You’ve probably seen this hashtag all over Twitter and wondered what #WritersLift is all about, and if you should participate. Well, it looks like you’re not the only one. I’ve gotten a few questions about it from clients too, so I decided to do some informal research and a couple of Twitter polls to find out more. I’ll tell you a bit about it, and how it can be used below.
What is #WritersLift?
#WritersLift is one of the most popular hashtags on Twitter for writers. Along with #WritingCommunity and #ShamelessSelfPromo, #WritersLift is used frequently to promote the work of the poster or someone they choose to promote. #WritersLift varies in its usage and its results. But I think it can be used to your advantage if done right.
How it Started
#WritersLift started as a spinoff of #FollowFriday for writers, specifically, to discover each other and engage as a community. Eventually it evolved a bit, as things tend to do. There are varying opinions on the hashtag and who should use it and how, but basically, there are three ways writers tend to use it now.
How it’s Going
#WritersLift is still used as a way to create community engagement, recommend accounts to follow, and books to buy or read. It’s also used in less useful ways, like just posting to ask everyone to like, retweet and follow everyone that leaves a comment. Most effectively, it’s used to promote your own work, and ask others to join in the conversation and promote theirs too. Sometimes posters use all three of these tactics. And, yes, it can get spamm-y.
How #WritersLift is Used VS. What Users Expect
I think a lot of users expect that #WritersLift is meant to be some magic line to direct sales, and my small sample poll on Twitter seems to align with that. And, here’s the thing— while scrolling through conversations on Twitter, I did see a few writers claim they saw an uptick in sales after participating.
My second poll asked what users actually got out of #WritersLift and the results were much different. It looks like #WritersLift is working in the way it was meant to—to build your followers and community. Which is a good thing! Because it may not lead to direct sales, but the bigger the audience and the more supporters you have, the more exposure you and your book get. Which, as things go, can lead to more book sales!
The Polls
Expectations
Reality
Yes, You Should Try #WritersLIft as an Indie Author
Now, just because participating in #WritersLift may not bring you a windfall in sales, doesn’t mean it’s not useful. And to be honest, there is no one magic ticket to massive book sales. It’s a lot of little things and quite a bit of hustle. It also won’t happen overnight.
But for independent authors that are looking to get exposure, boost their following and build a community of fellow writers through engagement, I think it’s worth it.
But Use it Wisely
Just choose how you’ll participate wisely. I challenge you to get on Twitter, search #WritersLift and see what’s out there. You may find some good posts to drop your book promo in, other writers in your genre, and maybe get a lot of new followers. Just remember to follow any accounts that follow you back. And of course, like, comment and otherwise engage with your community!
