How Writers Can Use Social Media to Get Noticed (and Actually Have Fun Doing It)

Let’s be real—being a writer in 2025 means you’re not just wrangling words for your book, blog, or poems. You’re also your own marketer, hype person, and PR department. And whether you love it or loathe it, social media is one of the best tools you’ve got for building your name and finding your people.

The good news? You don’t need a million followers to make it work. You just need to show up, be yourself, and give people a reason to stick around.

Why Bother With Social Media Anyway?

Social media isn’t just about chasing likes—it’s about connection. Here’s what it can do for you:

Get your work in front of more eyeballs without waiting for a publisher’s permission.

Meet readers where they hang out—whether that’s on TikTok, Instagram, or somewhere else.

Test-drive ideas and see what clicks before you commit.

Find your writing crew—other writers, editors, and creatives who get what you’re about.

In short: it’s free marketing, networking, and audience-building rolled into one.

Pick Your Platforms Wisely

You do not need to be everywhere. That’s the fast track to burnout. Instead, figure out where your ideal readers (and you) are happiest.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Instagram – Perfect for sharing quotes, poetry snippets, cover reveals, or pretty “writing in progress” shots.

X (Twitter) – Short thoughts, witty takes, and joining writing community chats.

TikTok (BookTok) – Great for creative, low-budget videos, book recommendations, or funny writing struggles.

LinkedIn – More polished; great for professional writing, articles, and networking with industry folks.

Facebook Groups – Niche communities, book clubs, and reader-focused conversations.

Pick one or two you’ll actually use. Consistency beats overcommitting.

How to Be Engaging Without Feeling Fake

1.⁠ ⁠Talk About More Than Your Book

If your feed is just “BUY MY BOOK” on repeat, people will scroll past. Share:

Fun facts from your research

Lessons you’ve learned while writing

Behind-the-scenes peeks at your process

Recommendations for other books you genuinely love

You want to be interesting, not just promotional.

2.⁠ ⁠Post at a Rhythm You Can Maintain

You don’t have to post daily. Aim for a schedule you can stick to without dreading it—maybe three times a week or one meaty post every Sunday. Predictability builds trust.

3.⁠ ⁠Use Storytelling, Even in Short Posts

Every post—yes, even a one-liner—can have a hook, a vibe, and a little payoff. Instead of “I’m editing my book,” try:

“Today I deleted 2,000 words I spent a week writing. They were bad words. They know what they did.”

It’s relatable, human, and shareable.

4.⁠ ⁠Actually Talk to People

Don’t just post and vanish. Reply to comments. Leave thoughtful replies on other people’s posts. Ask questions that invite conversation, like:

“What’s the book that made you fall in love with reading?”

“Writers: do you outline or wing it?”

Social media is a conversation, not a monologue.

5.⁠ ⁠Use Hashtags and Trends… But Don’t Force It

Hashtags like #AmWriting, #BookTok, #WritingCommunity, or genre-specific ones (#CozyMystery, #Romantasy) help new people find you.

If there’s a trending challenge or audio that genuinely fits your brand—jump in. But if it feels awkward? Skip it.

6.⁠ ⁠Share Your Process (Messy Bits Included)

People love seeing how the sausage gets made. That could mean:

Your scribbled notes or outline

A peek at your writing playlist

“Before and after” of an edited scene

A photo of your 5th cup of coffee with the caption “send help”

This stuff makes you relatable, and relatability builds loyalty.

7.⁠ ⁠Collaborate With Other Creators

Two writers doing a joint livestream Q&A.

A “pass the pen” video where each writer shares a writing tip.

Guest posts on each other’s blogs.

Cross-promotion works because you’re sharing audiences who already like the kind of stuff you create.

Common Social Media Myths for Writers—Busted

“I need to be everywhere.”

Nope. Pick where you can show up regularly and ignore the rest.

“I have to go viral to succeed.”

Also nope. Slow, steady growth is way more sustainable—and you keep the followers who actually care.

“I can’t be myself; I need to be ‘professional.’”

Readers connect with humans, not marketing robots. You can be both authentic and professional.

A Simple Posting Formula

If you’re stuck on what to share, try rotating these:

Value – Tips, advice, or recommendations your audience will appreciate.

Behind the Scenes – Sneak peeks of your writing life.

Connection – Questions, relatable moments, or stories from your journey.

Promotion – Announcements about your book, events, or offers (no more than 20–30% of posts).

Keep It Fun

If you dread posting, it’ll show. Keep experimenting until you find what feels natural. Some writers love short, snappy posts. Others shine in long captions or mini blog posts. Some lean heavily on visuals; others are all about text. There’s no one “right” way—just the way that works for you.

Remember: You’re Playing the Long Game

Social media isn’t about instant results. You’re planting seeds—each post, each comment, each interaction adds up. Over time, you’ll build not just followers, but a real community of readers who are excited to support your work.

So post the draft excerpt. Share the writing fail. Celebrate the little wins. Let people into your world, and they’ll stick around to see what you create next.

Bottom line: Use social media to connect first, promote second, and have a little fun along the way. The rest will follow.