By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Have you ever attended a party? Joined a club? Spent the first day on a new job? Visited a church? Moved into a new neighborhood?

What is the one thing that helped you survive the newness? That’s easy—being welcomed and feeling you are appreciated is vital to any endeavor.

Our followers are no different. In fact, if they don’t feel important, they’ll abandon our social media platforms. A writer who ushers in new relationships with a grateful spirit is a writer who is successful. Gaining a new follower is not about books sold but about us expressing value for the person.

The following five ways will ensure new followers are a part of a writer’s online community.

1. New e-mail subscribers. Automatic responses work great if the new follower receives something special. Always follow-up with an e-mail that personally welcomes the person.
2. New Facebook friends. Whether you have a friend page or a business page, let these people know you are so happy they have chosen to be a part of your Facebook community. Also respond to those who post on your page.
3. New Twitter followers. We receive a notice each time we have a new follower. Delete the canned responses. A personal message that shows your delight in having them follow you is a must. I had a woman write me on Twitter and state no one had ever thanked her for a follow before. When you receive the message, take a look at the person’s page and comment or like something posted. Also when someone retweets or likes your page, that person deserves thanks.
4. New Blog fans. Again, these people have taken the time and opportunity to subscribe to your expertise. Thank them! We writers are nothing without those who are eager to read our work.
5. Other social media platforms. A thank you is two words. Adding the person’s first name is three.

Whenever possible, greet the people who are behind you—because you are behind them. Together you’re an unstoppable team.

What ways do you welcome fans, readers, and followers?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.