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. :)
