The Book Marketing Network

For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers

Social networking is a great way to build your readership, fan base, and sell your products and services. You've probably already heard of some of the more popular networks like MySpace and FaceBook.

So, what are social networks? They're online spaces where virtual communities are created. You join (usually for free), create a "space" or profile page, invite your friends to join, and then link to each other. Most sites allow you to create text profiles, and upload photos, images, and sound files.

I'm a fan of the interactive, Web 2.0 generation of WWW tools, like social networking. Social tools add great value to any Writerpreneur's branding and platform building plan and are a great way to explore Web 2.0 tools you've been interested in, but haven't tried yet. Remember, the goal is to sell ourselves, our products, and our services. The best way to do that is to get in front of as many people as possible. All the social networking sites are searchable, so people looking for you, your books, or services you offer are likely to find them. Some of the larger networks boast millions of users; that's a lot of potential buyers.

In the most basic form, social networks are like billboards that allow us to constantly promote our books and services. Yet, many networks have advanced features like calendars, invitation services, blogging, and forums. For example, on John Kremer's BookMarket.ning, a writer's networking community, you can blog and create profile linked forums. Some of the networks also have built in messaging, so you can contact your group of network friends with news and announcements. As we get to know our readers, buyers, and fans we're better able to answer their questions. And, as a recent Live Journal poll pointed out, 99% of book buyers buy books because they know or feel they have a connection to the author.

One of the built in aspects of social networking is the concept of "trusted friends." Everyone you invite or who requests to be one of your network friends must be approved. This built in trust is essential in online marketing. These tools can be combined to create a well-rounded, social-network marketing platform.
There's another advantage to social networking...it can be fun. The writing life can be solitary and social networks are a way to step out of your office without leaving it. I join all the social networking sites that I come across. While I admit I don't spend a lot of time socializing on these sites, they have helped build my fan base and allowed me to connect with some old friends.

Are ready to take advantage of social networking? Once you get started with the social networking sites below send me an invitation, I'll be happy to be your social network friend.

MySpace.com (http://www.myspace.com)
FaceBook.com (http://www.facebook.com)
LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com)
BookMarket.ning.com (http://bookmarket.ning.com/)

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