Authors & Reviewers in Paradise discussion

I've opened this new folder so all the Self-published authors can exchange ideas. Tell us what's worked for you? What social media do you find yourself using most to self promote? Tips for gaining readership/fans? Things to Avoid? Writing programs that you've benefited from? Editing programs you like best? Can you recommend an editor? Promotional group?

You get the idea!! Maybe you've discovered something that can help others who might be struggling, get ahead?

Things that have worked for me: putting out a giveaway on Amazon to help get my new releases noticed has worked really nicely for me.
Also, using the goodreads giveaway system for paperbacks has helped get the reviews needed to catch a few extra readers.
I find myself using Twitter a lot for self promotion. It is a good way to connect with your fan base, gain new fans and readers, and anything free that can help connect your novels with the world is great!

Sorry, I've never self-published, so I don't have anything to add, just questions because I'm considering it.

How do you use Twitter? Like, what do you post? Just news on new releases?

Hi A.S.,
Thank you for getting this thread started. I have done a lot of trial and error and I am still searching for the magic formula that will push my sales up, but in the meantime, I have found this:

1. Engaging with other authors has been rewarding. Yes, sometimes it leads to an interview or a review that boosts traffic to my site. But, I've found a lot of great companionship within the self-published community

2. I've continued to update and optimize the homepage of the website. I've seen some better success with the current layout, but I'm always looking for more.

3. I've found that when I do social media posts that show someone reading one of my books I get better engagement and comments than when I just do a review or a quote from the book.

That's all I've got, excited to see what else others can offer.