With all the social media out there, it's hard to keep up, but I found one place that ties in a little Facebook with Twitter -- Google Plus! I'll admit that when I first tried it, I was overwhelmed. But after spending a little time navigating through Google +, I found that I actually like it a lot.
So, I will try to make a quick basic tutorial for newbies out there. Next week I will share why I think authors should use it for promotional purposes.
First, you will create your profile. Here is mine.
It's much like the timeline wall on Facebook. Your personal information, a picture of yourself, a cover picture, friends (who you follow) and your posts/wall. This is also where you can post your blog links or other information you want to share. Here is an example of my last post:
Here you can see my post titled "Book Spotlight Only You by Lorna Peel". You can write as much as you want about the post/link, add a link (or not) and a picture from the post will appear. You can choose from as many pics as you provide on the post. Also see the empty box at the top. This is the square where you can insert a new post. What I like is that you can choose which "Circle" you want to send the post to. You can also add a picture, video, file or link.
Next is the HOME screen where you see the "Newsfeed" from the people you follow.
Here you will see posts, links, pictures, follower suggestions, trending hash tags. You can also post on this page.
How do you find people to follow? There is an icon for FIND PEOPLE. Google will suggest people via your email or with the same interests.
Once you add friends to follow, you can place them into specified CIRCLES. You have the liberty to name your circles whatever you want (Authors, Publishers, Reviewers, etc.)
One last favorite aspect of Google Plus is the Communities section. You can find other people/groups with similar interests. You can even start your own community.
There is so much more to the Google Plus Network, be it games, hangouts, exploration, events. Too much for a newbie, so I started with the basics. Try it out today, if you haven't already, and you won't be dissapointed. I can be found at: https://plus.google.com/u/1/100956716011590449582/posts
Next week, I will discuss why Google Plus is an important social network for authors.
Melinda Dozier is a contemporary writer. Her three debut novels were released in 2013: The Boy Next Door and Time Changes Everything from Entranced Publishing, and Breaking the Rules from Crimson Romance. She has another novel releasing in November from Swoon Romance. You can find more information at her website:www.melindadozier.com
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