There’s no doubt that there’s a push for writers to promote themselves online. To create a ‘presence’, to build a ‘profile’.
But if you dip your toes in all the options available, you end up with no actual time to write.
You’re so busy chasing hither and thither, chatting here, pinning there, that what used to be ‘procrastination’ becomes your job.
This is not always for the best.
I think the key is to find the social media channels that work best for you, and stick with those. I should know. I’ve tried just about all of them.
When I first began blogging, I jumped headfirst into Twitter because a) it would help to get my blog ‘out there’ and b) it’s a great place for smart alecs like me to have fun. If you like words and you like smarts, Twitter can be like the best party you’ve ever been to.
After Twitter, however, came Facebook – first a Life In A Pink Fibro blog page, then an Allison Tait page, then, after I decided that two pages was ridiculous, just the Allison Tait page.
Then I was told I really should get on Pinterest. So I did. And it’s a lovely place to while away a few hours sorting through soothing pictures of bathrooms.
I can see how it works for some blogs as a traffic driver, but I’ve slowly realised over three years of blogging that I’m not really in this for spikes in traffic. I’m looking for readers, for writers, for community. When my most popular pin became an image of a DIY Christmas Tree created with photo frames, I began to wonder…
I’ve also tried Instagram. I very much enjoyed taking images of my garden for the #yearinmygarden meme, and I do like the insight into other people’s lives that it shows, but I don’t really want to share any more of mine than I already do. [EDIT 2020: I use Instagram regularly and happily now and have worked out my boundaries of what to share and what to keep to myself]
Which leaves me, where?
I dabble in Pinterest occasionally and have grown to love Instagram stories (so ephemeral!). But, mostly, I’m a words girl.
I need to play to my strengths.
So, you’ll find me here on Twitter. And here on Facebook.
But mostly at my desk. Writing.
Which social media channels are your favourites – and why?
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