These days, traditional book marketing methods such as press conferences aren’t enough to get your book out there. Times are changing; consumers no longer spend much time in bookstores. In recent studies, sales at brick and mortar bookstores are lower compared to sales from sites like Amazon.

Social media now plays an important role in how marketing is done. It can make or break a brand. If used properly, it generates audiences and sales follow. However, if social media is used carelessly and tactlessly, it can create a bad image for your brand and book. Consumers are easily turned off with poorly done and annoying online social marketing strategies.

Offline marketing strategies still play an important role in book selling, but social media has captured its own market share. It’s a free tool that almost everyone has access to. Consumers and readers don’t need to visit bookstores or attend book reading events; instead, they only need to go online to search for new books or watch book readings. Social media marketing is geared towards reaching more audiences and real time communication.

So, how can you use social media to your advantage? How can you use it to market your book?

There are many social media platforms available, but it’s best to focus on these two strategies to obtain maximum exposure for your book.

Create a Facebook Page or Account

Facebook, the #1 social networking site, is deemed to have over 1 billion registered users to date. Make your presence known by creating a Facebook page for your book or yourself as an author. You can start by inviting your family, friends and colleagues to support your Facebook account. They can either add your account or like your page. Expect to gain exposure over a short period of time, and at a relatively low cost too.

A good way to start with Facebook is by providing a photo of yourself, your book, and short information about your topic. It’s advisable to regularly update your page at least 4x a week. You can share details such as when your book will be released, or share quotes from your book. Readers will be easily notified, and they can easily share information about your book with just a click.

Gain followers through Twitter

Twitter is the second most popular and widely used social media platform. It has over 600 million registered users online. Start by creating a professional profile and seek the support of people you personally know.

You can then move on by offering information related to your book and the topics related to them. Try to be as interactive as possible; reply to questions as much as you can. Remember, you need to establish an audience and gain loyal followers. Readers are drawn to people who can answer their questions and needs. They don’t want to follow or listen to narcissistic people.

The goal is to keep your message short but direct. It’s also important to advertise your book indirectly by quoting interesting topics or lines from your book. Avoid posting messages like “buy my book”; instead, use the subtle approach of engaging your readers to become curious about your book, until they make the decision to buy it.