Creating your own 'circles of influence' on the Web

I read an interesting post this afternoon by my friend, copywriter Ray Edwards, who was talking about how marketing for businesses has changed and evolved over the last several years.

This is due to social media, and the ease with which people can check out companies these days – and connect with them.

So what about authors?

This is where your author’s platform comes in… and when it comes to marketing – whether it’s about you or your book – You ARE the Message.

Which means that you need to move consistently forward when building your author’s platform.  Here’s how to create circles of influence that will help your readers get to know you, like you and trust you:

1. Creating a publishing calendar. Okay, I know.  The scarcest resource any of us have today is time.  Which is where creating a publishing calendar can help.  If you have a schedule – whether it’s for creating blog posts, participating in social media or writing articles – you’ll save time and be able to get more done.  And you’ll watch your author’s platform getting bigger and stronger. (Try this: Create monthly projects and themes… then weekly action steps and daily writing or posting times…)

2. Put a lead generation system in place and automate it.  In this case we’re talking about creating a sign-up box on your Website, using a signature line in your emails, or inviting patients to sign up for your email list.  And then make sure you stay in touch on a regular basis.

3. Build a ‘total Web presence’. The days when you can just start a blog and expect that to give you all the attention and fans you want are long gone.  It just doesn’t work like that any more.  You need to be participating in the conversation that’s already going on.  So figure out who your readers are, where they’re at and what they want to know.  And get out there and start talking and listening.

4. Participate in the conversation. I know, I just said this above, but it’s important enough to have its own number.  You need to know who the leaders are in your niche – the people who are already leading the conversation, and join in.  But don’t just be a hanger on or ‘yes’ person.  Contribute value, take a stand and make your voice heard. But also take the time to listen and respond. Just like in real life, conversation is a two-way street.

5. Develop a complete Web strategy. This isn’t about making a few twitter posts, or starting a blog.  It’s about everything you are, everything you stand for and everything you’re going to do to market your book.  Your strategy should begin with the end in mind and work your way back to where you are right now.  It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a blog, or your book is just an idea, or if you’ve got it almost finished and you’re ready to start marketing.  Decide what you want and what your goals are and then create a strategy.  This means deciding on what channels you’re going to use, creating a message, a look and feel – it’s your brand and so much more.

Got questions about how to build your author’s platform? Want advice on marketing your book? Or interested in finding out more about working with a professional book ghostwriter? Feel free to contact me.

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Filed under: Featured Posts • Marketing Your Book • Publicity Tips • Your Author Platform

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