Authors can create Facebook pages to build their brand and platform. Facebook is an essential tool for marketing your business to new potential customers or readers, and maintaining communication with current ones. Many writers use Facebook to keep connected to their fans. There are several important aspects to establishing a Facebook business page that you will need to carefully consider. Perhaps the most important part of a Facebook business page is the “About” section. This is the place to provide a detailed description of your business and its products and services. This is a great place to show potential new customers what you have to offer, so be positive and enthusiastic in your descriptions. It is also very important to include a picture of your business or logo, as this will help customers identify you. With the new expanded area for the cover photo, it is easier to brand your business. The profile picture is a great place to add your face photo that your fans will recognize. I recommend using the same photo for all social media sites, building your brand with your name and photo. These are without a doubt the most important elements of your business’s Facebook page. As an author, this a great place to show headshots, book covers, or anything relating to you, the author, as a brand. Never forget that Facebook is very visual.
It’s All About the Details (and your Timeline)
You will also be able to provide many other details about your business on Facebook.
- Contact information, business hours (if you are retail or offer services), price ranges, and services offered are all excellent informative details that should be included on your Facebook business page.
- The type of content you post to your business’s timeline is also important.
- You may choose to post special offers, discounts, promotions, or information on upcoming products, books, and services. I know authors who post when their book is going to be a giveaway on Amazon, which helps keep it on Amazon’s best seller lists
- Some ways authors use Facebook is to announce book releases, or when their books go on sale. There are a lot of authors who keep fans informed of the progress of a novel, or even ask fans for help when choosing a book cover design.
- You can also announce upcoming book signings and events
- Encourage readers to give reviews
Create Communication with Fans
You can also get feedback from your fans of upcoming plot twists or get suggestions based on what you’re writing. One way of doing this is by adding posts from your blog. I like to syndicate blogs to Facebook business pages so everything that posts on the blog automatically appears to Facebook. One step does both. I also recommend doing this with Twitter.
It is crucial to update your Facebook timeline regularly in order to keep customers informed about and interested in your business. Be sure to check the comments section of your Facebook page regularly, as this is a great place for customers to contact you with questions and concerns. Try to add a photo to every post you can, even if it’s a pic of what you are currently writing, or what inspires you. Some people find Facebook a great writing exercise before they get to work on their novel. If used properly, the Facebook business page can help spread the word about your business and provide an essential line of communication between you and your customers, helping your business grow and prosper.
And while many of these social media platforms help build your brand, it shouldn’t replace having your own author website platform. Social media is meant to enhance your brand and platform, not to replace it.
