For a while now, I’ve been grappling with the idea of stepping away from social media. As an author, I initially joined platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook to connect with readers, share my work, and engage with an audience. But the reality of how social media functions has me questioning if it's worth the time and energy.
The Hidden Rules of Social Media
One of the most frustrating aspects of social media is the lack of control over who actually sees our posts. Algorithms decide what content gets shown, often limiting how many people see what I share. There are hidden rules that dictate whether my post reaches a wider audience or is buried beneath a sea of other content.
I could spend hours crafting meaningful posts or engaging book excerpts, but if they aren’t boosted by the algorithm, they can go unnoticed, making meaningful interaction almost impossible. This creates a vicious cycle—without visibility, no one engages, and without engagement, the platform further hides my posts.
The Time Trap: Posting vs. Writing
Then there’s the sheer amount of time social media demands. Between posting, liking, commenting, and creating content that aligns with the algorithm’s preferences, it can easily take hours each week. That’s time I could—and should—be spending on writing. As an author, my priority should be creating books, not chasing likes or trying to game a system designed to keep me constantly engaged for little return.
If I’m spending all this time on social media and no one is seeing my posts, what’s the point? How can I truly connect with readers and allow them to discover my work if my efforts are being hidden or drowned out?
Finding New Ways to Connect with Readers
I’m not saying that social media has no value, but as the landscape shifts, I’m starting to explore other ways to connect with my audience that don’t rely on algorithms or arbitrary engagement rules.
1. Email Newsletters: Building and nurturing my mailing list is one of the most effective ways to reach readers directly. It’s personal, intimate, and skips the middleman. Plus, I know for a fact that the people on my list want to hear from me.
2. My Website & Blog: Creating consistent, valuable content on my own platforms—my website and blog—ensures that I’m in control of what gets shared and how it’s presented. Readers who visit my site are likely more invested, and I don’t have to fight algorithms to make sure they see my posts.
3. Book Clubs & Reader Communities: Joining or creating reader communities outside of traditional social media platforms, like Goodreads or dedicated book clubs, offers a more focused and engaged audience. These spaces are filled with people who love to read and discuss books, making them ideal for real connections. and if you're in a book club that might appreciate an author visit, whether online or in person, drop me a line!
4. Collaborations & Guest Posts: Partnering with other authors, guest posting on popular blogs, or being featured on podcasts can introduce my work to new audiences and one of my tasks is reaching out and engaging with influencers like these!
Can I Find the Courage to Let Go of Social Media?
This is the real question: Will I find the courage to step away from social media altogether? Part of me worries that leaving means missing out on opportunities to connect with readers. But the other part of me knows that without the constant distractions of posting and engaging, I’ll have more time to focus on writing the stories that matter.
Perhaps letting go of social media doesn’t mean disappearing but finding more meaningful ways to connect. Maybe it’s time to prioritise quality over quantity, trusting that the right readers will find my work through the channels I can control.
How do you engage in Social Media - if at all?
In case you found this post in a random way and don’t know me, Hello, my name is Fran and I’m an author. Discover more about me personally and my women's historical and contemporary fiction novels when you join my readers' community! Click on the link below to receive a free short story along with a monthly newsletter filled with exciting updates and exclusive content.
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