All too often writers are resisting the opportunity to embrace online technology to support their work. This may be surprising, because this also includes bloggers and other online writers. So how can this be, writers use word processing programs, e-mail, or search for resources on the Internet. Also bloggers and online writers are by nature using online technology. However, this is not the online technology being referred to in this case.
Social Media: Using Web 2.0 Tools to Attract Readers
The old traditional methods of writing a book or e-book and relying on others for promotion, blogging and relying word-of-mouth promotion, and writing articles hoping others will read them do not work anymore. Following the path of success requires using a map featuring social media, free web tools, author platforms, and mobile technology.
Today’s successful writers use web 2.0 social media tools to market themselves and their work. They take advantage of these online tools and find success is achievable. Most web social media tools are free, user-friendly, and provide video tutorials to help writers. There is really no excuse for not using these social media tools for marketing and promotion.
Free Web Tools: Building a Web Presence
The following are samples of free social media web tools writers should use for marketing and promotion of their writing.
Blogs – free blogging services such as WordPress and Blogger offer user-friendly services and no requirement to know HTML or any computer language.
The only drawback for these free blog services is the inability to monetize a blog with Adsense or similar. However, this is not really issue if the sole purpose of the blog is to advertize written works and drive traffic to a writing service or written works.
Podcasts – free services such as PodBean and BluBrry offer the ability to create professional podcasts in minutes without any programming knowledge. Their user-friendly interface allows writers to upload, publish, manage, and easily promote podcasts. Also, podcasts created on these websites are embeddable in a blog or website.
Sample topics for podcasts include audio snippets from written works as teasers to get listeners to seek more information. Announcing a time and place where the writer will be available to sign books or hold workshops. Podcasts should be no more than five to six minutes in length to maintain the listener’s attention.
Social Networking – there are a host of free web 2.0 social networking tools. Providing a link to a written work using social networking tools such as Twitter, FaceBook, Stumble Upon, Reddit, Delicious, Buzz Up, Digg, Sphinn, etc. is a light which says – this writer has something to say, come check it out.
Professional Networks – such as LinkedIn provide a means of marketing and advertising written works to potential readers and subscribers. This free service (basic account only) offers opportunities to join social professional groups for networking and advertising.
Videos – using a free video service such as YouTube offers writer’s opportunities to speak directly to potential readers for advertising, communicating new ideas, and sharing information on a personal level. Videos should be no more than five to six minutes in length to avoid watchers from clicking off to something else.
Online Portfolio: Creating an Author Platform
To be really creative in marketing and promotion of written work, another online approach is the author platform. This type of platform consists of a webpage or blog hosted by a web service such as Bluehost and InMotion. The essential component is creating a domain name using the writer’s name. This is important for identifying the webpage or blog as the writer’s personal author platform.
Now a writer has a place to send people to during online marketing and promotion efforts using free social media tools. Links are provided to publishing services which sell the writer’s book or e-book such as Amazon. Also, embedded podcasts and videos advertising efforts offer a one stop shopping for readers and followers.
Mobile Technology: A Growing Method for Connecting with Readers
The recent entrance of the iPad as a mobile device for accessing online media is part of the growing method in which readers are able to access a writer’s works. Other mobile devices which readers are using include the Kindle, iPhone, iPod Touch, Smart Phone, Zune, and MP3 devices.
Taking advantage of these mobile devices is essential for building a writer’s web presence. Posting podcasts, videos, promotional articles, and other social media assist a writer in gaining mobile readership. These online tools are especially helpful in promoting e-books, drawing readers to a blog, or drawing attention to an author platform.
Serious writers, bloggers, and online writers must embrace online technology to its fullest extent to attract readers and customers to make a living. Successful writing today is all about web presence, because almost of their customer based is online today.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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