Writers always have to plan ahead.
We plan ahead to incorporate our writing projects into our schedule. We plan ahead by creating outlines and researching. We plan ahead by choosing which publishing companies, consumer publications and literary magazines we’re going to target.
In terms of our platform, it’s suggested we start building a following up to three years before our first book or product launches.
Yikes!
One of our writers has taken the plunge and is building her platform. While she feels she’s on the right track, she wants to know if there are additional ways she can increase her following through her social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.).
She’s already figured out who her target audience is. She’s already taking the time to write quality blog posts, complete with a catchy headline and snappy photo. She already has her social networking accounts setup, and while she does engage with her followers, she wants to do better. She wants to kick things up a notch and not just increase her following, but increase the quality of her connections.
While I’m not familiar with who her target audience is, or how she currently engages with her followers, one thing I know will help build her following (and yours too) is… drumroll please…
consistency.
Be consistent.
When someone visits one of your social networking accounts, there’s only one question they’re asking: “What’s in it for me?”
By consistently providing your target audience with quality content that improves their lives in some way, you’ll not only build strong relationships with your current followers, word will spread that your content is fabulous and your numbers will grow on a regular basis.
Focus on Engaging
By not concentrating on the number of followers you have, and instead concentrating on how you engage with those followers, your following will grow naturally, without force.
Offer Exclusive Content
By offering as much exclusive content on each of your social networks as possible, your followers will subscribe to more of your social networking accounts. After all, if you’re posting the same information on Facebook as you are on Twitter, you’re giving them no reason to subscribe to your additional accounts.
One way to effectively accomplish this is to plan a specific theme for each social networking account.
For example, I know my target audience consists of fabulous, passionate writers who are wanting to make the transition from aspiring to full-time.
- My Facebook page focuses on setting goals, and tips on how to reach them (followed by online cheerleading).
- My Twitter feed focuses on providing links to information about the craft of writing.
- My LinkedIn account focuses on information for building a freelance writing business.
- My Google+ account focuses on platform and overall marketing strategy.
- My Pinterest account focuses on content that compliments the categories of information already available on my blog.
By offering exclusive content on each platform to assist my writers (who I now fondly call my “wolf pack”), I’m giving them a reason to follow all of my social media accounts for the information they need.
Plan Ahead
Just like having to plan your blog posts in advance, the same is true of the information you post through your social networking accounts. Plan what you’re going to post in advance, and before posting something, stop and ask yourself:
- Does this post offer something of value to my readers?
- Will this post spark conversation?
- Does this post have the potential to be shared?
Don’t just post links to information, tell your readers what you want them to do with it.
Always include a clear call-to-action to your readers (for example, Are you in a rut with your novel? This article provides many tips to help dig yourself out.). By asking them a question, you’re inviting them to share more about themselves, and in directing them to the article, you’re encouraging click-throughs to your content.
Schedule Posts In Advance
One of the best ways to consistently provide quality content is to schedule your social networking posts in advance. Choose specific times to send each post out to your readers. By taking the time to schedule your posts, you’ll have more time to respond to comments and messages from your followers, increasing your level of reader engagement.
Getting into the practice will help you to solidify a routine, so no matter how large your following gets, you can always reply to your readers in a timely manner.
For scheduling your posts, I highly recommend Buffer. They have a free account available where you can schedule up to 10 posts in advance, and when you’re ready to upgrade, you can schedule up to 50 posts in advance for only $10 per month. I love Buffer because it’s simple to use, and they offer statistics on the level of response your posts receive.
It’s a great way to give your readers content they can depend on. Build their trust, and watch your following steadily grow.
Check Your Statistics
On a monthly basis, study your statistics. Take note of the content that receives the highest level of engagement from your followers, and post offshoots of similar content. It will help you to figure out exactly what your readers’ needs are so you can continue to provide them with information you know is in demand.
Rinse and Repeat
Be mindful of everything you post, making sure every post serves a purpose to your audience. Offer consistent information your followers can depend on, and you’ll be well on your way to some serious growth.
What strategies do you use to increase your following? Feel free to share your tips and tricks below!
Quit counting fans, followers and blog subscribers like bottle caps. Think, instead, about what you’re hoping to achieve with and through the community that actually cares about what you’re doing.
