8 Ways to alienate fans on your author Facebook page

With Facebook users totaling over a billion worldwide, most authors have made an effort to integrate it into their author platforms and online marketing plans. But even authors who’ve embraced Facebook can be guilty of behaviors that alienate their fans. Whether you're new to the complexities of the Zuckerberg empire or a seasoned pro, we highly suggest you become familiar with  these common fumbles that are bound to ruin your author Facebook page:

Over posting
We get it, you have a lot to say.  You’re a writer. But just because you can say a lot, doesn’t mean you should. Posting every hour is probably overkill. Try engaging your audience instead. Ask them what they’re doing. Find out what they’re reading, even if it’s not your book. Trust us, there are few things most people enjoy talking about more than themselves. Engaging your audience is a vital part of organically growing your Facebook following.

Desperate begging
You know all those Viagra emails you have to delete out of your email inbox everyday? Begging people to buy your book is kinda like that. If you’re constantly spamming people with “buy my book” and “like my Facebook page” pleas, you’ll fail to gain a following, and you’ll most likely irritate the fans you already have. If you lose those fans, they'll be twice as hard to regain later. Much like pleated pants and mullets, desperation doesn’t look good on anyone.

Being a buttinski
You wouldn't walk into a party and interrupt a conversation or run around a restaurant telling everyone to buy your book. Well, that kind of behavior isn't cool on Facebook either. Unless you’ve been given permission to do so, butting into someone else’s conversation and promoting yourself on their profile is unprofessional and downright rude. Learn the rules of etiquette (written and unwritten) before you start posting.

Being a negative Nancy
We’re not saying you can’t be honest on Facebook. It’s OK to vent from time to time. But constant bitching, moaning and belittling other authors is huge turn-off to your fans and potential fans. Have a positive take on something every once in a while--besides your own book, that is. Keep in mind, your author page doesn't represent you personally. It represents your business as an author. When in doubt, keep the conversation positive or just say nothing at all. As the saying goes, you'll catch more flies with Skittles than Brussels sprouts (Okay, maybe we're the only ones who say that, but you get the point.)

Leaving your page half-finished
If you got bored with Facebook at some point and quit posting, why would anyone else want to check out your page? Facebook is like a new puppy. They're totally fun and adorable but puppies also require a serious time commitment for care and feeding. Your Facebook page is no different. Develop a plan for setting aside time to regularly post new content and engage readers, then make sure you stick to it.

Arguing
If someone is rude enough to leave nasty comments on your page about you and your work, don’t argue with them. Ignore them. Engaging in a Facebook battle of wits with a hater will only waste your time and make you look like an ass. Again, this is your business. Treat it like one.

Being in too many places at once
If you have a different Facebook page for every book you’ve published, you’re likely diluting your author brand and spreading your fans all over the place. Have one page where your fans can find you and read about all your books.

Auto-posting from Twitter
Your Twitter audience is completely different than your Facebook audience. As such, the messages you communicate on each platform should be different, targeted. Auto-posting is ineffective and just plain lazy.

How about all you Facebook users out there? Have anything to contribute to the conversation? We’d love to hear from you!

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