As you all know I focus a lot of my efforts on hand-selling my books. But things are financially very tight right now and so I am trying to focus on other ways of spreading the word to new readers who will enjoy my series.I am looking for an hourly job at the moment. Once I have secured one, I will look into doing some advertising.
But what primarily interests me is growing my online following. I would love to hear ideas from my fans on how to reach readers by growing my online presence. I know that there are ways to do it, but I'm not sure how.
For certain, I know that I need to exchange my current website (which is flash-based) to an html format. This is especially important due to the popularity of iPads, smartphones, and similar devices. Flash sites do not translate on those devices, and an html site can be optimized for better search results, thus driving more traffic to my website.
If anyone can recommend a good book for online marketing, please do.
I am skilled at sales. Now I need to translate out of my comfort zone and learn how to develop a truly impressive online presence.
3 comments:
As for an online prescence (sp?) a blog and site obviously help. And yes, the site looks awesome...but it takes a long time to load and doesn't work well with apple.
The forum is a solid way to go as well, and I know we tried that and got no where. Maybe push the forum at signings? I'd talk to Mr. Davis about how he got his to where it is. That's good for being active online, maybe not so much for selling.
Blog tours
Blog stalking
Offering your book as a review/giveaway on well followed blogs
(many blogs exists solely for that purpose and readers follow because they trust the reviewer and want to find new books. I have a short list of blogs like that if you need some.)
I know lots of authors tried that "Amazon Blitzing" idea where you convince readers (once you have an active online fan base) to buy your new book on the same day on high-watched sites in hopes it shoots the ranking into the top 100 or so, ie more views. I'm not sure how effective that is.
Making friends with online geeks helps. Obviously relationships sell anything and everything. Friends will sell for you :)
-Nathan Keeneye
Twitter. It's what I live by. :)
Make sure you don't use it as a "Buy my books!" feed, but actively engage with writers, editors, and readers. Be a real person on there, and people will be drawn to read your blog...and your books. :)
Best of luck! (It's awesome to meet a fellow Christ-follower as well, btw! :) )
Thanks for the ideas, Nathan and Veronika!
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