A Social Media Content Calendar for Writers (Plus 31 Content Ideas to Get Your Started)
Marketing and self-promoting your book is the most important step you can take to increase your book sales.
Whether you traditionally publish or self-publish your book, it’s important to have an organized social media strategy to promote your work, engage with your audience, and attract new readers. Social media is the quickest way to connect with new potential readers, and it’s also free! So, learning how to maximize your efforts is beneficial if you’re looking to boost your book’s sales.
While you may think you can wing it when it comes to content you share on social media, I recommend all writers use a social media content calendar. It’s a great way to plan out your social media content ahead of time and in ensures you’re consistent with posting.
The Power of a Social Media Content Calendar for Writers
1. Consistency and Time Management
Using a content calendar helps you maintain consistency in your presence on social media. Set a schedule for posting your work or promotional content, so you can ensure you’re regularly delivering valuable content to your audience. Moreover, a content calendar allows you to plan in advance, so you save time, and it prevents last-minute content creation.
2. Strategic Planning
A content calendar helps you align your social media efforts with your writing goals and campaigns. By planning out themes, book releases, or blog post topics in advance, you can create cohesive and impactful social media content that resonates with your audience.
3. Audience Engagement
Engaging with your readers is a crucial part of writing and publishing a book, and it’s something that no one else can do for you. A social media content calendar helps you identify opportunities for audience interaction like hosting Q&A sessions, sharing writing tips, and running contests or giveaways. By incorporating these events into your content calendar, you can enhance your connection with readers and foster a loyal fan base.
Free Social Media Scheduling Tools for Writers
If the thought of logging into your social media account every day to share a post seems overwhelming, there are several free social media planning and scheduling tools you can use to effectively implement your social media content calendar. Here are a few popular free social media planning options:
Hootsuite: This platform allows you to schedule and manage social media content across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Buffer: Buffer uses an intuitive interface where you can schedule posts on various social media platforms. It also offers helpful features like link tracking and analytics.
Later: This platform is primarily focused on Instagram scheduling, so you can plan and schedule visual content on your feed. Features within Later include like a media library, hashtag suggestions, and more.
TweetDeck: This platform is ideal if you’re active on Twitter. TweetDeck enables you to schedule tweets, monitor mentions and hashtags, and more efficiently engage with your Twitter audience.
31 Ideas for Social Media Content Writers Can Use
Deciding what content to share on social media as a writer is often the biggest roadblock, but we’re making it easy today for you by sharing 31 content ideas you can use to create your own social media content calendar. Here’s our list:
Share a behind-the-scenes look at your writing sessions.
Post a favorite quote from a book or author that inspires you.
Create a book recommendation post and share your favorite reads.
Post a picture of your writing space and share more about your creative environment.
Ask your audience for their favorite book recommendations.
Share a writing tip that has helped you improve your craft.
Post a photo of your favorite writing-related accessory (a favorite pen or notebook).
Share a book review of your most recent read and invite your audience to share their thoughts if they’ve read it as well.
Celebrate your writing milestones or accomplishments.
Post a teaser or snippet from your current manuscript in progress.
Share a writing prompt and encourage your audience to answer it in the comments section.
Post a list of your favorite writing resources and websites.
Share a writing-related meme.
Interview a fellow writer and post their answers to share their insights.
Share a picture of your favorite writing spot outside the house.
Post a photo from your early writing days and reflect on how far you've come.
Share a writing challenge or contest your audience can participate in.
Post a picture of your bookshelf and talk about your favorite books.
Create and share a writing-related infographic or cheat sheet you like.
Ask your audience to share their writing goals for the month.
Post your recent book haul and share about the books you got.
Share a writing-related podcast or YouTube channel recommendation.
Post a picture of your go-to writing snack or beverage.
Share a writing-related quote that resonates with you and why.
Post a writing exercise or prompt for your audience to try.
Share about a writing-related event or workshop that you're attending.
Post a picture or video of your book signing or other author event.
Share a writing-related productivity tip.
Ask your audience for their favorite writing rituals or routines.
Highlight a lesser-known writer or author you admire.
Post a gratitude message to your readers and audience for their support.
Question: If we created a social media calendar you could use, would you download it? Comment below!