This weekend, our local SCBWI region organized a Social Media Day. We talked about websites, personal branding, and different marketing strategies. My presentation covered social media, and how to connect with the #kidlit community on different platforms.

Whether you’re published or pre-published, having a social media presence can connect you to a larger community. It can help you get noticed and discover new opportunities. But many of us have different comfort levels when it comes to setting sail on social media. Some take to it right away, enjoying the ride and the passengers they meet along the way. 

Others have boarded, they participate in a few deck-side activities, but when the waters get rough, they get queasy and head to their cabins. Then there’s the group that isn’t boarding at all. Sure, they know where the boat is docked, they know it’s about to depart without them, but they’ve seen Titanic—no thanks!

If you’re trying to find (or strengthen) your social medial sea legs, I hope this post can help. While preparing for my presentation, I found a great article about what an agent is looking for when they google potential clients. It boiled down to these three P’s: positivity, professionalism, and personality.  Whatever platform you choose to board, keeping the three P’s in mind will help you gain confidence as you set sail. Your posts will get more likes, you’ll find new followers, and industry professionals will discover a positive professional with a personality they want to work with.

Some things to consider:

1. Post a profile photo that is a clear picture of YOU.
2. Include words in your profile bio that will encourage others to connect with you. For example, are you a member of SCBWI? Many SCBWI members are looking to connect on social media.
3. Lurk to get comfortable, then join the conversation. Imagine you’re at a party. If someone struck up a conversation with you, how would you respond? Genuine kindness builds strong sea legs. Trolls sink ships.
4. If there’s something in your feed that makes you feel queasy, don’t abandon ship. You can hide that person’s posts or choose to unfollow them. You’re the captain here.

For more information about all things Social Media visit this page on the KidLit411 site.

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

Happy sailing!