August 10, 2015
A Few Online Tips (Marketing Post Number Four)
Social networking and selling online seem to be some of the BIG ways to go these days with marketing one’s books.
Of course, there is physical legwork to do as far as book signings, speaking engagements, and vendors’ affairs to get your name out there, but the world’s markets have opened up online exponentially in the last few years, and it would be very wise to pursue that venue of promotion. The Internet and its effects on our society have grown so enormously, they can no longer be ignored.
Any author who is serious enough to write a book should be serious enough to learn how to use the Internet most effectively. Here are some quick suggestions, some easy, some not so easy, to accomplish. But, guaranteed, you’ll increase your presence online and with your fan base if you work on these marketing strategies:
- Look for online book reviewers. Many book reviewers will do a review gratis if you provide a free copy of your book. I’ve had some of my Keystone Stables books reviewed by the NEA (National Education Association), The Young Hoosier Book Award Program (www.ilfonline.org), and Barbara Fielding (www.reviewers choice.com) All gave favorable reviews.
- When your book is on Amazon’s sales’ racks, have some friends post favorable reviews for you on that site.
- Take a social networking class (as I did quite a few years ago) to learn how to integrate and interact sites like Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and so on with your website and blogsite(s).
- When you become familiar with sites like Goodreads and Facebook, look for “groups” that will be interested in your book and join them. Although I’m not as active in Goodreads as I’d like to be, I do have over 1000 followers at that site. In Facebook, I joined several horse lovers’ groups, one that has over 100,000 members. I try to post a short tagline and a picture of one of my books there once a week. Sometimes I copy and paste the URL to one of my horse books listed on Amazon, which takes you directly to the book where it’s for sale. The more your name pops up on the Internet, the more books you’ll sell. It only makes sense that exposure is the key to good sales. Learn how to have a presence there, and you’re on your way to being a best seller.
(More shameless promotion)
CHECK OUT MY LATEST TWEEN NOVEL DEALING WITH BULLYING ISSUES
When Dallis Parker goes on a snow camp trip with a church youth group, she discovers the phantom stallion really does exist in a way she never expected.
Marsha Hubler Best-selling Author of the Keystone Stables books
(Web) www.marshahubler.com
(Writing Blog) www.marshahubler.wordpress.com
(Horse Facts Blog) www.mhubler.wordpress.com
Great suggestions, Marsha. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this information! I am working on my first book proposal and this has been very helpful as I write the promotion and marketing section. Great ideas! I am looking forward to your next post.