As a children's book author, having social media accounts is essential to connecting with potential readers, building an audience, and promoting your books. By showcasing your work on social media, you can reach a wider audience and open up opportunities to connect with other authors and readers.
...but what should you post about??
It is easy to run out of ideas...especially if your book isn't released yet! In this blog post, we've found the best and most effective post ideas to help you grow your following:
12 Social Media Post Ideas for Authors
1. Get their feedback
Followers will love feeling like they are contributing to your book so the best place to start is by asking questions relating to your book that will create a discussion.
Make a poll where they can weigh in on your book title
Have illustrations? Ask which version of the illustration they like best!
Cover critiques
What should I name this character?
Plus, feedback from your audience can provide valuable insight into your book and what kind of content they want to see from you in the future.
This will also help you build relationships with your readers because they'll feel that you value their input.
2. Post a cover reveal
Posting a cover reveal for your children's book is a great way to get your audience excited about your upcoming book! You can use a platform like Canva to create scroll-stopping videos, gifs, or images for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or other social media platforms.
3. Show them behind-the-scenes
Showing your audience a behind-the-scenes look into your workspace can be a great way to build an emotional connection with them and make them feel like they are part of your writing journey. It will also give them insight into the environment and tools that help you create your work, which can be inspiring and motivating.
Share pictures or videos of your writing space; is it a cozy corner in your living room, a desk in your bedroom, or a dedicated home office? Show them the shelves of books, the plants that keep your space alive, the comfy chair you like to sit in, and the special mug or coffee pot you use to fuel your creativity...
...or if you're a mom like me...show the chaos! 😂
People love getting an intimate look into the lives of their favorite authors and sharing snippets of your workspace is a great way to make them feel like they are part of the process.
4. Share virtual event schedules
If you have any upcoming events or book signings, share pictures and talk about the experience. By sharing your event schedule, your audience will be able to stay up-to-date on when and where you'll be available for virtual Q&As, book readings, and other activities. Not only does this help keep your followers in the loop, but it also helps to build anticipation for your events, creating a sense of excitement! If your audience knows your event schedule in advance, they can plan ahead and be sure to attend, ensuring a successful turnout.
But even if they aren't local to you, sharing these event details can encourage your audience to get involved when you are in their area. Or it could even be the spark they need to reach out and book you for an even in their town!
5. Share the inside of your book
Again, people love feeling like a part of the process so don't be afraid to share sneak peeks as the book is being produced. Whether it is a sketch, a finished illustration, or a graphic with a meaningful quote, your audience will love seeing what your story is all about and see it transform.
6. Thank others
Who has contributed to your success? Whether personal or professional, thank others for their support! Not only will they appreciate this, but it's also important to be your genuine self. People connect with that.
7. Share photos of your fans
Do you have pictures of others reading your book? Post them! Make sure you ask permission before you do and tag the person in your post. If you don't have many pictures, start asking for them. Start with friends and family and then reach out to influencers to secure some features. Or better yet, take pictures with your own kids!
8. Show support for other authors
Use your social media to promote other authors with messages similar to yours. By sharing and engaging with other authors' content, you can increase your own visibility, create meaningful relationships, and even get more followers. Plus, it's just a great way to be kind and show your appreciation for the work of others. Not only will this help your colleagues, but your audience will also appreciate discovering other books they’d enjoy. Plus, other authors may support you, exposing you to new audiences!
9. Games and giveaways
Encourage interaction by creating games to be played on your social media: guessing games, fill-in-the-blanks, trivia, and more! You can also partner with other organizations or influencers to host giveaways.
Take time to plan out the game or giveaway and make sure the rules are clear, so everyone understands what's expected of them. Make sure the prize is something people would be interested in, such as a signed copy of your book or an Amazon gift card. Promote the game or giveaway on all of your social media channels and engage with the people who join in. This will help to create more buzz and expand your reach to new potential readers. As an added bonus, games and giveaways can also be a great way to generate more interest in your book and other content.
10. Post FAQ’s or interviews
If your audience asks you similar questions, create a post or a reel out of it. FAQs can add a creative and interactive element to your social media posts. Readers can submit their own questions and the author can respond with helpful and informative answers.
You can also post and share interviews that you’ve participated in with bloggers, magazines, and newspapers. This adds credibility to you and helps your audience get to know you better.
11. Share interesting content
What is your book’s message? Let's say that you write books that focus on teaching social skills to kids. In addition to posting your own content, tips, and advice, you can find other articles, videos, and content to share with your audience with the same or similar focus. Not only will this resonate well with your target audience, it will also build your credibility, solidify your branding, and increase overall engagement across your social media platforms.
12. Show off your pets
Out of ideas? It’s never a bad idea to post your pets! But remember, not all of your content has to be about your story. Share your adventures and whatever else you’re comfortable with. Your fans will love learning about the person behind the book!
Hopefully, you now have plenty of post ideas to keep your followers engaged and interested in your work. Experiment with different types of posts, from quotes to book teasers, to find out which type of content resonates best with your audience. Be creative and think outside the box, and you will be sure to make a lasting impression on your followers.
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