Are you wondering how you’re supposed to “do it all” and write a wonderful book?
Here’s my take: you don’t have to do it all.
While I generally suggest that you Claim Your Name on super popular platforms like twitter, fb, instagram, etc. I don’t think you need to ‘rock’ each social media platform.
Here’s what I do suggest:
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Claim your Domain – this is yourname.com (or yourpenname.com or your-penname.com) This should be your hub for all your online activities. Post your books, excerpts, events, etc. Make it so that you can copy and paste details from your website to social media, email, readers, guest blog posts, newsletters, whereever with minimal effort.
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Claim your Name – Sign up to places like twitter, facebook, instagram, google, amazon author central etc and claim your name/penname. Fill out the bio and make sure you include a link to your website too. Post a few things at minimum so that your page/profile is not blank. Then, if you don’t want to post there and build an audience, don’t. But users who do love that platform will probably find you so when you have a new book out, do yourself and them a favor and pop over with an update. Easy breezy.
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Build a Mailing List – Honestly, this one will never go out of style. And with services like MailChimp making it so darned easy to keep a mailing list (and for free up to 2000 subscribers!) you really have no excuse not to. Create it, slap the form on your website, mention it on all those social media sites, and remind people of it frequently. Seriously. Ask for sign ups way more often than you send a newsletter. Backup your list.
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Be a Guest – This comes in several forms these days but I used to call it Guest Blogging and these days there are so many ways to get your name out there. Guest Blogging, Vlogging, Podcasting, writing articles, giving workshops, attending events, hosting signings, readings, book clubs. The point is: be engaged. Find “influencers” and ask them how you can help. Be open, friendly, and helpful. Your goal should be to add value. Trust me, your name will spread faster.
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Investigate Ads – It’s what’s popular these days. It used to be yahoo groups, now it’s FB ads, Instagram, Google, Amazon. Learn how they work, decide if the time is right to advertise your book or mailing list.
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Be You – Be Graphical – Graphics and videos are hot these days. Facebook and Twitter both have geared their algorithms to favor content with images and especially video. So get familiar with a graphic designer or give Canva a try.
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Above all – write the best damn book you can. Then write another one.
