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“I don’t know if I can do this social media thing.” Liz* massaged her temples and closed her eyes. “It gives me a headache. I feel like I’m in high school again.”
I empathized. I remembered a time some years ago when social media was as appealing as a root canal.
I’d taken a writing hiatus to care for our son and when I jumped back into the field, it was no longer just about the writing, but one hundred other things that went with it, too—including social media. I learned it was a bit of a delicate dance.
“Look—think of it this way. Don’t picture it as a numbers game or a popularity contest. Think of social media as a fun way to connect with like-minded people—as a way to make friends.”
Liz’s eyes popped open. “Uh huh. As in ‘Will you be my friend?’ That just sounds so juvenile and pathetic, Cindy. I mean—I realize writers are expected to be their own little P-R team now, but I just don’t do fake friendships. Or do them well anyway.”
I think I blinked. In fact, I know I did.
“Liz, you’re missing my point. Don’t fake anything. Be yourself.”
“Myself?”
“Yes.” I handed her a piece of chocolate. (Because chocolate clears your head and makes you wise.) “You’re funny, bright, and personable. People will like you for who you are as long as you’re honest about it.”
“Hmm.” Liz bit into the chocolate. “Well…maybe. I still don’t think I can do every social media outlet because when would I have time to write?”
Exactly.
“Start with only a few things you’re comfortable with. Don’t overtax yourself. Choose what appeals and leave the rest alone for now. Remember—it’s not a race.”
My conversation with Liz reminded me of how hard it is for some folks. Daunting is probably putting it mildly.
But the reality is social media, whether we like it or not—-is not going away.
As writers, it’s helpful to first have a home base (usually a blog), then you can go from there.
Some key things I’ve tried to remember in my social media strategy:
- I don’t try to do it all. For now, I’ve chosen only those networks I enjoy and have time for. (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.)
- I’m consistent with blogging and I blog regularly on M, W, F. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take time off. When I do, I always tell my readers.
- I don’t make my social media networks all about me. I generally try to offer something upbeat and encouraging, and often I’ll post additional links that I think may be of interest. In other words—takeaways.
- I don’t connect with people just for the sake of having them as a connection . (As corny as it may sound, I connect with folks because I like people and I like to make friends!) I want to know you better because, likely, we share common interests. You bring value to the table. I can learn from you. Maybe you can learn from me, too.
- I think of social media as an outlet. It’s a way to share—a fun form of communication.
- I try to keep it real. I don’t pretend to be something I’m not. In other words: I’m a Jesus-loving gal who’s learning and growing right along with you. And as you know—I make mistakes!
- I don’t burn bridges. Yes, there are times I may disagree with those in my social media circles. I strive to take the high road. (On occasion, it may be necessary to disengage. Rants, profanity, and dissing my Savior I just can’t tolerate. I don’t want to “burn a bridge,” but I will have to close the gate if that happens.)
These are my own personal guidelines for having fun with social media. There are no hard and fast rules. I’d love to hear what works best for you!
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*Not my friend’s real name.
What do you like or dislike about social media?
Do you have some additional tips to share?
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What works? (7) Social media tips for writers: (Click to Tweet)
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On Friday I’m reviewing Beth Vogt’s new release Somebody Like You. (I’ll also do a book giveaway.) I hope you’ll join me!
In the meantime, pop over to Beth’s home and check out the fantastic giveaway that’s now underway there. You won’t want to miss it!
Blessings Always,
Comments 8
Yeah, umm, my name is Liz.
I loathe the car salesman vibe when people I do not know friend me on FB. There has to be a whack of mutual friends before I say yes. Simply because I get creeped out.
But, on the other hand, I love meeting new people!!
Author
Jennifer (aka “Liz”–Lol), I’m with you. I adore meeting new people and making friends. Discernment and good judgment make sense—with you on that.
My prime suggestion for social media is to write stuff in Word, and then transfer it to the media platform.
That has two benefits –
1) You won’t lose what you wrote if the website crashes when you try to upload (it’s happened to me, more than once).
2) More important – you’ll have an extra minute or two to consider the question…do I really want to say this? Does this add to the discussion, or is it simply a “look at me!”
The friends I have now nearly all come from social media. Most of the ones I thought I had through work and life fell away when my teaching career ended.
While the social media friendships have the constraints of time and space, they are no less real.
In the past, I believe they would have been call ‘pen pals’, and no one ever questioned the reality of those connections.
Author
Andrew—pen pals! Yes! (I had a few while growing up. Great analogy!)
I’ve met so many wonderful friends through social media. I should have added, too—no matter what station in life we’re at, we all put our socks on the same way—one foot at a time. We should never intimate someone’s less than or not worthy of our time. Keeping it humble isn’t martyrdom. It’s kind.
I love your tip about transfering content from Word. I’ve experienced the same exhilarating (not) feeling of suddenly having blog posts disappear. And good thought, too, about rethinking our words before sending them off into cyberspace.
Thank you, Cynthia! Jennifer cracked me up with “My name is Liz.”
Social Media … I’m with you … just be yourself.
Author
Shelli, facades have a way of wearing off, but (tactful) authenticity never grows old.
And yes—Jennifer always adds levity to our day!
I love this, Cynthia! The big thing for me with social media is remembering the “social” part. It’s about being social…making friends…building relationships. That keeps it fun.
I also decided awhile back to stop following all the “rules” of social media (tweet this many times, use this many hash tags, do it this or that specific way). I use it the way it works for me…restricting myself turned it into a chore…and who needs another chore! 🙂
Author
Melissa, I’m with you, gal! It IS about the relationships. I think if more people would realize that, it would free them from stress. (It’s a definite turn-off when all we see in a Twitter stream is “Like me,” “Buy me,” or “Kiss my dog, Herman.”) YOU—on the other hand—are fun!