How Has Social Media Helped or Hindered Your Book Marketing Efforts?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Marilyn A. Hudson on April 5, 2009 at 11:46am

Previous to this last month, I would have been vague as to the value of using some social networks ( we are all using a social network in being a part of this Ning community). Then, I attended an event with a different age and social group than most of my activities have been designed for. The result has been that both Facebook & MySpace have generated traffic, presence, networking, and sales. I tried out Twitter but - it was too disorganized and I will wait for the better version of it.

Permalink Reply by Katherine Harms on April 5, 2009 at 12:41pm

I'm still figuring this one out. I use Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter more than any others, but I belong to quite a few. At first, I thought I had to join as many as possible, but I soon realized that I was spending too much time "socializing" and not enough time writing. It's still a challenge even after I pared it down a lot. Over time, I have learned a few things about automating the network side, but I'm still finding my way. So far, I am not sold on the value of it, but so many people say that social networks are crucial that I just assume I still have a lot to learn about making them serve me.
What I really want is to get people to visit my website. I am still learning how to make my contacts all feed to my site. If I get that done, I think it will help me.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Copen on April 5, 2009 at 1:28pm

I will respond in detail later, but a fast way to update Twitter, Facebook, MySpace etc all at one time is through ping.fm (yes, that is the address, it's .fm instead of .com) It works great and finally got me able to post on facebook and then I've gotten feedback, etc. It's helped build my involvement without a great deal of time being spent.

Permalink Reply by Marc A. Pitman, CFCC on April 5, 2009 at 6:16pm

I'm having a blast with social media. It's now like another form of communicating for me.

I was pastoring a church when folks in my congregation asked what my Facebook profile was. I had no clue. But Facebook and Twitter became ways to communicate with my congregation during the week. I've been hooked ever since.

As an author, I've used Twitter to sell books with marred covers. I call them "factory seconds." I send a tweet telling people how much to send via PayPal to my email address. And people do! Rather than tossing the books, I am now able to make a bit of money on them.

They can be an amazing time-sapper. To simplify, I have my tweets update my Facebook status. ping.fm is also a great simplifier. That even updates LinkedIn. I've found all of them to be great ways of getting more exposure to my blog posts.

Here are my profiles:
http://twitter.com/marcapitman
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=656587015
http://www.linkedin.com/in/marcapitman

I also have a "beginners" introduction to Twitter called "Twitter for Nonprofit Marketing & Fundraising.

Permalink Reply by Donald James Parker on April 5, 2009 at 6:55pm

Social networks are like black holes - they will swallow up all of your time - if you let them. I've tried to be disciplined but have not always succeeded. This is my main means of advertising though, so I can justify it. I've made some good friends. Facebook is my favorite. Shoutlife is close behind. I belong to over 50 ning sites. I used to invite tons of people to be friends at ning - but people were not responding and I was unable to invite new friends. I actually like the Ning format better than Facebook but there are fewer prospective readers out there. If it wasn't for these social networks, I have no clue how I'd be trying to market my books. On the flip side, if I wasn't constantly on those sites, I would be a more productive writer. But if a book falls in the forest with no one to read it, does it make a noise?? Advertising is a necessary evil.

Permalink Reply by Jo-Anne Vandermeulen on April 7, 2009 at 1:55pm

I have to agree totally with Donald...>Jo-Anne waves frantically at her fellow writer and great friendbr />
Unless you have the time and energy, it can seem like you have one shoe nailed to the floor and you're running as fast as you can.
- There are social media sites that make an author's life easier. I like the ones that post stats so I know what's catching my audience's attention (Red Room, Authorsden, linkedIn).
- A warm welcome media site is ShoutLife and it has some interesting groups.
- I've pretty well tossed MySpace. I just found a lot of unnecessary chatter happening.
- Facebook is full of very interesting people, but I've had to watch myself with those 'warnings' - like they want us to use it, but not too much. >heavy sighbr /> - Twitter is good and I've connected everything up like stated in the other posts. It's simple. But I know there's more to it that I'd like to learn. A friend told me she made over 200k last year just on Twitter alone. Not bad business for a freelancer.
- I like Gather.com. The people there are so friendly.
- Goodreads is where all the serious reading and writing professionals hang out. Gosh, if you ever need help, don't be afraid to ask. They are all there to share their expertise. Heck, I asked a question last week and there were over 100 answers in just over an hour and their answers weren't one-liners either. Very intelligent group.
- Shelfari and LibraryThings are just okay...another place to 'hang my hat'.

Anyway...if any of you are hanging around any or all of these media sites, look me up and we'll hook as friends. Can never have too many friends. Right?

Before I go, I just want to give an extra hug to Lisa Copen. You are amazing. Thank you for keeping us organized and posting these great discussion topics.

Blessings to everyone;
Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
Internet Promotional Manager/Professional Support Network for Writers
http://www.premiumpromotions.biz/ http://www.gr5mom2.wordpress.com
“You Write – We Promote” “Conquer All Obstacles”

Permalink Reply by Donald James Parker on April 7, 2009 at 2:17pm

Ahh. I'm jealous. Lisa got a hug and I just got a frantic wave! :) LOL
Thanks for your valuable feedback. Since promotions are your gig these days, we sit up and listen when Jo-Anne speaks.
Don

Permalink Reply by Lisa Copen on April 16, 2009 at 6:00pm

Here is a great article on how to use Twitter to promote your book effectively. http://www.freelanceswitch.com/the-business-of-freelancing/using-tw...

Permalink Reply by Jo-Anne Vandermeulen on April 18, 2009 at 2:16pm

You are too funny Donald...yes>Jo's still waving..lolbr />
Click HERE for lots of FREE tips on marketing and promoting you and your book with posts from my personal blog called *Conquer All Obstacles*. I'm thrilled to be able to share my wealth of knowledge with other fellow writers.