A Quick & Easy Guide to Social Media for Writers

Introduction

Social media can feel like a necessary evil. I get it: most writers would rather be writing than choreographing a TikTok dance routine. But the truth is, social media can be an incredibly useful tool for writers. This simple guide will help you figure out how to use social media in a way that actually works for you.

Why Should You Use Social Media as a Writer?

• It can help you build your audience.

• It can help you connect with readers, writers, and publishers.

• It can be an opportunity to share your work.

• It can help establish your voice and brand.

• You can get feedback and motivation from the writing community.

Choose the Right Platforms for You

You don’t have to be everywhere. Pick the platforms that feel natural to you and suit your strengths. Love visuals? Instagram or Pinterest might be your thing. Prefer quick, clever thoughts? Try X (formerly Twitter). Enjoy longer posts and deeper engagement? LinkedIn could be a better fit. The key is to use the platform or platforms that suit you. Here are some of the platforms available:

Instagram 

Great for quotes, writing updates, Reels, and behind-the-scenes looks.

X (Twitter) 

Ideal for writing threads, industry news, and community chats (e.g., #amwriting).

Facebook

Useful for groups and connecting with readers.

TikTok 

#BookTok is booming for authors and book lovers.

LinkedIn

Best for freelance writers and content creators.

BlueSky 

A growing alternative for thoughtful posts and writer-friendly discussions

📝 Some Tips to get you Started

Share Your Writing Journey

Let people in on your writing process:

• You could post about your writing routine or word count goals.

  
  

• You could share snippets of your work-in-progress (WIP).

  
  

• You could celebrate milestones.

  
  

• You could even ask your followers for title or character name suggestions.

  
  

Honesty and authenticity go a long way. Being yourself helps build trust and makes you more relatable to your audience.

Use Eye-Catching Visuals

Using visuals on social media goes a long way. Who doesn’t love a dog photo? If you do decide to use visuals, though, keep it simple, clean, and in line with your vibe. No need to get fancy, just make sure it feels like you. Some ideas you could try are:

• Canva quote graphics

  
  

Here’s one I made.

• Photographs of your writing setup

  
  

• Reels or videos of ‘day in the life’ scenes

  
  

• Pictures of pets

  
  

Create a Consistent Posting Schedule

You don’t need to post daily, just regularly enough so people don’t forget about you. Aim for around 2–3 posts per week. You can even use tools like Buffer or Later to schedule ahead.

Have a Clear, Unique, and Memorable Bio

Your bio is the first thing people see, so make it count! Keep it short, snappy, and true to who you are. Another great approach is to check out the profiles of some of your favourite authors for inspiration.

Optimise the Link in your Bio

You only get one link in your bio, so use it wisely. With tools like Linktree or Beacons, you can combine multiple links into a single landing page.

Engage with the Writing Community

Genuine interactions are a great way to grow your network and be part of a supportive creative space. Reply to comments, join conversations using hashtags like #WritersCommunity, #AmWriting, or #WritingTips, and support other writers by sharing or commenting on their work.

Don’t be too Pushy

You can (and should!) share your books or blog posts, but try to mix them with content that offers value.

💡 Quick Tip: Use the 80/20 rule: 80% helpful/entertaining posts, 20% promotional.

Consider Making Short Videos

More and more platforms are ranking short videos higher on their algorithms, so it’s a great time to experiment. Here are a few simple video ideas you could try:

• Time-lapse ‘write with me’ sessions.

  
  

• Fun 3-sentence story challenges.

  
  

• Book reviews or recommendations

  
  

• Writing tips and productivity hacks

  
  

Build an Email List Alongside Social Media

While social media is great for reach, your email list is yours. It isn’t affected by algorithms, and it gives you a direct line to your readers. Email lists can be one of the best tools for long-term marketing. Whether you’re promoting a new book, sharing writing tips, or just keeping readers in the loop, email helps you stay connected directly.

💡 Quick Tip: Invite your followers to subscribe by offering a freebie, like a short story, a behind-the-scenes Q&A, writing prompts or printable worksheets.

Getting started is simple with tools like MailerLite or Substack. Both offer beginner-friendly setups.

Final Thoughts

Social media can feel overwhelming at times (trust me, I know!), but it’s also an incredible tool for writers to share their voice, connect with readers, and find their community. Your stories matter, and there’s an audience out there waiting to hear them. Keep writing, keep sharing, and trust that your voice will find its way to the people who need it most.