Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time

The 11th Day of Christmas

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…

Tips to Master Social Media to Market Your Book in 2025

On the 11th Day of Christmas, let’s talk about how you can make social media work for you in 2025! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, social media is an essential tool for building your author platform, promoting your books, and engaging with your readers. But with so many platforms out there, where should you focus your energy? How do you manage your time? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some expert social media tips that will keep your online presence fresh and engaging.

1. Find the Right Social Media for You

Before you dive into the world of social media, ask yourself some key questions. Is this something you’re excited about? Do you have the time to maintain it, or will you burn out trying to keep up? While it’s a powerful marketing tool, not every author needs to be on every platform. Choose platforms that feel natural for you and that you can commit to regularly.

If you enjoy engaging with readers and sharing updates, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Bluesky might be a great fit. But if social media feels like a chore, it’s okay to take a step back and choose just one platform to focus on.

2. Choose the Right Platform for Your Audience

Each platform has its strengths, so take the time to figure out where your audience spends their time.

•  Instagram is great for visual content like book covers, inspirational quotes, or sneak peeks from your work.
•  Bluesky is the fastest growing platform and is fantastic for quick updates, engaging in writer communities, or sharing thoughts on current trends.
•  Facebook offers groups and more in-depth discussions, perfect for engaging with fans or promoting events like book launches.
•  TikTok is a growing platform for authors, especially those in Young Adult and Fantasy genres, where you can create short videos to showcase your personality, writing process, or books.

Focus on a maximum of two platforms, so you’re not overwhelmed. Think about which platforms fit your personality and your audience, and stick to them consistently.

3. Keep Your Content Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to social media. When creating a social media calendar, aim to post daily on Instagram and Twitter, weekly on Facebook, and monthly for newsletters or blog posts.

It’s important to post during optimal times to reach your audience when they’re most active. While places like Sprout Social and Buffer offer great insights into when certain platforms tend to be most active, the best thing you can do is look to see when your followers are most active. The best way to determine this is to practice posting at a variety of times and from your analytics decide which times are best for you!

4. Utilize Hashtags and Themes

Hashtags are a powerful way to increase the reach of your posts. For authors, #AmWriting, #Bookstagram, and #IndieAuthor are popular, but don’t be afraid to create your own unique hashtag or join community-specific ones like #ChanticleerAuthors or #CAC2025 for events.

If you’re unsure of which hashtags to use, research what other authors in your genre are using. This will help your posts gain visibility and connect you with your target audience.

5. Show Your Human Side

Don’t be mistaken for a robot or a “bot”

Readers want to connect with the person behind the books. Don’t be afraid to post about your personal life, your hobbies, or even your writing struggles. Whether it’s a picture of your writing space, your favorite coffee mug, or an adorable pet, your followers will appreciate seeing the real you behind the words.

Remember, social media is all about building community, not just promoting your books. Engage with others, share posts you enjoy, and show genuine interest in your readers’ lives.

6. Celebrate Your Wins: Use Chanticleer’s Badges and Recognition

The Tiers of Achievement for CIBA Winners!

As you work on building your platform and promoting your books, don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments! Winning a Chanticleer International Book Award (CIBA) or receiving a positive Editorial Review can provide you with recognition and credibility that you can share on your social media.

• Share your CIBA badges to show off your achievements.
• Post quotes from your Editorial Review to highlight positive feedback.
• Use SEO-optimized blurbs and links from your review to drive traffic to your book page and boost sales.

With these badges, reviews, and recognition, you’ll not only be showcasing your hard work but also encouraging new readers to check out your book!

7. Engage and Interact: Build Relationships with Your Audience

Kiffer out chatting with some of our audience!

Remember, social media isn’t just about pushing your book. It’s about creating conversations and relationships. Respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in discussions to create a genuine connection with your followers. Community building is key, so get involved with other authors, share their work, and celebrate their successes too.

Get Ready for a Successful Year of Social Media Marketing in 2025

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a social media presence that works for you. Start slow, stay consistent, and engage with your audience, and you’ll see the results grow over time.

The Eleven Pipers Piping in the Christmas Carol has been said to represent the eleven disciples (since Judas was out) who went on after the Resurrection of Christ. Thinking about the birds though, could it have originally have been a reference to sand pipers? Also, the eleven pipers piping is symbolic of having a great team!

“But Jiminy Crickets, it’s after December 25th! Is it not too late for the 12 Days of Christmas?” you say.

Not to fear, Chanticleerians! The 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26th! And it continues to the 6th of January – Three Kings Day. The four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as the Advent.

So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry—you still have time!

Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team! 

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, my true love sent to me

Eleven Pipers Piping

Ten Lord’s a’Leaping

Nine Ladies Dancing

Eight Maids a-Milking

Seven Swans a-Swimming

Six Geese a-Laying

Five Golden Rings

Four Calling Birds

Three French hens (Chanticleer’s favorite #justsaying)

Two Turtle Doves

 And a Partridge in a Pear Tree 

Stay tuned for the 12th Day of Christmas, where we’ll continue to share more tips and cheer as we ring in 2025 with new opportunities and creative projects!

Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and continuing to prepare for the Chanticleer Authors Conference and the 2023 CIBA Banquet and Ceremony.

Wishing you Happy New Year from Chanticleer! from Kiffer, David, Dena, Scott, Anya, and Argus!