Tips for Self Promotion, Sales, and Advertising discussion
Self Promotion Tips
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Assessing Value of Social Networking
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I don't think it is useful. We all sign up and are never hear from again.
I think it depends on a number of factors. Some sites are more useful than others (I have found Goodreads to be quite effective). In another forum, we concluded that it was worth signing up for a number of author sites, if for no other reason than to get our names and titles out there for more search engines. I think that, like most marketing endeavors, outcome is proportional to input.
You have a point. I am in it for the same reason.
I'm in the camp of it definitely depends on the site. Goodreads and one Amazon forum I belong to have been, by far, have been the best. Having said that, I suppose it's like anything else, the more I put into it the more I get out of it. The hard part is knowing where to invest your time. I made the mistake of getting into too many things and being spread too thin - that definitely didn't work! So I've really cut back to those key networking sites I "connect" with best! I hope that makes sense!
I've been trying to work my magic through the social networking scene for a while, but the results are mixed. I find that I'm spending more time networking and not nearly enough time writing. That of itself is a huge problem for me. I suspect that like Todd, I'll be cutting back soon and focusing only on the sites that seem to be helping my cause. considering how overwhelming social networking can be, I look forward to scaling it back.
Kevis, I know what you mean about the balance of time. Maybe the strategy is to try a bunch of sites and a variety of approaches, then hone in on the precious few where you seem to be making the desired connection.It seems easy to find author networks but then I wonder where the readers are hanging out.
The Kindle forums and goodreads are my favorites. I just started with Twitter and find myself posting links to blog entries and book reviews that I've completed for Examiner. The Kindle forums are great for chat and I like the crowd!As far as sales go, I'm slowing down with web stuff and promoting locally pretty heavily.
Todd - I did the same thing for a while. Spread myself way too thin.I think each networking site has its uses. I think if you sign up for a website with the intention just to plug your products and not have any substance, the fruit will just spoil.
I've had the most success by being a member of a community, having a spot for my product blurbs, and just having fun. Then every now and then I get a message from a reader saying they purchased my book, or read an article of mine and loved it. And I'm usually like, "whoa, thank you so much!"
Holly, I'm going to look into those Kindle forums.And Todd, great outlook -- product blurbs in their place and have fun.
I do check out the social spots to see what others have to say, but seldom put down words that might interest anyone, but the above information made me chuckle. You authors are getting close to the secrets of life. It doesn't do much good to advertise, promote and extol your works to people who are trying to do what you do, but here is something that works for me and it is exclusive. Todd above mentioned what he says, when someone reads his book and comments nice things. Those are the people that I connect with and spend most of my time cultivating. Each person who likes what you write, will become a friend/ambassador who will be only too happy to spend hours telling others about your books or other writings and spread the word much better than you can. Spend more time with people who like you and your books and then let me know. It is a slow process, but spreads in geometric proportion. Don't give up on us, your social friends, but get better acquainted with your readers.Dr Robert E McGinnis, author for over forty years
Dr Paradise, You think we sound like a convention of used car salesmen, trying out our pitches on one another? I'm chuckling too.You're right, of course -- short of big-publisher publicity, our best sales will be made person-to-person.
I keep coming back to: how does a "social networker" become a "real person." Like Pinocchio or the Velveteen Rabbit.
Social networking on the web has worked more with Utamaro Revealed than The Wonderful Demise of Benjamin Arnold Guppy. I've made contacts through Facebook in particular, which surprised me. I'm also finding http://www.redroom.com very worthwhile. And LinkedIn.The thing that is making most difference though, without a doubt, is blogging. If I had to choose just one activity to promote my work, it would be blogging.
Like many of you, I've struggled to keep up with social networking at several sites, which is why I haven't contributed here more often. Today, was the first time in months I was able to start a work on a new book. Anyhow, this week I made a decision to focus more on Goodreads and join Facebook. Yes, I'm one of the last holdouts. I Tweet and contribute on the Kindleboards site, which has tripled my e-books sales, though they weren't high to begin with. But I'm letting several other sites go, including MySpace. I still blog because I really enjoy it, and when I post my blog links on Twitter, I've noticed that the hits rise dramatically. This doesn't really translate into book sales, but people seem to keep coming back, so I guess they like the blogs.Debra
Hmmm social networking sites: here we are social networking! I do believe here at (Goodreads) we are kindred spirits, wishing one another success.What has worked best for me is fellow authors and readers who have enjoyed BMC, become friends,and in turn speaking to others about my work---a mutual admiration society.
Ciao, Stuart
Yes, I agree Stuart. It's all about taking the time to get to know one another and then one another's work. Some of my biggest supports are other writers!Debra
I've had the same problem most of you mentioned-spreading myself too thin,not leaving enough time to write. I've dropped back from almost everything except Goodreads. I enjoy the discussions on Goodreads, and I've actually connected on a real level-formed an online critique group and met one of the women when I was on vacation in her city.
Thanks everybody for the great responses so far. As I worry about being spread too thin like everyone else, there have been some leads here for more networks to look into.
Susan wrote: "Kevis, I know what you mean about the balance of time. Maybe the strategy is to try a bunch of sites and a variety of approaches, then hone in on the precious few where you seem to be making the de..."Susan,
You've hit the nail right on the head. I am not afraid to try something new. But if I feel that something is not working, I am not afraid to give it up. So far GoodReads and Kindle Boards has been good to me. I can't really vouch for any of the other sites I've visited, including FaceBook. With that said, I am also not afraid to admit, that my approach may be all wrong. Like everyone else, I am figuring it all out as I go along.
During the summer it is hard to jiggle everything work and family. I have been very dependent on my iphone for voice recording and my calender to remind me of the to do's. I devote about one day a week to social media.Regards,
YvonneW
Author Assistant
I'm new to Goodreads and haven't even said much here but already people have sent me poetry for my online poetry journal, so in that sense it has been more productive in a shorter time period than other social networks. Through Myspace I've developed a musical collaboration with someone I previously only knew as an occasional commentator on my blog; through Facebook I've met some one i previously knew through blogging. I actually don't consider myself a natural online social networker so if it can work for me....
Wow I don't feel so guilty any more!!! (jump, kick) too much social networking and not enought writing is exactly where I found myself. Goodreads is by far the best place to stay tho.
The value of social networking is just that - socializing. How much one wants to do is dependent on individual needs, which vary from author to author. But, how many books does this activity sell? Not many, if any. Let's face it - we're all here to promote/sell our work - not purchase other peoples' (IMO). I could list all the marketing ploys I've tried in the last two years, and they are numerous, but I would be hard-pressed to tell you which ones "worked" best. And, I held some pretty high-level marketing positions in my former life."How do we sell books?" ONE AT A TIME!
This much I have learned: Authors are not a primary market for your book(s). Dr. Robert's words above are sage indeed. I have sold many books to readers who in turn give them as gifts, and through referrals from happy readers. Identifying niche markets and conjuring up lectures/speaking engagements with such groups has sold the most books for me. Advertising in niche markets has also worked, perhaps even to a break-even point. This is ok because profit isn't my goal - selling books is. If that sounds contridictory, it's because we can't really pinpoint when a book sale leads to other sales. Loss leaders sometimes result in profitable sales.
In these hard times for the printed word, we authors are being advised to engage in all sorts of new technology so we don't drown in the sea change taking place in the industry. No one has been able to tell me if any of these tactics are working. "You've got to Twitter," they say. I ask, "How many books does it sell?" Silence.
So, in a nutshell, we are pioneering, indeed thrashing about, to find something, anything, that works. Or as Shakespeare's Richard III said, "I am like one lost in a thorny wood, seeking a way, straying from the way, not knowing how to find the open air..."
Good luck with that.
In a nutshell, I guess it depends on are you tracking where your clients are coming from?If you are tracking you will quickly know how they heard about your book was it amazon or did they see you book listed on a social media site and which one.
Social Media sites are also good for sharing information. I myself order all my books from the internet. The book stores in my area are very limited with selection.
Regards,
YvonneW
Author Assistant
Easier said than done. If someone buys your book on Amazon, how did they hear about it? Was it something you did? If so, what exactly was it (assuming you are doing multiple things)? I wish I knew how to track that. I always ask buyers (if they purchase from my web site and I have their eMail address) but even them some can't remember. One recently told me it was the result of a mass eMail he got. Strange, I didn't send it.
Yvonne- yes great point about tracking your clients, then you can really know.... I know social networking can be hugely useful in getting people to be aware of your work but whether that directly leads to increased sales, I'm not sure. I don't have a book out at the moment to test that on either.....For anyone here who is a poet, Read Write Poem has just expanded from being a prompt and resource site to being a social networking site, if you're interested check out http://readwritepoem.org.
Hi Juliet,Yes I agree it is a great way to get exposure social media.
I do some tracking myself. If a individual contacts me by phone or email and asks for information about my service I asked them how did you hear of me? They usually remember.
I also look at my statistics and pay attention to which social media sites are referring visitors to my site.
I also run a poll on a social media site asking individuals how did you hear about me.
Regards,
YvonneW
Author Assistant
http://theyppublishing.com/AuthorAssi...
Raff wrote: "The value of social networking is just that - socializing. How much one wants to do is dependent on individual needs, which vary from author to author. But, how many books does this activity sell? ..."One of my best outlets for getting the word out is the business community. I have one major company that calls me for fifty books at a time (discount price), signed, dated and comment. This company gives my books away as drawings, as gifts, open house, etc. As stated in another post here by someone, I can't tell how many of these books get return sales, but I am not dissatisfied.
With signature, this purchaser puts a gift value of $100/book. My latest is a series of five. I only sell this company the first or second in the series. (Guess why?) By the way, I not only list my books with Amazon, but I have a private printer for my books. There are many good, small company, back room printing companies around, you just have to find them. The one I found was working out of a rented storage space and has since moved into larger quarters. I am now looking into getting some of my books printed overseas.
Inside the first page, I print reorder information. I am sure everyone here knows someone in a business and can give this a try.
Idea two that I use and enjoy a lot, is sharing my email on my reorder page and then get a dialogue going with satisfied readers. I then encourage them to form reading clubs with youngsters in their neighborhoods and again, I offer books at discount prices.
Marketing works different in different areas and different kinds of books require different approaches. I write good, clean books for young people and grandmothers love to buy these for their grandkids.
Dr Robert E McGinnis
Dr, you have some great ideas here. Person-to-person networking in the real world still seems to be king, no matter how much virtual-web-networking can (in theory) expand your reach.
Even though it's not a book (yet), but a blog, I'm facing the same - or very similar at least - challenges of self promotion: http://agablack.wordpress.com/I appreciate any thoughts and comments that come to your collective mind :)
Sincerely,
Ag
Mod
The stated goal of the contest is to force authors to use Twitter, BlogTalk Radiom Mypace etc etc to solicit votes. The stated idea is that asking for votes is less spammy than asking friends to buy one's book.
Well... I scorn asking friends to buy my book, and I scorn asking everyone on Twitter multiple times a day to amuse themselves by clicking my Vote link.
I'm concerned that any sort of friend spamming could cost one (me) a large friend/reader base. Moreover, when I ask by private email or semi-bulk messaging, the results don't justify the amount of time expended.
Two people have offered to vote if I will send them a free book, many people have written "I voted" but either did not vote, or did not vote for my entry.
As a control, I entered a second book, which I have not promoted at all. It is not getting many hits at all (which proves that as a marketing device, a social networking contest does not have "coat tails").
http://www.wakeupcelebrityauthor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=14:general-fiction&id=22:insufficient-mating-material
Best wishes,
Rowena Cherry
Hello everybody. My computer crashed so I am now up and running on an ancient model, still chasing bugs.Did goodreads change the look of their pages or am I still dealing with digging up bones?
I think one must also keep in mind the differences between fiction and non-fiction. As a fiction writer, I feel that getting my name or the title of my novel out there on Google is pretty pointless. You need to be able to be found, certainly, but having pages of entries for Gregory Mose or Stunt Road on Google doesn't matter unless people are typing in those search terms (someone correct me if I'm missing something here!!). My approach, for what it's worth, is to work on my friends and acquaintances (Facebook etc. are ideal for that), to try to produce a hight quality blog that will attract people regardless of their interest in buying my book (for example, I blog on my writer site about where I live, which luckily for me is rural France and hence interesting to a certain crowd), and to start participating more in discussions on GR and Amazon, places where I know people are interested in finding interesting new novels to read. Concentrate on a few and do them well.
Tips for Self Promotion, Sales, and Advertising
Books mentioned in this topic
Utamaro Revealed: A Guide to Subjects, Themes and Motifs (other topics)The Wonderful Demise of Benjamin Arnold Guppy (other topics)
Has anyone else reached conclusions about the value of their social networking?