1. You singled out a follower when you didn’t mean to.
When you reply to someone but you want everyone who follows you to see your reply, simply add a period before the @ symbol. “.@balboapress” This will give your tweets more exposure.
2. Your profile text could use some work.
Make sure you have a profile that is optimized for search engines. Your profile is where you normally list your hobbies or what you do. Make sure you include hashtags like #author #writer or your book title and include any related organizations and websites so people can find you easily.
3. Not using enough hashtags in your tweets.
It’s always a good idea to include hashtags in your tweets for hot topics. These hashtags help search engines find you. Try it out and see if more is better for you.
4. Update your profile photo.
The image you use creates a first impression when people visit your profile, and they will associate that image with you and your book. A professionally-produced image, sized correctly for the profile page, is a sign of a social media pro.
5. You don’t have a Twitter header photo.
Every Twitter user should look at their own profile and make sure they’ve added photos. You may already know about the background photo and profile photo, but there’s also a “header” photo. This is the image that appears in your profile behind your profile photo, name, and handle. By default, it is a solid color. Just edit your profile and click Change Header, then add a new image. Don’t just leave it blank. That is prime real estate. Use it to your advantage.
6. You tweet the full URL.
Many social media dashboards shorten links automatically, but it’s amazing how many people insist on using the full URL. You might think Google won’t understand the condensed link, but the search engine can read links from shortening services like Bit.ly just fine. Plus, you can track who clicks on the links and leave room for people to retweet and add their own comment.
7. It’s not just about you.
Retweet articles by other authors as well as promoting your own. It’s not just about your work! Read what other people in your field are writing about and discuss with them.
-BalboaPress
Balboa Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books, are invited to do so by sending a message through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BalboaPress, by tweeting us @BalboaPress, or by emailing dghosh@ balboapress.com. We may not be able to use every story, but we will read and consider them. Balboa Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar and punctuation accuracy; as well as for space.