April 13, 2011

Tips & Tricks to Market Yourself

Go on Google, type in my name. With the exception of some Country Radio Chick, I take up the entire first page, most of the second, all the way down to page 8. Same goes for Yahoo and Bing. Granted, I've had my own website before I really needed it...way back in 2006. 


Now, almost six years later, I'm all over the freaking internet like a virus. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogger, Gather, Goodreads, Libarythings, yeah, even myspace...you get the idea.


I don't need all of them, nor do I use ALL of them regularly, but they've helped me connect with new readers and friends! The best part of it? The majority of them are free!


Internet Marketing is still a growing concept. I am not a pro, but you should definitely sign up for the following three if you're a writer.


1. Facebook. I know, beating a dead horse right? SO CRUEL! Seriously though, you should have Facebook. 1 out of every 10 people has a Facebook profile already. The great thing about FB is you can have a page separate from your profile. This allows you to keep your family life and writer life apart if you choose. 


2. Blog. The great thing about blogs right now is that you can use the platform to create a workable website as well. Using the blog platform also allows you to make quick updates that serve as the home page for your site! If you do have the cash to spend, you can purchase a domain (website) name and take out the blog name making your blog an actual website. You can also embed your blog into most websites, which is a great benefit to your readers!


3. Website. Often, this is the one that scares people the most. However, there are many services (ie Godaddy) out there which  have web builders giving you the control to make your own site. Yes, there are free ones, but if you take your craft seriously, you should have your own domain (website) name.


Other great marketing ideas:


Sing up for Bookmark services like Digg, Stumbleupon, Tumblr, they allow you to easily share information with social media sites with the click of a button.


Learn about submitting free press releases! These are great for blog tours, new releases, book signings, etc.


Email Newsletters are a great way to keep in touch with people and create a database of people interested in your writing. I use a blog and Feedburner for mine right now because the list is still growing, but there are companies like Constant Contact which offer the services!


Hope these help you as much as they've helped me!


*Reminder: I still have spaces open for Teaser Tuesday! April 26th is open and most of May! Contact me for details!

4 comments:

Terri Talley Venters said...

Thank you for sharing your tips, Jenn! I'm on Facebook,, twitter, blogspot, myspace, yahoo, & linked-in. I need to sign up for all those others too. Btw, my hubby bought my domain name in 2003 when I first started writing Carbon Copy. It sat dormant until I finished in 2009. =)

Jenn Nixon said...

I think I still have an old Hi5 Account lingering out there! LOL

Larry Payne said...

Good Tips,Jenn. Within the last 6 months I've gotten a website and a blog,joined LinkedIn. I was already on facebook and within the last couple of weeks created an author page on facebook. Now all I need is a release date...:)

Taylor Bara said...

I jsut recommend you to have a look here and repeat what they have done. Works for me just fine.