Social media can be an author’s best friend–if used wisely.
When I first started using it, I was excited to connect with old friends and meet lots of new ones. Then it became overwhelming to try to be in so many places and make updates on all of them.
Then it got tiresome. Let’s face it, there’s no way to make it sound interesting if all you’re talking about is what you had for breakfast. Here I am walking down the street. Here I am ordering coffee. Wow I’m stuck on the turnpike. Let me post a picture of this tree. Really?
Actually, social media can be a very useful tool, fun and doesn’t have to require constant care and feeding. You can use it effectively without burning yourself out, wasting time or spamming others.
If you’re an author who’s got books to promote, it’s really easier than you think.
Twitter – good for quick interactions. Keeps your communication simple and straightforward. But don’t spam your followers by asking them to buy your book. Mix your mentions in with other tweets. RT (retweet) interesting tweets so that you’re not just focusing on you. It’s an easy way to communicate and connect without the feeling of overwhelm that I often feel with other sites.
Facebook – post your book cover, articles, share other posts, quotes, pictures, etc. Share your interests while you promote your books. Create a fan page to promote yourself as an author. But whatever you do, be yourself and don’t feel compelled to say yes to every friend request.
LinkedIn – actually a good place for writers to interact. Lots of writing and publishing groups and (for the freelancers out there) opportunities to get job offers. If you write business books, it’s ideal because your potential readers will be on there. Good place to establish your “thought leader” creds.
Instagram – when I got my book proof, I took a picture and posted it on my account as an announcement of my new book. At first I was skeptical about its usefulness, but it’s actually fun to take pictures and share with your followers. it’s yet another way to tell your story and like all social media, it’s up to you how much you want to share. 
Pandora – I’ve got the paid account with no ads. Do your characters have a favorite song? Any music inspire you while you work? Share your playlist or your favorite songs with your friends and fans.
Blog Talk Radio – start a radio show or be a guest. Check out my radio show, Women Entrepreneurs Radio to get an idea of how it’s done.
Pinterest – If you’re a visual person you’ll easily get lost on this site. So, don’t use it if you can’t keep track of time! Set up boards to post pics that describe your characters or settings from your book. It’s yet another way to reach potential readers, connect with others and share your interests with your fans.
Social media can help you to connect without having to go out to crowded events. But don’t rely on just one way to reach out to your fans and promote your books. You’ll never know where you’ll find your readers – or where they’ll find you.