When I started writing, I thought that I could put everything
into one blog post. I quickly realized that it would be necessary to make this part
of a series. Here’s the breakdown:
Part I: It’s
All About Me
Part III: I Can’t Do It All
Part IV: I Have To Do It All
Part V: It’ll All Turn Out in the End
Part I
It’s All About Me
The best advice I’ve ever been given was to start marketing
my book before it’s written. Not that I
followed it for my first book. Unfortunately, I didn’t understand the power of
early marketing. But I will definitely start earlier for my next book.
When was the last time you struck up a conversation with
your hairdresser/barber? Cable guy? Neighbor?
These are all opportunities to promote your book.
Have you told a friend about your book? That’s marketing!
The next time you’re out somewhere, strike up a conversation that might
eventually lead to someone buying your book. Use your elevator pitch! I always
carry swag (Bookmarks, postcards, business cards, etc.) with me just in case
someone wants more information.
My husband used to roll his eyes when I would start talking
at the checkout line. By the time I finished, everyone in the line, including
the cashier, would have a bookmark. Now, he not only expects it, he joins in!
What can you do to market online? Think of yourself as a
brand and the Internet is your platform. It can be overwhelming, especially if
you don’t have much of a presence online. Start with one new site and play
around with it until you feel comfortable. Slow and steady is the way to go.
These are the top Internet sites for building a platform
today. It’s also important to keep up with any new (and ever changing) apps and
sites. I asked my resident 16-year-old to explain how each of them works. If
you don’t have a handy teen, check with your local library for courses and
tutoring.
Each has its own peculiarities. Here’s a brief description:
Twitter—https://www.twitter.com
Instantly share what you’re doing
in 140 characters or less. You can also share photos. It’s a great way to share
information with a lot of people quickly. Not good for lengthy conversations.
Instagram—https://www.instagram .com
Primarily a photo and video information-sharing
site. The fun part is filtering your photos (by changing their color, etc) and
sharing. It has taken over twitter with
the teen crowd in case you write for middle grade or YA.
Snapchat—https://www.snapchat.com
Correspond with real time videos
and texts (called snaps) that will disappear in 30 days after being viewed. You
cannot retrieve any of your information after that time. If you’re paranoid, or
under 30, this is the site for you.
Facebook—https://www.facebook.com
This is a good site for people
looking to connect with friends, family and fans. Joining groups is a great way
to meet new people with the same interests. You can find a group for almost
anything by searching Facebook. You’ll want to keep your professional page
separate from your personal page. If you try to over promote your Facebook
page, you can be put in “Facebook Jail” that can last 24 hours to two weeks. Read
the rules and be careful!
Pinterest—https://www.pinterest.com
My favorite addictive activity. You
put information that you’ll (probably) never use into organized boards that
other people want to follow. You can have a business platform and a personal
one. Or you can just have fun!
In order to get a following on any of these sites, you have
to follow. Start with people you know. Then add as you meet more people.
Remember that once you put something out onto the Internet
it’s out there forever (even snapchat has limitations). Post carefully. Don’t
post pictures or say anything that you wouldn’t want your mother or new boss to
see. That said, post early and post often.
The best relationships with a readership take time. Internet
platforms require not only following lots of people, but having them follow you
back. To do that, you have to offer something of value. Ideas, advice, and
recommendations all require lots of research and time. Take the time to build a
solid platform. Which segues nicely into Part II—It’s Not About You…
