I admit it. I don’t understand Pinterest or Tumblr. I’ve looked up explanations of these social networks, but reading that Tumblr is a forum for micro-blogging doesn’t help me much. What is micro-blogging? Blogging for teeny tiny people? And Pinterest is a content sharing device. Very helpful. So is a book.
With my second book coming out next spring, I need to start thinking about promotions. One of the things I wanted to do was to set up a site where I could share photographs of the real caged graves that inspired the story, as well as invite others to share photographs/stories of interesting graves and cemeteries. People have already started sending me links to pictures of spooky and bizarre gravestones.
I’m thinking Pinterest might be the right vehicle for this. But I’ve also heard Tumblr reaches more people. Has anyone actually used either of these sites for book promotions or personal networking? Do you find them effective – or are you just connecting with the same people you know from blogging and Facebook and Twitter? When you “pin” or “tumble” something — does anybody really see it?
In short, are these sites worth the time needed to invest in them? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I have not used Pinterest for any networking, as of yet, but I’ve heard that it could make for a great promotion tool where you can set up a board for your book and pin the book cover along with other awesome things related to the book. Maybe make up a recipe of some kind that is fitting for the book, or a character in the book, and pin the recipe to the board. Maybe have a Pin-a-palooza where readers pin and share with each other setting up their own boards for your book.
I haven’t used either yet. Alas, there are only so many hours in the day for writing/reading/social media, and social media is already encroaching on the writing/reading time as it is.
If only I didn’t need sleep … *sigh*
I don’t get Tumblr either. For me, Pinterest is a giant time suck, but it’s also useful for organizing pictures for your books (characters, settings, objects, etc.) Obviously, I haven’t used it for promotion, but it has been helpful for me. Anyone can see your Pinterest boards. Here’s mine if you want to check it out. http://pinterest.com/krysteybelle/
I love Tumblr. I’m more of a lurker, I don’t have lots of followers. From what I’ve seen, the most successful Tumbler blogs have a well-defined purpose, and I think the graves/tombstones would attract followers. The thing I love about Tumblr is that unlike Pinterest, the images are larger, and there’s more opportunity for interaction. You can set it up so anyone can submit images to your Tumblr, they can ask questions, etc. You also have more control over the appearance of your blog. Some folks are super talented at this, not me though. Here’s mine http://mariaannawitt.tumblr.com
I’m on pinterest too.
I’m on both. I don’t use Tumblr much. It’s really used (in my mind) for reposting things other people post. I guess it’s more for sharing things across a broader audience. So that’s a good thing.
Pinterest is fun, too. I have no idea how to find others to follow. I wait until people follow me and then I follow back if I want. I have a lot to learn about it.
I use Pinterest! I think of it as what my books would look like if they were made up of pictures instead of words. I can imagine what my characters look like, where the story takes place, the mood, etc. I look at it as more of a helpful tool for me than marketing.
Ugh. Some people have been talking a lot about Pinterest and how they use it to keep track of blogs and connect with people. I think I need to hear it again, so I can try utilizing it because I’m not getting it yet. lol
I just requested an invite to Pinterest, because I want to see what it’s about. I can’t seem to understand the whole “promotion” aspect of it. However, author Jody Hedlund, suggests it is a great tool for promotion and so does her agent Rachelle Gardner.
Tumblr is very popular with teens and college kids (according to moms in my book group who are parents to that demographic). And I’ve just exhausted all my knowledge about it, except that it’s also very visual.
I love your first two lines. I don’t understand them either. Clearly, I’m of absolutely no help – but I’m glad to hear I’m not alone!
I admit that I am hooked on Pinterest, but not for book promotion where it doesn’t seem to have done me much good (though I think your pictures would be a lot more popular than mine! You start with a larger following willing to follow you there, myself included.)
It is addicting. It’s like a never ending magazine, you can browse it and find interesting and pretty things to look at and share (and creepy if that’s what you’re after.)
Biggest thing about Pinterest is be sure you’re pinning pics with source credits, always always always. Even when repinning, make sure they have the credit where it is due.
I am enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would, though more for unwinding than anything else. I haven’t tried the others.
Good luck, you know when the time comes I’ll be tweeting and FB-ing my little clockwork heart out for your book.
xoxo
bru
I have no interest in Tumblr but I could easily see myself getting addicted to Pinterest which is exactly why I don’t do it. I just don’t have the time for it.
I’m Tumblr ignorant, but I have used Pinterest (but not a lot). I can see you making some good use from Pinterest, in fact the author I posted about Monday, Shelli Johannes, is doing a Pinterest promotion surrounding her new book. You might want to check it out.
Have a great weekend! 🙂
I’m on Pinterest and like it (I’ve also considered doing Tumblr just because–ha). People I don’t know repin my images all the time (and vice versa) and I think one or the other is a perfect place for your pictures. I created a board for my book inspirations and my jewelry creations (it’s fun to see it all together in a collage)!
I’m not on either of them, but there’s a great article in the latest (September) “Writer’s Digest” magazine that makes Pinterest sound like it might be a great tool for you. It’s called “Pinterest is Worth a Thousand Words,” by Laura DiSilverio.
All I know is my sister keeps pinning things for me. I have an aversion to the idea of creating a logon for everything. Big Brother might be watching. 🙂
I don’t use pinterest, (even though my sister keeps begging me to.) But I do use tumblr, and the best way I can describe it is a black hole; easy to get lost in, impossible to find your way out.
I find it’s more enjoyable if you’re part of a “fandom,” such as Doctor Who, Walking Dead, The Avengers… any show or movie with a passionate fan base.
But I have seen legitimate blogs on the site. It might work with your picture sharing since it is easy to communicate with others, it’s easy to reblog pictures you like and want to show on your blog, (and others can do the same with things on your blog.)
It’s not for everyone, and I think that’s part of its charm.
I have never heard of Pinterest or Tumblr and don’t have enough time for blogging let alone FB and Twitter. I’m obviously a hopeless case LOL!
Those gravestones are quite thought provoking.
Okay, I went ahead and joined Pinterest. It sucked up over 3 hours of my time in one morning. Sluuuuurp. I can see where this might become a problem.
I’m going to give Tumblr a try too, but closer to my release date, so I can post advance reviews, cover, events, etc as well as maybe hold a contest for creepiest graveyard picture.
Thanks for all your input, guys!
Very cool photos. I’ll be keeping an eye out for any unique ones I can send you….
I’m not on pinterest or tumbler. Sorry I’m no help there….
I’m not on either. I’ve heard that a LOT of people like Pinterest. Those pictures are cool.