Social Media Stats: Why Authors Should Join the Bandwaggon

 
From Cheri Cowell's desk:

In preparing for a weekend retreat I'm hosting on Marketing for writers I came across these social media stats. If you need a push to join the social media bandwaggon, perhaps these social media stats will help you decide to jump on board.

• 9% Of Consumers can be reached through e-mail only; 53% Of consumers can be reached through e-mail and facebook.

• With over 500 million users, Facebook is now used by 1 in every 13 people on earth, with over 250 million of them (over 50%) who log in every day.

• 48% of 18-34 year olds check Facebook when they wake up, with 28% doing so before even getting out of bed. The 35+ demographic is growing rapidly, now with over 30% of the entire Facebook user base. The core 18-24 year old segment is growing the fastest at 74% year on year.

• On average 77 people are reached by a shared message on a social media site.

Convinced? I am. So, where does one begin? If you don't have a Facebook Page yet, begin there. Begin with a Personal Page and then after you get the hang of it, create a Fan Page from your Personal Page. There are a lot of reason for this, but one important one is that you can invite "fans" from your Personal Page.

Another step is to try Twitter - the microblogging site. You will only know if you are a Twitterer if you give it a try. Some people find they love Twitter and others determine Facebook is their thing.

But one thing is certain. We all need to be on the social media bandwaggon because, as these stats prove, it is where the world is gathering. 

I'd love to hear your feedback on this article. Join me on Facebook and Twitter.

If you want to learn about the Marketing in the Mountains writers retreat I'm hosting in Gatlinburg Sept 2-4, 2011, download a brochure at www.CheriCowell.com

Comments

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawnuLwrptQsjUrTzeZMMy8uW4PmJf8tx1DA]

Cheri this is great info, very practical. I wondered though what do you mail them 3-4 times and if they don't respond, are you spamming them? just curious. Thanks

[Linda S. Clare]

Hi Cheri, Funny I was just wondering how to do this! I've a lot of experience in speaking (I've taught school for 25 years) and have been a presenter @ conferences, etc.I like your ideas, but if I email a church w/ no response, will they be irritated if I continue? Also, do you target the Head of Women's Ministry, the pastor, what? I'd love to email but can't see your address on here anywhere.
Thx,
Linda Clare Eugene, Oregon

[Cheri Cowell]

Thanks for the great question. I've heard from several marketing experts that churches don't like emails. They prefer the things they can put in their hands and pass along to others. So, my database is focused on old-fashioned mailings with email for follow-up. As far as who I mail to, I address the letters to the Director of Discipleship Ministries or Women's Ministries. These happen to be my target audience, but yours may be different. Hope that answers your questions. Blessings...

[Kenneth Copeland]

Hi Cheri! Never thought of using Facebook and Twitter( i don't have an account yet) to be used as an organizer before and thanks to you and to your tips that I am now going to use them as one. Got to open a Twitter account though. Thanks.

[Robin Bermel]

Thanks Cheri, insightful article. From a marketing standpoint, you need to have all of your online resources in full gear if you plan to publish an e-book. Facebook, Twitter, your blog web site, etc. need to be ready to promote your e-book. (And the old fashioned stuff can still help too!)

[Phyllis]

I've burned my ebook onto a CD to sell when I have a live audience. That way they can have something tangible to take with them.

[Kevin]

I have been thinking about starting an e-book Christian publishing house, but the biggest obstacle is getting enough books to sell. I think an author will sell more print books (if they want to) and find solid passive income from e-books.

[Marie C. Gladden]

Hello,

Do you recommend that an author self publish or go through a publishing firm? Which is best?

[Dee for D.I. Telbat]

This is great news as we are soon to have a book published! Thank you, Cheri, for sharing this inexpensive way to get the word out. We will definitely be doing this!

[Cheri Cowell]

Im glad it was timely. We can use all of the low-cost ideas we can get our hands on, cant we?
Blessings,
Cheri