Writers: Top 10 Tips That Work To Multiply Your X Following Right Now
Whether you're new to X (formerly Twitter) or a veteran, these tips work!
What’s the best way to gain a strategic following of readers?
Well, it’s highly individualistic, based on your ideal readership, genre, where they hang out online, and how much time and money you want to make and invest. That said, X is (at the moment of this writing) still a great place to connect with readers, other writers, as well as industry folks.
And, most importantly, X posts are indexed by Google. That’s huge.
I grow readership in a lot of ways. Here are some of my top tips:
1. Create Engaging Content.
Everyone says that, but what does that mean for you? What do you find engaging? What do you enjoy doing? What do you find challenging?
Being your truly authentic self comes across. If you only post performative perfection (ya know, the impossibly perfect airbrushed happy happy joy joy that makes you want to barf at the fakeness), you can turn potential readers and followers off completely.
Craft posts that resonate with readers. Examples:
Share your thoughts on books you've read recently or your all-time favorites. Nifty tip: If you read on the free Kindle app, you can highlight your favorite portions and even create visuals to share right from the app - super easy. More here (share from your own books or as you’re reading your favorite books, highlight the book and author with ease)
Share book recommendations, quotes, and interesting insights related to literature.
Use visuals like book covers, author quotes, or even book-related memes to make your X posts visually appealing.
Repurpose content that does well. I like Pikasa (it’s only $8/month), which takes screenshots of your tweets and creates a visual for you to share anywhere. Super easy.
2. Use Relevant Hashtags
Incorporate popular book-related hashtags like #BookRecommendations, #AmReading, #BookTwitter (now #BookX gaining in popularity), or genre-specific tags like #MysteryBooks or #RomanceReads.
Try a free tool like Hashtagify can help you discover trending hashtags. Many social media schedulers will create hashtags for you as well, such as Hootsuite. You can also use an AI writing tool (I use ChatGPT, and I also like WordHero).
I asked ChatGPT what the most popular hashtags for writers are, and it gave me this (all legit - I researched each one):
#AmWriting: This one's a classic, used by writers to share their writing progress, challenges, and successes.
#WritersLife: Writers share snippets of their daily lives, from the struggles of writer's block to the joys of getting published.
#WritingCommunity: This is a fantastic space to connect with fellow writers, ask questions, and engage in discussions.
#Authors: Writers often use this hashtag to discuss the authorship journey, book releases, and the world of publishing.
#BookRecommendations: Writers who are also avid readers can use this hashtag to share their favorite books and get book suggestions.
#IndieAuthors: If you're into self-publishing, this hashtag is your go-to for tips, advice, and support.
#Editing: Writers share their experiences and woes about the editing process, often with a touch of humor.
#PubTip: This is a goldmine for tips related to publishing, marketing, and getting your work out there.
#WriteChat: Engage in live chats and discussions about various writing-related topics using this hashtag.
#WriterWednesday or #WW: A tradition of promoting fellow writers on Wednesdays by giving them a shoutout.
#FollowFriday is also popular though less specific to writers.
#OwnVoices: This hashtag is all about promoting diverse voices and stories, that align with your perspective.
#MentalHealthMatters: All about keeping us healthy!
Remember, the popularity of hashtags can change over time, so it's a good idea to check for what’s trending regularly to stay up-to-date.
3. Engage with the Community
Don’t just post or schedule, and peace out. Be sure to respond to comments and engage in conversations about books and literature (or whatever other interests you have).
Worth noting: The algorithm favors interaction, so interact!
That said, as has always been the case, ignore trolls. If you respond to trolls (who are usually swept into the no-man’s land of ‘show more replies’ below the post), you risk being ‘de-boosted.’ More on that soon.
Participate in book-related X chats and discussions. For example, join me any Wednesday for #BookMarketingChat at 11 am pst/2 pm est to meet amazing industry folks, meet other authors and publishing folks, and ask your questions. More below.*
4. Collaborate with Authors and Publishers
Do you read and review books? Have a book or writing-related podcast or audio space? Interview authors or other publishing folks? X is the place to do it.
Connect with readers, authors, industry folks, and publishers. Be generous and share their content, or host X “takeovers” where authors engage with your audience.
Consider running book giveaways in collaboration with authors or publishers. I like free Rafflecopter or KingSumo.
5. Leverage Book Review Platforms
Create both reader and author accounts (one for sharing what you’re reading, one for promotion and ads) on Goodreads and BookBub. Share your insights about books you've read. Write concise book reviews within the character limit or link to longer reviews. Share teaser snippets on social media.
I wrote about Booksweeps promos in my last newsletter (click below) - they have amazing email growth, BookBub, and Amazon promos for only $50!
6. Timing Matters
Post at times when your target audience is most active. Since we can’t be ‘on’ all the time, take a look at your analytics, which help analyze your followers' activity patterns.
Use a scheduling tool, such as Buffer, to enter posts for your most opportune times.
7. X Lists
Create X lists that curate authors, book bloggers, and literary influencers. This can help you keep track of their posts and engage with them more effectively. People can be weird about lists, so I suggest you create private lists for your own use.
Tip: If someone adds you to a list you don’t want to be on, here’s a simple fix: block them, which removes you from the list, and then refollow them (if you want) - also referred to as a ‘soft block.’
Violá! You’re no longer on that list.
Lists are super easy to create and use. More here:
8. Run X Polls and Surveys
Engage your audience by asking fun book-related questions. For instance, "What's your favorite book genre?" or "Which book character do you relate to the most?" Goodreads X account does this skillfully. Take a look.
One of my clients is new to X and asked the #WritingCommunity what their favorite hashtags are for writing and book-related posts. We’ll see how that goes! Feel free to respond to him if you’d like on this post:
9. Track Your Progress
Use X analytics to monitor the performance of your posts. This can help you identify what types of content resonate most with your audience.
If you want to advertise on X, take a look at the requirements here. Find your analytics by clicking on …More » Creator Studio » Analytics.
If you see that a particular post is doing well, repurpose it! Share again with a twist.
10. Stay Informed
Keep an eye on publishing industry news and trends. Share your insights and opinions on topics relevant to writers and readers. Lots happening right now in the industry with regard to copyright and AI tools. Read more here.
11. Promote User-Generated Content
Encourage your followers to share their book recommendations and reviews. Repost and engage with their content. Remember: have a good mix of promo vs. value-added content.
The 80/20 rule works here: 80% other-centric content, 20% promo.
Also, ask for pet pix! I often share Pip (here, he’s giving five meows 😻😻😻😻😻 to
new release, Keeper of Backwards Men - fantastic):
12. Join Bookish X Chats
Participate in, or host, book-related X chats. It's a great way to connect with fellow book enthusiasts. Be sure to join my weekly #BookMarketingChat every Wednesday at 11 am pst/2 pm est on XSpaces.
Building a following takes time and consistent effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Stay authentic and passionate about books, and your X community of readers will grow over time. Happy posting! 📚📢
Reader question of the week comes from John Harvey:
Q: How can readers find our work if there are many others with the same name?
A: Great question! I always suggest, for social media and even domain names, to use our name (or pen name) plus writer or author at the end, if possible.
For example, instead of John Harvey as your domain name or social media handle, make it John Harvey, Writer (aka, @JohnHarveyWriter).
If that’s taken or too long (X allows only 15 characters - no spaces), see if you can play with it somehow, such as JHarveyAuthor or JRHarvey, Writer.
I would avoid having numbers in your handle or domain, as it appears spammy.
That said, if your name is very common (Joe Smith), the same advice applies. Customize it, make it your own.
And think of your future books or projects! What works with your next book, and the one after that? Don’t name your handles or domains with one title. Start with a strategy.
Next week’s #BookMarketingChat XSpace is with publisher Arielle of @OBPublish. Got questions on how to get published? Don’t miss it. https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1yNxaZaRELDKj
Some fantastic hashtag suggestions, and wonderful advice to John Harvey. Thank you, Rachel.
This post is full of rich value for writers, and really, anyone, who wants to grow on X. Thank you, Rachel, for the five meows from Pip! I love that he is reviewing books.