Twitter Don'ts

If done right, social media can be an effective tool for selling books. A while back, when I began to write seriously, I set up a Twitter account and tweeted four times daily. Some swore that was too much, but it seemed to work for me. My tweets were often about a blog I'd written, an aspect of writing, or one of my books.

When the Facebook revolution began, I followed the masses to the pretty and popular place. A page on Facebook looked almost like a website, but could easily be updated. I could post longer messages than on Twitter, plus more pictures.

@MorganMandel

I was really getting into the Facebook scene, when lo and behold, I was surprised to learn from fellow-author, Bob Sanchez, that Twitter, which I'd thought had become unpopular, had regained steam. Not only that, Bob, as well as many other authors, were successfully using Twitter to promote books. Shonell Bacon posted an article here, called "Using Twitter to Promote Your Book".

And, now, back to my experience - 
Although I kept my Facebook account and faithfully updated it, I began to pay more attention to Twitter. In the process, I learned a few things about what not to do. For the most part, I follow my own advice, but do make exceptions. Below is a list of my don'ts and personal exceptions.

Don't:
1. Don't waste time on inconsequentials. Meals, movies you've seen, what your dog or cat looks like or does, yours or someone else's health problems, relationship problems, those are topics best for Facebook's personal page, if you wish to share them at all. My exception is award shows for music or movies. I love tweeting about what people are wearing, how they're singing, or what songs or movies won or lost. It's like a virtual party, where we can share joys or disappointments.

2. Don't get political. I confess to breaking that rule at times, but not often. Many people feel strongly about politics. Being on the other side can raise a red flag and make them unfollow you. Now, there are some authors who make it their business to strongly impose their political views everywhere and at anytime. Depending on their type of books and audience, doing so may work for them. However, to reach a large audience of as many readers as you can, it's best not to get mired in politics.

3. Don't heavily endorse or make fun of a religion. If something of major concern is happening, and it impacts religious news and views, such as recently when the new Pope was elected, I sent out some tweets, but for the most part, I steer away from posting my religious views, and don't make fun of what others believe.

4. Don't follow weird people or ones with gimmicks. I get lots of notifications about followers who are touting methods to gain enormous amounts of Twitter followers. I also see notifications about followers who promote ways to make money. Then there are followers who look strange or even a bit lewd. I don't follow them back. They are of no use to me.

5. Don't follow people who don't follow you back, unless you have good reason. There are people out there who will follow you on Twitter, and once they've snared you as their follower, will unfollow you. You can try and weed these tricksters out and unfollow them, so as to make room for true followers. It makes little sense to waste your precious follower count on those who don't see what you tweet. As with anything else, there are exceptions. You might like to follow someone who is noted for offering advice about writing or another topic you're interested in, or you might like to follow a news source.

Maybe you know a Twitter Don't I've not listed here, or would like to comment on one of the don'ts I've mentioned. I invite you to do so below.

Experience the diversity & versatility of Morgan Mandel. For romantic comedy: Her Handyman & Girl of My Dreams. Thriller: Forever Young: Blessing or Curse.  Romantic suspense: Killer Career. Mystery: Two Wrongs. Twitter:@MorganMandel Websites: Morgan Mandel.Com & Chick Lit Faves