Hosted by Arlee Bird, Yolanda Renee, Jeremy Hawkins, and Alex J. Cavanaugh.
While I haven't had great success - or thank God a major failure!!! - in online marketing, I know one thing.
Be YOURSELF.
If people connect with YOU, they'll be more apt to support you.
Click on the button above to hear other stories / tips of those who've gone before. :)
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Marketing in the cyber world is
not an easy thing. Sure, there’s Twitter and Facebook pages, Pinterest,
Google+, Goodreads, and a dozen or so other sites to lurk, but how many people
who ‘follow’ you are you really reaching? How many people actually see your
posts let alone read them? Share them??!?
I saw a statistic a few weeks ago
that stated only around 7% of all tweets are seen. Sad, isn’t it? Totally true,
though. I follow a few hundred people and I can honestly say that I rarely
(never) sit in front of the computer for longer than 20 seconds to see what
other peeps are tweeting about. I’ve got TweetDeck, so I’m able to keep an eye
on people of ‘note’ IMO –other authors, bloggers, & publishers I have connected with, but that’s
it.
Only ONCE have I ever followed an
Amazon link to purchase a book because the author tweeted about it.
TWICE have I gone to Amazon to
nab a copy of a newest release someone on Facebook posted about.
Sad, isn’t it?
So what about all those virtual
book (blog) tours we authors strive and stress over to put together? Do they
work? I’ve done / overseen a half dozen or so, and honestly I’m torn about
their effectiveness. The purpose of said tours isn’t just about gaining sales—it’s
about the author gaining exposure. It’s about letting readers get an insight
into your mind, your muse, & your life so they’re able to connect with you.
And hopefully follow you faithfully!
While I can’t say I’ve sold a
million (or even a hundred!!!) copies of any of my titles, I have gained a few
cyber buds along the way. The faithful few who’ve connected with me as a
person, not just my writing style.
THESE are the folks who will help
get the word out about my next release. THESE are the peeps who will Tweet
& Facebook share to their own followers when I need them to.
My take on marketing in the cyber
world? Do as much as you can, whenever you’re able to. Meet peeps along the way
& hope they’ll like you for YOU and help promote your babies.
I wrote a post a while ago - Setting Up A Blog Tour 101 if you're interested in learning the how of virtual book tours.
I wrote a post a while ago - Setting Up A Blog Tour 101 if you're interested in learning the how of virtual book tours.
And finally ...
Don’t forget to cross your
fingers & pray to whatever god floats your boat. Perhaps you’ll get lucky.
#
And on another note ... book signings.
Last week I finally ventured into a little indie store, trembling in fear, to ask if they would be interested in hosting a local author for a book signing.
I didn't even get to pull out a copy of my fantasy debut novel, Eye of the Soul. When I said 'fantasy', the arms went up and it was a big NO.
While I was thoroughly bummed, I had to remind myself of the WHY it was a no.
The store is tiny and has a certain clientele. Fanasy? They no likey.
So was this a failure? Depends on how one looks at it. I made my first attempt at booking a signing. I've gained experience, something I plan on expanding upon either this week or the next! Not EVERYONE will say NO right?!?
Done a virtual book tour? Hosted one?
Booked a signing?
Any tidbits or tips to share? I'm all ears. :)
I still believe in the virtual book tour, but there are ways to do it more effectively. (Which was my contribution today.) It's all about gaining exposure and new supporters - new friends.
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought I was the only one who didn't watch the Twitter feed forever or follow links!
Thanks for participating in the symposium!
I read your post first thing this morning, Alex, and I did exactly as you said for my tours. We'll see if the latest really helped! :)
DeleteThank you... I do find being yourself is the key, people can read between the lines and see you are trying to be something better. I have had too many ups and downs and find I like me... for who I am...
ReplyDeleteJeremy H.
There's no earthly way of knowing.
Which direction we are going!
[Being-Retro]
Oh no, the bookstore said no???? *passes you a kleenex* I'm sorry to hear it but good for you for trying!
ReplyDeleteJeremy & Cathy - thanks so much for taking the time to swing by & comment!
ReplyDeleteGoodness... I think I would run home and cry. But they were right. If your audience doesn't peruse their store, it would be an epic waste of time on both accounts. I'm still not brave enough to try an actual signing, but maybe I'll get there. One day. =)
ReplyDeleteHonestly, after checking out other sites on today's linky list, I'm wondering if doing a book signing is even worth the effort!!! Seriously. I may need to give this further thought.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
I've had mixed results for signings, but I think I'll keep trying. Each time I've at least gotten one bit of ego-boost, along with a couple of sales.
ReplyDeleteEven ONE sale makes it worth it, IMO.
DeleteThanks for stopping by, Rebecca!
Sometimes indie stores are very specific. We have one in our area that is mysteries only and another that leans toward romance. As a fantasy reader and writer, it's difficult to imagine that everyone doesn't love it.
ReplyDeleteAs for book signings, I've only had one where I didn't sell any books but I think the location wasn't a good plan. Still even selling a dozen books might not make it worth the time involved if you don't enjoy them.
Thanks for sharing.
I hadn't known they were so specific until I went to our local. Sigh. On to the next, right??
DeleteThanks for stopping by, Susan.
The faithful few make it all work while. :)
ReplyDeleteI give you major props for going into an indie store and asking to do a book signing. My heart would be racing so fast and hard that I probably wouldn't be able to speak. Although they said "no", I wouldn't let that get you down. And in no way does that count as a failure. They may not like fantasy, but many other sellers do. Try other small bookstores and you will surely get a "yes".
Chrys, my heart WAS thumping. I was nervous as hell, but I HAD to do it if only to prove to myself that I have 'what it takes' to make it in this business!
DeleteAs always, thanks for stopping by & commenting.
I think you're so right - the social part of the networking is what's important and not a waste of time even if it doesn't lead to immediate sales. And hey, the fact that you've responded by buying on a Tweet or FB post actually makes me pretty hopeful. :)
ReplyDeleteYeahhhh, book stores don't seem to hyped about signing events unless you're already a best selling author. But I've done signings at unexpected places---a wine shop, a jewelry store, a clothing boutique---all where I kind of, sort of knew the owner & mostly it was my own circle of people who attended, but it was very fun.
Ooooo a WINE shop! YES! Sign me up for that one!! ha!
DeleteHonestly, hadn't considered those ideas. Thanks so much!!
ack! i read an article saying the majority of people buying books are authors and the publishing community. talk about fishing from the same pond! i am getting some good advice here, though. we need to find those readers who like our genre!
ReplyDeletegreat post!
Tara, I've heard the same. But, we won't let that stop us from drumming up another story, will we?
DeleteThanks for commenting!
That's interesting about the indie store. I must remember to ask stores what books they like!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Terri :)
Yeah, I hadn't known that until she said it. I'll definitely be a bit more picky about asking an indie again. At least I'll spend some time browsing around a bit to see what genre they carry!!
DeleteI don't have time to do one for each book, but I do like blog tours. The interaction is wonderful. I like doing something different for each book. I thought that everybody was into fantasy. It's good that you are moving forward doing what you have to do.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't a failure because you went inside and asked - that is the hardest part! Now find the book store that will host you! I make up a mailing list of book stores, send out a press release and then follow up with a personal visit. Sometimes if they won't host you they will take free bookmarks and give them away. Great advice! Thanks for participating!
ReplyDeleteGood tips! Walking up to a bookstore and asking if you could do a book signing there took guts. Good for you! Even if they said no, that experience can definitely give you the courage to approach another one. Who knows? Maybe the next one would say YES. When they do, don't forget to tell us. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe Musings of a Hopeful and Pecunious Wordsmith
I have to admit, I always wondered that about twitter. So many tweets, so little time…being yourself is always a plus.
ReplyDeleteVirtual book tours are the way to go. I think you reach way more people than just by doing a traditional book signing.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the midst of planning for a blog tour when my debut releases. But I'm skeptical.
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry that store shot you down so quickly for a fantasy novel... I am strongly considering going to Dragon*Con this year and cosplaying as an author at a portable signing table (by somehow attaching a portable signing table to myself) and just go around selling / giving away my signed books.
I think we learn as much from our failures as from our successes. It's so important just to keep trying and exploring until we find our niche. Mine is online. I don't come across well in person, maybe because people can sense my discomfort LOL.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post, another one I've really enjoyed from the symposium.
Cheers!
Karen