If you think social media marketing is all about posting or sharing content you are far from the truth. Content sharing is only the tip of the iceberg. For authors to maximize the full potential of social networking, understanding the importance of social media to authors can get you ahead over others.

Social marketing is a hefty work—it takes time and skills. But once you master these online marketing platforms, these will be your bread and butter.

Here are some of the many advantages when you leverage your book on the web through different social platforms:

Social media reaches and connects.

Imagine the number of people online on the web. And think of the many possibilities your book can get attention. Social sites aren’t just for sharing memes and tagging photos, it’s also a perfect avenue for marketers like you. Yes, you’re also labeled as a marketer just like most of the businesses, the only different thing is: your book is your product.

Thank Facebook and Twitter because you can meet a new audience once you sign up—from pages, groups, and communities. It’s a treasure trove of future buyers since book lovers visit the internet to look for recommendations and share their reading list.

In addition, you can reach specific demographics by learning which social media platform is a good fit for your book. For example, LinkedIn is for the professional and business-minded people, while Instagram can be for those people who love design and art.

Social media is cheap.

Who says you can’t promote your book without emptying your pocket? As long as you have the internet, you can market your book worldwide—and with minimal cost. But remember, you have to pour large amount of time to grow your fan-base and develop a viable presence on every platform. Really, it’s time-consuming and can cost you sleepless nights. However, it will be all worth it once you’ve built an empire of readers for your book.

Social media is your business partner.

For authors, social media is also where you can also get marketplace insights. Since most of today’s social networks updated their features, like Facebook’s audience insights, Twitter analytics, or Instagram’s business profile, you are informed on what content works and what won’t. Also, most social media today are optimized and improved to set up your product for smooth sailing sales. Through learning the demographics, you can build your credibility as an author in a specific niche.

Social media puts you on the map.

Another way to draw your reader’s attention is through creating an author website.  It’s like your personal store—where you share some updates of your new book, or what’s next. Try Hootsuite to manage your posting and check Canva for your graphic design purposes. Moreover, since people can now search for you on the internet; you have to find a portal where your audience can contact you immediately. Just make sure you engage with your visitors, and post interesting and relevant content. More importantly, make a connection—a human feel kind of connection.