By Kristy Tate //
In 2022, I decided to run a reading challenge on my Facebook page. My goal is to create more engagement on Facebook and increase the open rates of my newsletters.
Here’s what I sent out in my January newsletter:
To commemorate my new decade, I wanted to do something big for my book business. I’m starting a reading challenge! Here’s how to play:
Every month, read a book that fits the criteria. On the last Thursday of the month, I’ll send a reminder for you to post the title and the author of your book on my Facebook page. If you don’t follow me on Facebook, but want to play, you can join me here: https://www.facebook.com/KristyTateNovelist/.
If you don’t know what to read, no worries, I’ll have a few suggestions. On the first Thursday of the month, I’ll notify the winner. (Every entry will be assigned a number that will be randomly picked, and if that’s you, you’ll get the $25. Amazon gift card.) Occasionally, there’ll be additional prizes, as well, so stay tuned.
If you’re not on Facebook, that’s okay. You can still play by emailing me your entry, but that’s not nearly as fun. I get not everyone appreciates social media. That’s why I’m adding this caveat so no one will feel left out. But, selfishly, I’m hoping to get some great reading recommendations, and I’m sure all of you would like that, too. (And social media is great for sharing.)
Since we’re starting the challenge mid-month, January will be a free-for-all. Whatever you book you’re currently into will do. Wondering what’s coming up?
Here’s the graphic and what I wrote for February:
This month, there will be the grand prize winner of the $25. gift card, but two additional readers will win paperback copies of Georgette Heyer’s books, The Grand Sophie and Fredrica.
Are you familiar with Heyer’s works? She was on the Regency Romance scene long before Julia Quinn or Eloisa James. Growing up, she was one of my favorites and I’m guessing I wasn’t alone. Nora Roberts called Fredrica, “A lovely and affectionate study of a family.” Lisa Kleypas said, “No one has ever matched Georgette Heyer for charm and wit.”
Here’s what’s happened so far since I started the challenge. On my January post, I had:
Post Impressions: 285
Post Reach: 263
Post Engagement: 89
Since I didn’t boost the post or run any ads on it, I felt pretty good about this. Because I’ve been pretty lazy and lackadaisical about posting on my page, a typical post looks like this:
Post impressions:49
Post Reach: 47
Post Engagement: 0
I had about 200 new Facebook followers, which is a little baffling since only about 50 people entered the challenge. My guess is some of my newsletter subscribers followed me on Facebook, but were too shy to enter the challenge? Scratches head.
My newsletter had a 24% open rate which, frankly, is pretty normal for me.
Unexpected bonuses:
I got a glimpse of what my readers/followers like to read. They’re surprisingly eclectic.
I was also able to put faces with their names. I often get responses to my newsletters, and I love hearing from my readers, but that interaction doesn’t come with a picture of who they are. When they interact with me on Facebook, I can click on their image and suddenly, those readers become real people with families, homes, and pets.
Overall, I’m super happy about my reading challenge, and not just because I feel like I’m gaining traction on social media, but because I feel like I’m building a community and creating friends.
KRISTY TATE is the Social Media Director for O.C. Writers and a USA Today bestselling author. To date, her newsletter subscriber list is edging toward 15,000. www.KristyTate.com.