Social media has made an impact in virtually every industry, and it’s especially changed the way readers and writers connect. The good news is social media is advantageous for both authors and their audiences: Readers now have more ways than ever before to seek out new books to enjoy, and with some foolproof social media strategies, writers can tap into their target audience. No one knows this better than Dr. Merriel M. Chase, whose new book, Steps Ordered, is taking the world of fiction by storm.

Below, Dr. Chase shares some insider secrets about how you can use social media to promote your new books:

• Use Captivating Images: Indeed, your words count most when it comes to impressing readers, but nothing captivates them as quickly as high-quality images. Eye-catching cover art can do wonders for drawing followers in, but you can also attract new likes, shares, and re-tweets when you post images of yourself at signings or events. 
• Master The Hashtag: If you’re unfamiliar with how hashtags work, it’s time to familiarize yourself with these powerful tools. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram use hashtags (words/phrases with the “#” symbol in front of them) to make it easier for users to find topics they’re interested in. Familiarize yourself with the hashtags your target audience might be interested in, and when using that tag, be sure the content you’re posting is relevant to it.
• Engage With Your Audience: To readers, there’s nothing more exciting than leaving feedback for an author about their new book and then actually hearing back from their favorite writer. Any efforts to personally connect with readers will be appreciated by your followers and will keep them coming back to your social media pages.

Fellow authors and readers alike can learn more about Dr. Merriel M. Chase’s new book, Steps Ordered, by visiting her website, and while we’re on the topic of social media, don’t forget to like her on Facebook for updates!