LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Triberr, Goodreads, Klout, WordPress, Google+, YouTube…
The world of social media is constantly growing and evolving. That’s what makes it so exciting. That’s also what makes is so overwhelming.
Social Media Mashup
As a writer, it’s important to be on social media in some capacity. To be active, to build a readership, to learn more about the craft, to interact with other like-minded people, and yes, to have fun.
BUT…
Time is a precious commodity. One we have to manage very, very carefully. So we search for that elusive ‘balance’. And in that quest, I have to wonder… which of these sites is really worth it. I mean, really. Maybe all? Maybe none?
For example, I’ve recently been told by one of my fellow Wana711 sistas’, Jillian Dodd, that Goodreads is the place to be. Sure, I belonged to Goodreads, but to be fair, I had barely utilized it. I didn’t really know what it can do (still not totally sure) but I’m learning that it might be one of my most useful tools as an author. Also, another Wana711 sista’ Natalie Hartford, just introduced me to Triberr. More to learn? Absolutely, but…it could really be worth the effort.
So…Wordbitches Wonder…what’s the most useful social media site for you? No, not the most fun. But the most useful. And why?
Leanne Shirtliffe (Ironic Mom)
Elena Aitken
Trish Loye Elliott
THERE IS SO MUCH. I’m on good reads, but I like it for the information, not for social reasons. I’m sticking to Twitter and Facebook for now. I just don’t manage time well enough.
Goodreads is a fabulous site. There’s SO much too it, and I’m just starting to figure it all out.
The whole time management thing…sigh. Also a problem for me. Big time.
I’m concentrating on blogs and twitter for now, but there is so much more I want to do. The question I’m forced to ask, however, is if I did all this, when would I have time to do what I actually want to do: write?
I’m horrible at time management. And the internet is a terrible time-suck. Especially the social networking sites.
And yet they are so essential to a modern career. It’s very difficult to balance the two. I don’t think I’ll ever get it just right. Oh, well. I guess I can enjoy the see-saw ride of it all, at least.
Have a great day, and happy writing!
Hi, Kyla!
Fabulous question…when IS there time to write?! the thing I’m learning now that I have a few books out is that the marketing/social media/blogging etc. is SO important. It truly is part of the ‘job’. It’s that whole time management thing. I honestly find that by sticking to a word count goal, I can put my writing first and fill in the gaps with everything later.
You gotta find what words for you. It just takes time.
thanks for the comment. And happy writing to you!
Thank you! I know it’s part of the ‘job’ but I don’t think I’m very good at that part. I’m just not a very social person, and social networking requires a lot of that socialization stuff.
Anyway, I do have a list of social networking work I need to get done. I’m just not sure how to fit it in on top of my already heavy workload. Oh, well. I’ll fit in some time at some point. Thanks for taking the time to chat back at me, and the good advice.
Btw, I thought I’d let you know: you inspired me to join Triberr today! And I wrote a post on my blog (Kyla’s Not Normal) all about it and linked over to this article. Hope you don’t mind! Have a great day, and thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for the FAB shout out Elena.
Hmmmm…most useful social media tool. Well. I’d have to say triberr likely holds the most potential to be the most useful because it’s like one-stop shopping for blog promotion. It’ll take some time for me to get it set up, create more tribes etc so that it really serves its purpose but…I think it’ll be worth it. We shall see….I’ll keep you posted on that one! LOL!
No prob, Natalie!
I do see the benefit of Triberr for sure. But yes, like anything…time to set up…Thanks for introducing me to it!
I use Twitter, blogger, and FB. I really don’t think I could use anything else! Well, I’m on Goodreads, but that’s mainly to keep track of the books I’m reading. Which reminds me, I need to go update it…LOL
Thanks for the comment, April.
What I REALLY want is one stop to streamline everything. I’m sure it exists, I just haven’t found it yet. And then of course I’d have to figure out how to use it…
It’s frightening! I use FB (personal & Fan page), Google + (personal & fan page), Twitter, Triberr (just a couple tribes… 83,000 reach!), Goodreads…. I think that’s it? I’m terrified of the “next big thing” is. I already have no social-outside-of-my-house life, my social-media-life couldn’t afford it! LOL. I think that was a joke… maybe. But then, without them, I wouldn’t have met awesome people like you! (cheesy? LOL)
Hi Liz,
It’s true, you meet so many cool people with social media.
Interesting that you use Goggle + I have a profile, but I honestly have NO idea how it works. It’s on the list….
I’m taking “31 Days to Be a Better Blogger”, a class through The Sits Girls #sits31dbbb and today we were supposed to learn about Google Analytics. I wasted sooo much time trying to figure out how to do it and then looking at the metrics, etc. I never wrote a word today. So how was that productive? I’m not sure. I have to finish my book and then I’ll worry about the numbers on my blog. All I know from WordPress is that my numbers are increasing. And that is all just WordPress, Twitter, my Facebook page, my relationships with bloggers and… Words with Friends!
Is it my turn?
I don’t think it matters what site you use as long as you’re not only in one place, you’re totally genuine, and you use it often and well enough!
So far, I’m mainly using Goodreads just to keep track of what I’ve read and what I want to read. There’s more to learn, I take it?
I think twitter is the most useful to me at this point in time, and it’s the one I enjoy the most. I dabble in a bunch of others, but so far, twitter wins….
I have 3 phones, a mailbox outside my front door, and a blog/website…. all easy, fun and comfortable. I’m on facebook but it’s overwhelming and I still haven’t figured it out. I still have a lot of friends. I don’t think I need it. I read all my incoming Goodreads. It is number one on my list to figure out. Thanks for the inspiration Elena.