Twitter is an amazing resource for writers.
And to think: I hated Twitter when I looked at it for the first time.
Cryptic symbols, URLs and short phrases stared back at me. But now, I don’t go a day without harnessing Twitter’s helpful powers for writers.
Here are five ways I leverage this social media platform to my advantage and why it matters.
1. Follow your contacts. After I’ve worked with an expert or completed an interview, I look them up on Twitter. By thanking and following them, I’ve made another connection for future article needs and will likely get a response, which boosts my engagement rate on Twitter.
2. Tag your sources. When an article publishes that includes quotes or insight from others, I always tag them on the post. This way they can see the final, published piece and will likely share the article out to their followers, which helps get my name as a writer out there.
3. Search writing hashtags. I enjoy connecting with other writers on Twitter since I’m no longer hanging around an office water cooler. Virtual colleagues are better than no colleagues at all. Find other wordsmiths by searching #amwriting to build up a support network of like-minded individuals.
4. Get expert comments. Professionals on Twitter love to lend their insight and expertise to your journalistic articles. Simply ask a question and use the hashtag #journorequest. Just be sure to monitor your account and reply quickly to keep sources happy.
5. Find writing jobs. If you’re looking for more writing work, Twitter is a treasure chest of opportunities. From journalistic work and blogging, to poetry and fiction submissions, you’ll find a bit of everything by searching the #writingopp hashtag. Go try it.
Tell me how you use Twitter to advance your writing career. Talk about it in the comments below. I’m listening!
Great stuff, Angela! Hope you’ll share any insights gained at Social Medial Marketing. (I think I remember you mentioned you were attending.) Other people who attended posted some interesting stuff.
Hi Joe! I am headed to the New Media Expo in Las Vegas tomorrow and will share lots of great ideas in the coming posts. Be sure to look me up on Twitter and Facebook for updates during the conference!