Let's put a pin in that

3 favourite writing-based marketing platforms

Last week I mentioned an interview I was going to share with you about using TikTok and Instagram.

Ah, the best laid plans…

I got sick. Then my interviewee got sick. It would be a video of coughing fits and snotty noses.

So let’s put a pin in that one and save it for later.

Instead, we’ll grab the Writing-based marketing post-it note.

I asked around and these 3 came out as clear favourite social media platforms:

(This post is longer than usual so feel free to jump to the bits you need!)

Substack

That’s not social media, Kelly. I know, I know. I’m not losing the plot.

Thinking about our goal though—getting eyes on your work—Substack is a great option for that.

Substack has added discoverability and, in the last few months, it’s made a noticeable difference.

You don’t even have to do extra work! Just repost your articles or links to your writing.

(Can’t get angry at that kind of marketing.)

“The network of writers, publications, and readers on the platform drives more than 40% of all Substack subscriptions”—Substack newsletter

Who is Substack best for:

Writers, artists, speakers, teachers…anyone with something to say or share.

What works on Substack:

From poetry to politics, Substack is an anything goes kinda place.

What commitment-level are we talking?

Several levels work on Substack. Whether it’s a “calling Grandma” kind of commitment (once every couple of weeks) or a “feed the cat” level (twice a day) that’s up to you.

There are writers making it their full-time gig or just gathering a few extra reads.

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LinkedIn

LinkedIn has good discoverability too. Far more people read on LI than post.

So as a writer, you have an advantage. You can draw all the eyes your way with your snappy posts and witty observations!

LinkedIn readers—and the algorithm—don’t like moving off platform though.

(Stubborn bunch)

But you can get around that. You’re sneaky. I mean, creative.

• Create a LinkedIn Newsletter and repost your articles.

• Or post snippets to tease people with and hide a link to your full story in the comments (where the algorithm can’t see it!).

The bonus with LI

As a writer is you’re more likely to find freelance clients there than on other social media platforms. It’s your chance to show your skills.

Some of my best clients have found me on LI. I would have never met them otherwise.

Who is LI best for?

I’ve seen writers successfully sharing a wide range: from personal stories, fiction, creative work, to business-related content.

If you write work-related posts, LI is ideal. Why aren’t you there already?

But the platform has changed this year and more voices are welcome than just business-y ones.

What works on LI?

The trick to LI posts, is a great hook to fish for attention.

Your first line needs a scroll stopping statement or question—the delicious worm—and you’ll snag yourself some readers.

What commitment-level are we talking?

Like fishing, LI does take a far amount of sitting around to be most effective.

You’ll need time interacting and networking—adding people to your network, replying to messages, and commenting on other people’s posts.

I’ve never been patient enough for fishing on a regular basis, but regular is the key to successful marketing on LI.

Why are we talking about fishing? Moving on quickly….

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Twitter

Threads and newsletters on Twitter make it easy to post teasers of your writing and entice people over to read the full story.

But will they?

Sometimes. They’re not keen to budge in general.

So what’s the point of Twitter for marketing? Good question.

Who is Twitter best for?

If you enjoy adding your thoughts to the WWC (The World Wide Conversation—oo I like that) it can be fun for writers.

Twitter, like most marketing, is a long game.

It might not get many more eyes on your work, but if you’re aiming to write a book in the future, a big Twitter following (over 20K) will impress agents and publishers.

Forward planning never hurts.

Gumroad products also seem to do quite well on Twitter. It might be worth promoting your ebook instead of your article.

What works on Twitter?

Engaging with the community works well on Twitter. You have to give to get.

• Be useful.

• Be interesting.

• Be entertaining.

• Be conversational.

• Be controversial, if that’s your thing!

Then you might get a few eyes on your work.

What commitment-level are we talking?

Twitter moves fast. The fastest of the three.

It’s like an ever-flowing conversation with every single person in the world (and some bots thrown in too).

That means tweets can get lost in the noise.

The algorithm is also on the look out for certain kinds of tweets (attention grabbing ones) and they’re not always the kind you want to be writing.

Scheduling for success

To really go for it on Twitter, a lot of writers make use of scheduling tools and set up a steady stream of tweets to go out all day.

There’s a bounty of scheduling tools to pick from.

Most of them cost $, BUT you can actually schedule tweets on Twitter for free.

WHAAATT?! (I just found this out doing research for this letter).

I’ve been on Twitter since 2020 and I’m still a noobie.

That makes me feel like my grandfather. (Who saw the invention of the car, television and computer!)

These are the 3 favourite writing-based marketing platforms of most writers I know. Are they yours? Let me know in the comments.

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I’m super careful about affiliate products I recommend to you. I say no to a lot. But some writing skills are best learnt with experts in particular topics—

Copywriting is one of those meaty topics.

That’s why I tested this one out. From the content, mentoring call, and incredibly supportive Facebook group—it’s a winner.

Even the free training video is useful. Grab a plate and fill up at the free copy buffet.