How to Use Social Media as a Writer
Social media can feel like both a blessing and a burden for writers. On one hand, it's a powerful tool for building an audience, connecting with other creatives, and sharing your work. On the other hand, it can feel noisy, performative, and distracting—especially when you’re trying to stay focused on your writing.
So how do you use social media in a way that feels aligned, sustainable, and useful for your writing life and goals?
Whether you're just starting out or refining your online presence, here’s how to intentionally approach social media as a writer—without burning out or losing your voice.
Define Your Purpose First
Before you post a single thing, ask yourself: Why do I want to be on social media?
Some common goals might include:
Building community with fellow writers and readers
Creating visibility for your work
Practicing your voice in public
Sharing your writing journey
Attracting opportunities (like speaking gigs, clients, or agents)
Your “why” becomes your compass. It’ll help you decide what to share, where to show up, and how to spend your time online in a way that supports—not distracts from—your writing goals.
Choose the Right Platforms for You
Not all platforms are created equal—and you don’t need to be on all of them. Choose one or two that fit your personality, goals, and where your ideal readers or community are already hanging out.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how different platforms can serve writers:
Instagram: Great for sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, short-form storytelling, and visual storytelling (think quotes, aesthetics, writing routines).
TikTok: Ideal for those who love video, have a strong personality or sense of humor, and want to reach younger readers.
X (formerly Twitter): Known for conversations, publishing insights, and real-time commentary.
LinkedIn: Excellent for nonfiction writers, thought leaders, or professionals writing in business or personal development spaces.
YouTube: Perfect for long-form video content like writing vlogs, tutorials, or Q&As.
Substack/Blogging: Ideal for writers who love writing essays, building a newsletter, or fostering deeper conversations with readers.
Pick what feels exciting (or at least doable) and sustainable—not what everyone else says “you have to do.”
Share More Than Just Your Book
It’s easy to fall into the trap of only posting about your book or latest project. But the truth is: people connect with people, not just products.
Instead of constantly promoting, think about creating connection through:
Your writing process or routines
The behind-the-scenes of drafting, revising, or querying
Quotes or excerpts from your work
What you’re reading or inspired by
Honest reflections about the writing life
Topics or themes you explore in your work (grief, healing, belonging, identity, transformation, etc.)
Questions or prompts to engage your audience
Let your feed reflect the full ecosystem of your writing—not just the final product.
Focus on Connection, Not Performance
You don’t need to go viral to build an audience. What matters more is resonance—building trust, familiarity, and conversation over time.
Here’s how to build that kind of connection:
Use your real voice. Don’t try to sound like someone else or “market-y.”
Be consistent—but give yourself grace. Quality over quantity.
Respond to comments and DMs when you can. Relationships matter.
Be generous—share other people’s work, celebrate wins, and give credit.
Be honest. People connect with vulnerability and real stories.
Think of social media as a long-term relationship with your audience, not a performance stage.
Set Boundaries to Protect Your Writing Time
It’s easy to lose hours to scrolling. And while some inspiration lives on social media, so does distraction, comparison, and self-doubt.
To use social media intentionally:
Set time limits or schedule “scroll-free” writing sessions
Batch content ahead of time, so you're not posting last-minute
Mute or unfollow accounts that trigger comparison or drain your energy
Take regular breaks when needed—you won’t lose momentum by resting
Your creativity deserves space to breathe. Use social media to support your writing, not replace it.
Start Before You're “Ready”
You don’t need a finished manuscript or a book deal to start showing up online. In fact, the earlier you start, the more time you have to build trust and grow your audience organically.
Start now. Share what you’re working on. Talk about your ideas, your values, your vision. Invite people into the creative process.
You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be yourself—and be consistent.
A Few Practical Tips to Get Started
Create a simple bio that says what you write and why you do it
Use a clear, friendly profile photo (people want to see you)
Choose a few themes to focus on—writing, reading, daily life, behind-the-scenes
Reuse and repurpose content (a blog post can become a caption, a caption can become a Reel)
Celebrate small wins, like finishing a chapter or submitting a query
Don’t worry about algorithms—focus on people
Writing Is the Priority. Social Media Is the Tool.
At the end of the day, social media is just one tool in your writer’s toolbox. It can amplify your voice, deepen your impact, and create real connections—but it doesn’t define you as a writer.
You define that.
So show up where it feels right, say what you mean, and let your online presence reflect the same honesty, clarity, and care that you bring to the page. Be sure to follow @HerNarrative on your favorite platforms and I’d love to connect!
