One of the most challenging tasks for any writer is what to create for social media. Twitter is important and we can retweet, reply and link to other content with it, but if you have a blog or web site with valuable content you can draw people to your own site and expose them to your books, your writing or your plans for the future.
But what should you write about on your site?
Here is a tool you can use to uncover subjects to write about:
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The idea is that you go around the outside subject areas in turn and consider if you can create a post (400-600 words with a pic or two) that you can upload to your blog or web site about that subject.
I recommend that you consider creating a series of posts on a particular subject or in the run up to a milestone, such as the launch of a book or a relaunch with a new cover.
Some other things to consider when you’re creating content:
* Setting a timetable – every Wednesday morning for instance – so that your followers will know when your material is coming out.
* Encouraging people to follow your blog or site with a prominent FOLLOW ME button near the top somewhere. With most blog sites the site will automatically email all followers with your new posts. (Please follow us too!)
* Consider your target audience and your area of expertise to create suitable posts
* Listen to feedback and respond to comments
* Post occasional competitions, images and videos too, if you can
* Be positive, open and interested. Show your best side! An occasional moan can show the truth of what’s it’s like to be a writer – underpaid, overworked, challenged, but mostly people want to be inspired in one way or another. Good news always gets a lot of visitors
* Focus on helping people
* Describe your journey too
Have I missed something? Please post a comment below with your thoughts on what makes great content for writers.
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This is a great graphic. There are times when it’s hard to find a topic to write about. Thanks!
Thank you for your post. I’ve started a blog on wordpress about my writing journey in conjunction with my mental health issues. I’m all over the place with post scheduling, what to post and where to get ideas. I would like to be a better blogger and be able to relate to others. I’ll try your strategies. Thanks.
This is great advice, thank you! I just started a YouTube channel with writing advice and it’s a mess. And I moan too much, lol. It’s a work in progress, like all of us. Anyway, thank you for the great advice which will help improve my channel. I appreciate your sharing what you know.
Thank you for this, Laurence – with limited time for social media (my writing/social media/marketing have to fit around a day job, as is the case for many of us!) this is really helpful. I will print it out and pin it above my desk, and refer to it often.
Great advise….thanks. Regular blogging is a challenge…going to pick a schedule and stick too it.
Great post, it is very helpful. I have my own blog on wordpress, but struggle for content ideas.