A website or web page and a blog are basic essentials for online promoting. From there a writer can branch out and establish a fan base through Facebook, Twitter and other online social networks. Blog tours, book giveaways and book trailers are other ways to generate reader interest.
The Business Website: an Essential Part of Online Promoting
An author should have a web page or website where readers can find a list of book titles and how to order them. The information should be current, and the books should be easy to purchase with the click of a button. Books that are difficult to order or unavailable discourage potential customers. Readers can be directed to the publisher's site or online bookstore such as Amazon. Self-published books or books that are not listed on Amazon can be sold from the website itself by setting up a PayPal account and a simple shopping cart.
Maintain a Blog
A blog is a good way to generate reader interest. Blogs work best when they offer the reader something more than just a forum for the writer to promote the latest book. If a blog isn't entertaining, it won't attract many readers. Many authors offer writing tips, publishing advice or free short stories on their blogs.
Facebook and Twitter: Being Social on the Net
Social networking is important for online promotion. Facebook and Twitter offer many valuable ways for a writer to promote.
Using Facebook to Promote
Authors can set up a regular Facebook page By inviting friends the author can soon have a good base of people who might be interested in their books. Announcements, such as new book releases, can be posted to the Facebook wall. Promoting on Facebook should be casual and informal.
Authors can also set up a Facebook fan page for readers to visit. Some writers even go so far as to make a fan page for a character in one of their their books. In order for these to work well, the writer has to have some name recognition.
Promoting on Twitter
A writer can also build up a fan base on Twitter by inviting people to "follow" them. Twitter only allows brief, one sentence announcements. This is a good way to keep interested readers informed of upcoming releases, promotions and book signings.
Besides having a presence on Facebook and joining Twitter, it also helps to join online lists and forums to connect with other writers and readers. Use the email signature to advertise a new release or to direct people to a web page.
Book Buzz-Interest-Generating Events
A book giveaway is a good way to attract new readers. A giveaway can be arranged through Goodreads.com, or an author can arrange one through their own website. Many readers like to have a personally autographed copy.
Another way to increase readership is to have a blog tour. This means the author visits several different blogs at a scheduled time as an invited guest to discuss a new book, provide personal insight, and answer questions.
A book trailer can also be good advertising. A book trailer is a video advertisement similar to a movie preview or trailer. Many authors with basic video skills make their own trailers. Samples of book trailers can be found on You Tube.
Online Book Promotion Checklist:
- website
- blog
- book giveaway
- blog tour
- book trailer
For more tips about writing and publishing see How to Pitch a Novel at a Writer's Conference, Finding Time to Write with a Busy Schedule, and Three Ways to Get a Book Published.
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