While working on some of my own promo stuff at the time of this writing, I realized I left out a very important part of Time Management when it comes to Twitter - or any other Social Media. The use of an auto-posting service such as HootSuite can be invaluable!
There are several different 'purchase' levels for HootSuite but I've been using the FREE level for three years and haven't found a need to spend money. While the paid for levels do offer additional usage options, for the most part, the free level works for what we do.
Basically, you log into Hootsuite using your Twitter account. From there, you can schedule tweets several weeks out... such as author signings, speaking engagements, cover or book releases. I spend one day doing nothing but loading hootsuite for all seven of my blogs and now our Oghma account.
You can set the date and the time you want a tweet to go out. In the fall when things are quieter around here I'll be talking more about 'timing' of tweets. For now, think about when you think the majority of your readers are on twitter. That's the time slots you want your tweets to go out.
Also.. you can set a tweet to run more than once a day... say to catch people before they head out to work in the early morning (those city commuters) or a lunch hour. Don't spam with more than two a day. However, each tweet must be worded slightly different or Hootsuite will not allow the second tweet to go out.
There really isn't a learning curve to Hootsuite. Like anything else you find your footing then you'll sail from there.
Another thing Hootsuite (and there is another but I can't think of it at the moment) does is allow you to connect all of your social media platforms together so when you post something one place, it goes across the board to all of your social media outlets.
I do NOT recommend this. Read my lips - I do NOT RECOMMEND this avenue. While it can be a time saver, this also takes away the 'personal' side of connecting with your readers. Also, if something happens to one account, you'll be locked out all the way around. Ask how I know :-D
Social Media platforms do not take long to connect on. Just sign in with a purpose, take care of business then move on. If you don't think you can do that, I'm sure there's a high schooler in your neighborhood who'd love to earn a little extra cash.
There are also marketing services out there. They offer packages for doing different aspects of the marketing you do not want to do. I recommend Jar O Marbles. Annette's link is on my sidebar.
That said, You CAN do your own marketing. You just have to be smart about how you spend your time.
Okay, for the rest of the month, we'll be talking about Facebook and how to use the platform effectively.
Happy Writing!
Angela
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