What Should Authors Post on Social Media? The 3-Step Framework for Consistent Content
Are you an author staring at your phone, drawing a blank on what to post on social media? You're not alone. Many writers find themselves trapped in the endless cycle of content creation, throwing random ideas at the wall and hoping something sticks. But here's the good news: creating engaging social media content doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Why Most Authors Struggle with Social Media
The challenge isn't just finding time to post—it's knowing exactly what to share that will resonate with your audience. Many authors fall into these common traps:
Posting sporadically without a clear strategy
Overthinking every post until they're paralyzed with indecision
Focusing too heavily on book promotion and sales
Not building genuine connections with their readers
But there's a better way. Let me introduce you to a simple yet powerful three-step system that you can use week after week to grow your audience, promote your books, and build a thriving community.
The 3-Step Content Cycle for Authors
Every author needs three types of content - Connection, Promotional, and Nurturing. All three post types work together to build your audience and lead readers to your books. Let’s break it down…
1. Connection Posts: Building Authentic Relationships
Connection posts are the foundation of your social media presence. These posts help readers see themselves in your content and relate to you as a fellow book lover. Some effective connection post ideas include:
Sharing your current read and your genuine thoughts about it
Helpful tips or insights in your industry, genre, or specialty
Giving a peek into your reading nook or favorite writing spot
Discussing your favorite genres and why you love them
Sharing relatable reader moments (like staying up too late to finish "just one more chapter")
Posting about your reading habits, challenges, or goals
Remember, the goal here is authenticity. These posts help increase awareness of your profile and attract like-minded readers to your content.
2. Promotional Posts: Showcasing Your Work
While you don't want to overwhelm your audience with constant promotion, it's essential to talk about your books regularly. After all, your readers can't buy what they don't know exists! Effective promotional posts:
Highlight the emotional journey readers will experience in your book
Share specific problems your book helps solve or explore
Feature reader testimonials and reviews
Provide behind-the-scenes glimpses into your writing process
Announce upcoming releases or special promotions
For pre-published authors:
Share snippets from your work-in-progress
Build excitement about your upcoming book
Focus on growing your newsletter list with valuable free content
Share your publishing journey and milestones
3. Nurturing Posts: Building Community Engagement
The final piece of the puzzle is creating content that encourages interaction and builds a sense of community. These posts turn followers into engaged fans through:
Thought-provoking questions about books and reading
Polls about reader preferences
Discussion starters about topics relevant to your genre
Writing or reading challenges
Interactive stories or "choose your own adventure" posts
Making the System Work for You
The beauty of this system lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Here's how to implement it:
Create a Basic Schedule: Rotate through these three types of posts throughout the week. For example:
Monday: Connection
Wednesday: Promotional
Friday: Nurturing
Batch Your Content: Set aside time each month to brainstorm ideas for each category. This makes it easier to maintain consistency.
Track Your Results: Notice which posts in each category perform best and create more similar content.
Stay Consistent: Remember, repetition is key in marketing. Don't be afraid to repeat similar types of posts—just add fresh angles each time.
Take Your Author Platform to the Next Level
Building a strong social media presence is just one piece of the author platform puzzle. If you're ready to take your pre-publication marketing to the next level, I've created a comprehensive guide just for you.
👉 Download my free guide: "What Authors Can Post Before Publishing"
This valuable resource will show you exactly how to:
Build buzz before your book launch
Grow your email list with eager readers
Create content that attracts your ideal audience
Establish yourself as an authority in your genre
Don't wait until your book is published to start building your platform. Get your free guide today and start creating content that connects, converts, and builds community.
[Sign up now to receive your free download and join our community of successful authors!]
Remember, social media doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following this simple three-step system and focusing on connection, promotion, and nurturing, you can create content that resonates with readers and helps you achieve your author goals. The key is consistency and authenticity—your readers are out there waiting to connect with you!