When Social Media Isn’t Working: 6 Strategies To Refresh and Restart Your Writer’s Journey

With the Bible in one hand and a gel pen in the other, I sat down in my comfy chair, ready to take in the daily devotion. But something was off. If I’m honest, my regular methods of studying the Word had grown stagnant over time, and in turn, my spiritual growth had stalled. By simply adding soothing instrumental music to my morning routine while I read, I was back on track. 

As writers tasked with sharing social media content, we can run into the same problem. There are times when our efforts on social media seem to hit a plateau, or worse, the engagement and growth we once enjoyed start to dwindle. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic! There are strategies you can use to refresh and restart your social media presence, reigniting your passion and creativity as a writer.

While the first reaction to slower-than-usual engagement might be to post more, resist the urge and, instead, try these six tips:

• Evaluate your content, and change it up if necessary. Personal testimonies can be powerful tools for connecting with your audience on a deeper level. Include relevant Scripture verses and devotional content in your social media posts to provide spiritual nourishment and encouragement to your followers. Other content ideas include behind-the-scenes glimpses into your writing process, book recommendations, author interviews or even writing tips.
• You can also ramp up your social media feed by using a mix of images and videos. Multimedia content tends to attract higher engagement rates and can help you stand out from the crowd.
• Encourage your audience to engage with your content by asking thought-provoking questions and providing reflection prompts that inspire introspection and spiritual growth. Social media is a two-way street, so make an effort to engage with your followers by responding to comments, asking questions and participating in conversations. Building a genuine connection with your audience can significantly boost engagement and foster a loyal community of readers.
• Timing is crucial when it comes to social media engagement. If your followers are early risers (like so many of us!), post early in the morning when they will most likely see and engage with your content. Analyze your audience’s behavior to determine the best times to post content. Tools like Facebook Insights and Instagram Analytics can provide valuable insights into when your followers are most active online.
• Your picture and cover photo are often the first things visitors notice when they land on your social media profile. A simple change like switching up your profile picture can boost engagement. 
• Are you bored with your brand colors? Your audience might be also. Use a free color palette generator like Coolors to choose a color scheme, fonts and design elements that align with your brand’s aesthetic. Make sure to use them consistently across all your social media platforms. 

James 1:5 teaches us the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in all aspects of our lives, including our writing and social media endeavors. When faced with challenges or setbacks, turning to prayer can provide clarity, direction and renewed inspiration.

Remember that God’s timing is perfect, even when it comes to social media growth and engagement. Be patient and trust that He will open doors and opportunities for you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others through your writing.

Blessings,

Regina Lewis

What strategy will you try to restart your social media engagement? We’d love to hear!