Beyond Likes and Shares: How Keywords Can Help You Find Your Ideal Reader
Ah, social media. A fantastic tool for connecting with readers, but with so much noise, how do you make sure the right readers are seeing your content? Enter the magic of keywords!
As a fiction author, using the right keywords in your posts can be a game-changer. It’s not about blind promotion, it’s about attracting readers who are genuinely interested in the kind of stories you write.
Here’s how keyword magic works:
1. Speaking the Reader’s Language:
Imagine your ideal reader searching for their next great read. What keywords would they use? Think genre-specific terms (“paranormal romance,” “dystopian sci-fi”), character tropes (“strong female lead,” “enemies to lovers”), or even reading moods (“heartwarming story,” “edge-of-your-seat thriller”). By incorporating these keywords naturally into your posts (blogs, captions, etc.), you increase the chances of your content showing up in their search results.
2. Genre Hashtags: Reaching Your Tribe
Hashtags are your friends! Use a mix of popular genre hashtags (#fantasyreads, #mysterylover) and more niche ones specific to your subgenre (#historicalromance, #cyberpunk). This helps your content reach readers actively searching for those specific elements. But remember, don’t overdo it! A handful of well-chosen hashtags are more effective than a laundry list.
3. Behind the Scenes: Keywords for Engagement
Keywords aren’t just about selling. Use them to spark discussions and build a community. For example, a post about world-building in your fantasy novel could include keywords like “magic system,” “creature design,” or “fantasy maps.” This attracts readers interested in those aspects and encourages them to engage with your content.
4. Targeting the Right Ads:
Many social media platforms allow targeted advertising. Keywords play a crucial role here. You can tailor your ads to reach readers who have shown interest in books similar to yours. This ensures you’re reaching a pre-qualified audience more likely to convert into readers.
Finding the Right Keywords
Research:
- Look at popular book blogs and social media groups in your genre. What keywords are they using?
- Bookseller Categories: Many online retailers categorize books by genre and subgenre. Use those terms as inspiration.
- Social Listening Tools: Google Alerts: This free service from Google allows you to set up alerts for keywords or phrases. You can use Google Alerts to track mentions of your book title, your author name, or relevant genre keywords. .
Remember: Don’t keyword stuff! Focus on natural integration, providing valuable content, and building genuine connections with your readers. By using keywords strategically, you’ll attract the right readers, build a loyal following, and ultimately sell more books!
Note from the Editor
If you are an author or have a friend who is an author and they would like some free publicity we would be happy to do a featured article on you on our website. Just send us a message using our CONTACT US form. We hope you will also join our NEWSLETTER Subscribers listing to get exclusive articles for authors of all genres. And, if you need author services such as digital marketing materials, websites and book formatting please check out our sponsor, Southern Dragon Publishing, https://SouthernDragonPublishing.com
As always please subscribe, like, share and comment below. We would to know which keyword resources you use in your book business.
You must be logged in to post a comment.