Writing Success

Social Networking for Success

You’ve all heard of websites like Twitter and Facebook. You probably use them to keep in touch with your friends and family, posting random thoughts and information whenever you please. But have you ever thought about using these tools to boost your writing business?

I have to admit I was never a huge fan of either application. Lately, though, I’ve spent a little more time on each and have found that if you have something interesting to say people will follow.

Granted, it’s a bit easier to find followers on Twitter than on Facebook, but you can use one to refer users back to the other and move forward from there. For example, I post regularly on Facebook and not as much on Twitter (I’m still exploring applications to connect the two). One way I utilize Facebook is by publishing links to my favorite blog posts. Not everyone I know follows my blogging efforts, but if I have something special to share I want them to know about it. I also post other writing tips, random thoughts, search for writing groups, participate in conversations, and network for new friends and contacts.

Twitter, on the other hand, is a busy site. I can hardly keep up with the posts others are making over there. I occasionally post links to my articles and comment on the posts others make, but I also make sure to put a reminder that I’m on Facebook every once in a while. I usually pick up a new follower or two every time, and I know they’re more likely to see my updates there.

Don’t forget that in order to make any of these social networking tools work you have to actually USE them. Twitter, for example, will mark your account inactive if you open an account and don’t post for six months or more. The popular blogger, JohnChow, took advantage of this by taking back his own name - it had been registed by a squatter who took the user ID and then never used it. After six months he was able to ask Twitter to sign it over to him.

Social networking applications are fun to use - as well they should be - but are you making the most out of them? Are you using them as the tools they really are? Your writing stands alone, but if you really want to make money writing you’ll want to make sure as many people know about you as possible. You might as well have fun while promoting yourself!

Other great freelance writing resources on the web:

Top Ten Tips for Getting a New Gig in 2009 | Business Pundit - And social networking has made it possible to know SO many more people. Twitter acts as a great way to have short quick introductions to decision makers in companies you may have never had a way into before. … Does Social Networking Really Work? « Craigs Training Blog - Of course you can and should do more marketing, especially in the beginning, but when you get really good at social networking, you will have more business that you know what to do with. … Tips to Promote Your Online Business through Social Networks … - Nowadays, many businesses are reaping the fruits of the internet, especially with the advertising opportunities that the internet offers. The best way to.