The three main platforms are Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Twitter is the best platform for writers, and so if you have limited time to spend on social media, opt to dedicate this time to using Twitter.
Remember that using social media takes time, and so, only use platforms you think you might get something out of. Don’t, for example, set up a Facebook page just because you think you should.
Here is how to use these platforms…
Twitter
First things first, make sure your profile looks good. Make your avatar a photograph of your face. Make sure you have a clear and representative bio.
Begin by following some useful accounts, using the search function to find people who might be relevant to you. If you’re concerned about following too many people, you can also create “Lists” – which will allow you to keep tabs on the content people are sharing, without actually following them.
When you begin tweeting, start out gently. Look at the sort of content other users share, and think about what interests or engages you. Remember that Twitter is a very conversational medium, and for every tweet you send, try to reply to at least two from other people.
And do be careful in how you word tweets, as you don’t want your content to be misconstrued. If you have a publisher, ask them for support in using Twitter. Finally, don’t forget to use good Twitter etiquette!
Find out more about using Twitter as a writer.
Facebook
Facebook is not really the ideal medium for writers. However, if you think using Facebook might be beneficial for you, the best way to do this would be by using Pages.
You shouldn’t be sharing content on Facebook with the same frequency as you might on Twitter or Instagram, and so save Facebook for your most important updates, as opposed to sharing your thoughts or opinions.
Find out more about using Facebook as an writer here.
Instagram
There are many ways you might want to use Instagram as an author: you can take screengrabs or your writing, you can take photographs of your writing space (hashtagging with #whereIwrite), and use images of your day-to-day life.
Spent some time using a considered caption, and hashtag each post, using up to twelve separate hashtags.
And, remember to make a distinction between your grid and Instagram stories: the grid is for images you want to share permanently, while stories are for more off-the-cuff and transient content.
Find out more about using Instagram as a writer here.