Creating an On-line Community

 Another great day and welcome from Gail Gaymer Martin at www.gailmartin.com

Since joining Shoutlife, Facebook and Twitter, I’ve been noticing something. When I see the same people over and over in my comments section or in the message section who are promoting their books or trying to draw people to their blogs and website, I tend to lose respect. I don’t see them using these networks as building friendships but as cheap promotion.

These communities are Social Networks. They’re meant to make social connections first, then occasional promotion can follow. Many people do it right, but those who don’t jump out at me and turn me off.  So, what can you do?

Developing a community is the first step when you join a social network. Send interesting messages about your life, the world, and your writing. Let them know what’s happening in your latest work in progress. Do you have Chad hiding in a cellar, struggling to escape the made killer? Is Sarah pining for the love she’s about to lose if she can’t make a choice? Is Dora afraid to forgive her sister because she will have to reveal her own secret?

These are things that will draw readers to you more than blathering about a new interview on your blog or an announcement about your latest award. People want to know you care about them. So before using social networks as promotional sites, try something different.

First, read your followers messages and comment. Let them know they are important to you. We all have egos and when we begin to feel used, we lose interest quickly. Don’t let that happen. Show sincere interest in what your fellow networking friends have to say.

Next, ask them questions. Ask about the topics they write about.  Post a writing question. Are you one who outlines as I do? Do you prefer a strong hero or a tender one? Do you prefer to know the killer and then follow the characters until they know too or do you like to be surprised? Questions stimulate interest and causes people to connect with you.

Then, let them know you’re glad to hear their opinions. Respond to their questions and again, say thanks for your interest. Be humble. When they take time to read your blogs or your comments on the social networks, let them know you appreciate their participation.

Finally, if they happen to reject something you say, let them know you appreciate their opinion. If they criticize your latest book, ask what it was they didn’t like and why? You may learn something from them. No matter how much you don’t want to hear it, be respectful. Say thanks. If it keeps up, you can delete the person from your friend’s list.

Most people are drawn to people who care about them. It’s the way we are. So keep that in mind on the social networks. Make friends first, Promote occasionally once they know you are also interested in them.

 

Comments

[Pat W. Kirk]

Thanks Gail. I'm only on Twitter at this point and only talk about my books once a month when I change the home page on my website. I don't know how people can belong to all. I could spend hours on Twitter. I hate to think if I belonged to the others too.

I guess it would be "forget the books. I don't have time."

[Sarah Sundin]

Thank you, Gail. I hope many writers take your message to heart. So much of what writers do on Facebook and Twitter is one-way communication and shameless self-promotion. Yes, I'm happy when they hold their new book for the first time or finish a difficult chapter, but do I want to hear every positive review someone tweeted about them? Um, no. Promotion is necessary, but as Christians we should perform it with love and humility.