that the more I post and engage with other accounts, the more my accounts grow. Get it? Be social. I'm not after the sale but connecting.

My favorite platform is Instagram. I enjoy connecting with readers, other authors, and bookstagrammers. The majority of my followers are authors. But here's the thing: Authors are readers. I read a minimum of three books a month. If I come across a book I'm interested in, I purchase it, just like anyone else. I don't use social media to ram my books down everyone's throats with a please purchase tactic. I enjoy encouraging and motivating people, making them laugh, and letting them know what's going on in my life. I give updates on my writing process, or info on my books, but even that will be limited soon to subscribers in my VIP club.

By the way, if you're a subscriber (That's you reading this right now.), the Lolo and Winkle bookmarks have arrived and I have a set for you. Just use the contact section on the home page to let me know you want yours, and I'll get them out at no cost to you. Make sure you use the same email address you subscribed with. :)

And if you haven't read Lolo and Winkle Go Viral yet, check it out.

This week's obsession:

Oatmilk Yogurt!

Do you think I've got enough of them in my frig? LOL

I love these with granola. I've only found them at Wholefoods. The strawberry rhubarb is my favorite. Try it and let me know what you think.

My new discovery:

For the month of September, I've either tried something new or done something new each day. I found this gem of a coffee spot and fell in love with the Waffle Parfait.

Sweet Brewnette has great coffee and an amazing breakfast/brunch menu.

If you're ever in the St. Pete, Maderia Beach, or Clearwater, Florida area. Definitely check them out. Sweet Brewnette Cafe.

You can find out more about my visit to Sweet Brewnette, my trips to Wholefoods, and the rest of my shenanigans by checking out my Instagram Highlights.

Do you see what I did there? I'm allowing you to have a glimpse into my life. No matter what business you are in, make sure YOU are coming across on social media. Your followers want to know you—the clumsy, hilarious, nerdy, adventurous, taco-eating—whatever you are, part of you. It builds a relationship. It builds trust. You'll be surprised.

Hey, did anyone try my Nice Cream recipe from the last blog post? I want to know how yours turned out. Please share. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

Thanks for stopping by. Who's having me over for tacos? Oh, you didn't know? It's always about tacos. :)

Blessings,

L.B.