Define a Social Media Marketing Plan

Time to tackle yet another important aspect when it comes to book marketing – social media marketing. I know you’ve all heard of it. Many probably already dread it. But social media plays a major part in so many of our lives, that we have to utilize it when it comes to getting our books out there.

While going through the Book Marketing Planner, you have a few things to think about when it comes to social media marketing for your books: Platforms, Topics, and Timeline. These are all important aspects in crafting a social media plan that is achievable. So let’s talk about these bits a bit more so you can start crafting your social media marketing plan.

Following along in the Book Marketing Planner? We’re looking at pages 23-24. Want to purchase the Book Marketing Planner? Get the Paperback on Amazon or Download a Digital Copy from the Bound to Writing Shop. For past pages check out the Book Marketing Content List and click on the topic.

1. Platforms

Here you will need to remember your target audience and where they hang out. If you need to, head on back to the Ideal Audience for Your Marketing Plan post. This is where you’ll want to start.

If you already have one or more social media platforms started then you’re ready to move on to the next point.

1a. Wattpad

Some authors use Wattpad as a stepping stone before publishing anything. It’s usually for shorter works but may be something that fits what you’re trying to accomplish.

1b. Goodreads

Adding your book to Goodreads is usually automatic once published. But without an author profile on the Goodreads site, you may not be credited with your book. Even if you have an account, if another author has the same name, things get a little messy. (Happens to me EVERY SINGLE TIME!) However, having a centralized place for readers to see and review your work is something to consider.

Finding where your audience hangs out and inserting yourself into that platform is a great way to gain traction for your book.

2. Topics

When it comes to topics, you’ll want to have an idea of what you want your readers to know about your book. For example, if your book hasn’t released yet, you can plan to do a cover reveal or release an excerpt from the book.

Here is my list of topic ideas for my upcoming release Speaking the Truth of Christmas:

You can be broad with these topics as you’ll see in the next step, you’ll be able to expand on these ideas.

3. Timeline

This is when you need to evaluate those Important Dates you set back at the beginning of the planner. Compare those dates to the topics you want to share with your readers. Now, fill in the timeline from six months out, all the way to release day. Don’t worry if you’re closer than six months from release. There is no better time than the present for marketing your book.

Once you’ve completed all of the above steps, you’re ready to start creating content for your book! It can all be a bit scary but with topics in hand, you can do anything!

I wish you the best on your social media marketing plan journey. And if you remember anything it’s to BE CONSISTENT when posting. It makes a world of difference.

If you found this post useful and want the Book Marketing Planner for yourself? Get the Paperback on Amazon or Download a Digital Copy from the Bound to Writing Shop.