Using Social Media When Writing
By Rebecca Matter

“I HAVE to learn social media?!?”

While many of the emails I received were enthusiastic about the social media opportunity I wrote about last week, a few AWAI members panicked.

They felt like I was saying there would be no way to be successful as a writer without learning it.

So let me take a step back for a second and clear that up…

You don’t have to learn social media to live the writer’s life.

Yes, it can provide some incredible revenue streams for you if you choose to learn it.

But to live the writer’s life, you just need to have a financially valuable writing skill - like being able to write persuasive copy - that allows you to consistently earn a much higher than average income.

If you have that, you’re golden. And other than being able to market yourself and that skill, you don’t need anything else.

BUT …

There are still a few reasons why as a writer you’ll want to learn social media, even if you’re not interested in the incredible revenue opportunity.

For starters, you can connect with other writers in your field…

Copywriters, fiction writers, screen writers, blog writers, every writer can now easily network and interact with writers who share their same passion.

In the past writers worked in isolation. But that doesn’t have to be the case anymore. Now you can share your dreams and fears and get help whenever you need from other writers all around the world.

Social media is also an incredible resource for ideas …

Maybe you’re interested in testing a promo and need some ideas for a new headline…

Or you’re writing a fiction novel and want to talk to people who’ve actually shot the gun your character is about to shoot, so that you can describe it in detail…

Or you’re doing some research for a health copywriter about weight loss treatments, and need to find people who suffer from extreme obesity and have tried other treatments unsuccessfully.

If you thought the internet was great resource for locating ideas, just wait until you try social media. Because now you can talk to actual people, in real time, rather than reading information from a page that was written 4 years ago, that is unable to respond to questions or give you up-to-the-minute accuracy.

So do you have to learn social media to live the writer’s life? No.

But you didn’t have to learn how to use email. Or the internet. Or even a computer for that matter!

(And if you’re a lot younger than me and didn’t realize not learning them was ever an option, then skip ahead!) :)

Social media is no different. It’s big. And it’s impacting our lives as much as the creation of the Internet.

It’s revolutionizing the way people communicate and learn, and how companies market their products and services.

And that spells huge opportunity, which is why I want you to be aware of it whether you decide to embrace it or not.

AWAI’s purpose is to give you access to the opportunities that will lead you to your version of the writer’s life as quickly as possible.

And social media is an opportunity that can do just that.

In fact, it’s safe to say it’s the biggest freelance opportunity of 2011 – and will likely be the winner for years to come.

To learn more about it, read this article written by Roy Furr. In it he explains just how big it is, and what you need to know about it.

And if you’re totally new to social media, I’ve given you a little assignment below so you can dip your toe into the water slowly.

Just remember, new things are often scary. But if you read my email yesterday, you know that I believe the scariest things are often the most worthwhile. So never let fear of the unknown stand in your way.

***

Assignment for Social Media Newbies

1. Join Facebook by going to www.facebook.com.

2. Once you’re signed up, connect with me by going to http://www.facebook.com/RebeccaMatterWrites and clicking on “Add as Friend” at the top of the page.

Not too scary yet, right? And now you already have one friend on Facebook, and can begin to make more.

3. Finally, search for three groups that interest you.

For example, type AWAI in the search box. It will take you to AWAI’s “Fan Page.” Once there, click the “Like This” button at the top of the page.

Now you’re a connected with AWAI, and only have two more to go …

You can search by hobby, by company name, by writing type – anything you’re interested in. And when you find groups you want to be part of, simply click that “Like This” button, and you’ll see updates from them whenever you log into Facebook.

That’s it! You’ve taken the first step.

And yes, that’s only the beginning. But you have to start somewhere.

So good job!