Twitter Marketing for Writers: Get Known, Get Paid to Write

Have you discovered Twitter? This micro-blogging site is a wonderful tool for writers. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a form of social networking.

Here’s how to get started.

1. Claim Your Name

Claim your name before someone else does. Unfortunately I made this particular boo-boo — when I started on Twitter I thought it was just for fun, and used a nickname. Therefore I encourage you to use your own name on Twitter and learn from my mistake.

2. See How Other Writers Are Using It

Once you’ve signed up for your free Twitter account, do a search for “writers” and “writing” and save those searches. The site is experiential: you learn by doing. Don’t worry about making mistakes. If you’re your usual professional self, you’ll be fine.

Read other writers’ streams, to see how they use the service. Make notes of what people tweet about, especially the users who have many followers.

A big tip: don’t spam. There are many automation tools, but don’t be tempted to use them. They can get your account banned, and can make your use of Twitter ineffective. That said — use the site in any way which makes sense to you. These tools are so new that essentially there are no rules, there’s only what works for you.

3. Jazz up Your Profile, and Landing Page

Remember that although you’re watching how other writers use Twitter, writers aren’t your target audience.

You need to define your target audience, so that buyers of your writing can find you. In 100 to 200 words, write a description of your buyers. These are the people whose attention you want.

In addition, create a short list of 5 to 10 keywords which your buyers use. Your buyers will search using these keywords, and if you use them, they’ll find you.

Next, go into your Twitter profile and write a description of who you are and what you do. Include some of the keywords you’re targeting.

Many Twitter users create a specific and new landing page to add to their profile. You can do this too, or you can simply add your own web address.

Twitter is a wonderful tool to use in marketing your writing. It’s not instant marketing, but your marketing efforts will help you to get known, and to make money with your writing.

Follow Angela Booth on Twitter

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