Marketing for Introverts – Part 6

Published December 12, 2023

By Donna Schlachter

Networking and Online Author Groups

Marketing—arrgh! Groups—double arrgh! When it comes to being a writer, I know I need to get out there. Get my books in front of readers. Get my projects in front of publishers or agents. Connect with other writers. Pay it forward, so to speak.

But then the introvert in me kicks in, and I want to stay home and bury my head in the sand.

So how do we introverts overcome that tendency to sit in the background and ignore the entire marketing and spreading the news thing?

Technology, that’s how. And while it still means we have to show up on screen once in a while, technology provides opportunities like we’ve never seen before. Social media platforms, online writers and readers groups, Facebook groups, Meetup (virtual) groups, and more. Although the COVID scare of 2020 is mostly behind us, many still have chosen to keep their distance, save time traveling (not to mention the price of fuel), while still accomplishing some business.

Here are my thoughts on the subject.

1. Before you step out and join every writer’s group you can find, ask yourself What do you hope to accomplish with this connection? If you want to connect with other authors to learn about networking, that’s one group. But if you want to network, make connections with influencers in the industry, that’s like a different group. And if you want to reach readers, well, that’s another. I usually start with Facebook (I know, love/hate relationship), but choose your favorite. Put keywords in the search under Groups, such as AUTHOR NETWORKING or WRITER NETWORKING, and see what comes up. To connect with readers, try AUTHORS AND WRITERS. There are many groups. Then join, and hop over there a few times a week, answer questions, ask question. Be involved. No lurkers! After a week or so, you’ll get a sense of which groups are more active, more responsive, then you can unjoin the others and focus on these.
2. Search for groups that exist outside social media, using the same keywords. Many have a website, where you can learn more. This might be where they’ll have an application form. They might offer courses, which are usually inexpensive. Get on their mailing list.
3. Some non-virtual writer’s organizations also offer a virtual alternative for conferences for those who cannot attend for whatever reason. I registered for one of these this past year, offered by a large national writers group, and received 10 pre-recorded sessions for free. Granted, you don’t get the in-person experience or the ability to ask questions, but it suited my purposes.
4. Look for MeetUp or other group aggregators that host virtual meetings.
5. Check with your local libraries. Many times, local groups meet there but also offer streaming options.
6. Search Facebook for Live Events that meet your desired parameters.
7. Ask any local writers’ groups you are already a member of if they do or might offer virtual solutions.
8. Ask your friends to forward any invitations they receive to writer events with virtual options.

How about you? How do you find ways to stay at home in your jammies and yet stay connected with your peeps?