THE WRITE PLATFORM – With the diminishing influence of the Big
5, up against almighty Amazon, authors need platforms. Why is that, you might
ask? I’m a writer. Do I really need to bother with publicity? Yes. Do both,
write material and engage in marketing. Some of these are costly, and some are
free, so start somewhere based on your resources. See below for tips and
highlights.
Blog - This is the most important aspect. Write on a regular (weekly
or monthly) schedule, since you’re going for repeat visitors, not the one time
click. Email - Create a footer signature with all your platform links. Start
collecting other’s emails to send out info when new releases come out. Every
message you send should share your platform information. Website - Think of it as
a landing page to house your platform links. Decide whether to use your real
name or penname. Make sure the website address isn’t overly complicated. Newsletter
- Add a newsletter signup to your blog. Whatever you do, don’t spam your list. Keep
it brief, interesting and valuable in terms of the information presented. Social
Media - Be interesting and add value. Your Facebook should link to your Twitter
which should link back to your Pinterest and so on. Giveaways - Consider handing out a freebie to
increase exposure or grow your list. Some writers have perfected the
first-one-is-free serial. Local events - Go to book signings, writers groups,
book stores, interview panels, book readings, conferences, book fairs, etc. Multimedia
- Each story should have a book trailer available to spread the message about
your work. Familiarize yourself with video, image and sound editing software. Handselling
– Ask your local bookstore if they will sell your book? Oftentimes they will
accept a few of them and send you a commission. Tell them you’re a local
writer! Online - Groups, clubs and associations support writers for free or for
a price. Facebook alone has hundreds of
groups dedicated to writer’s support. Branding – Make your selections with
uniformity--fonts, cover images, topics and themes--with a critical eye. Style
is crucial in a visual medium and your customer should instantly know what you’re
all about. Author page - Amazon offers a central place for all of your books and
reposting of all your blog posts. Interviews - Once you’ve established credibility
as a writer, ask about appearances on podcasts and radio shows.
A lot of platforms
are started and abandoned. What’s the point of that? Now it’s time to get busy
with your writing platform.
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As terrible as it sounds- freebies are the best way to go! Everyone loves free stuff :)
ReplyDeleteThis is timely for me. I get so wrapped up in writing for my blog, that I forget the community aspect of writing is just as important.
ReplyDeleteInteresting aspect about writing I never thought of. I'm a blogger but I never really considered myself a writer.
ReplyDeleteGood advice!
ReplyDeleteGreat insights. I agree with Shelby, freebies are the way to go.
ReplyDelete