36 Twitter Tips for Book Publishers
For better or worse, Twitter has become part of our culture. While some people still may not see the value in engaging on the online social networking tool, many do. According to ComScore Media Metrix’s October figures, Twitter had more than 20 million unique visitors in the United States in September. Many businesses find Twitter useful for connecting with customers, and publishers are no exception. “If you are a good Twitterer, people will trust you—even if you are a brand—and will trust your recommendations. And word-of-mouth is the best marketing tool,” says Malle Vallik, director of digital content and social media at Harlequin Enterprises Ltd.
Vallik says that, for Harlequin, there is no doubt about Twitter’s value. “We track clicks through a tool like bit.ly [see tip No. 24], and when you see the numbers increase dramatically, it is more than worthwhile.”
Another benefit, she says, is that it’s “fast and friendly. [It’s] not a big investment of resources, although it’s addictive.”
Here are Book Business’ 36 tips for using Twitter effectively from those who have quite a few tweets under their belt.
Tips from … Jesse McDougall, Co-Owner, Catalyst Webworks (social media consultancy)
Twitter.com/jsmcdougall
1. After signing up for Twitter, cruise through WeFollow.com, Twit-Dir.com and the new Twitter Lists to find and follow folks in your niche.
2. Create several Twitter accounts based on the niches in which you publish.
3. Avoid the temptation to automate. It is important that you are on Twitter to respond to the community.
4. Sell books by adding substantive information from your books and authors to the conversation. No hard sales pitches, please.
5. Have fun. Invent new … ways to engage your Twitter community—contests, polls, jokes, raffles, giveaways, etc.
Tips from … Jeffrey Yamaguchi, Online Director, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Twitter.com/AAKnopf, /doubledaypub, /VintageAnchor, /PantheonBooks