Is Twitter useful or a waste of time for authors? Judge for yourself
Is Twitter useful or a waste of time for authors? Judge for yourself
As with any form of marketing you have to decide what is most beneficial to overall goals.
The fact is, Social Marketing works for some and fails miserably for others. It is not a one size fits all process.
I happen to be one it works for, but am very clear that there are only so many I should be involved with and only for a specified amount of time. Otherwise, I find myself going down the deep, dark rabbit hole of never ending "shiny objects".
Track results
I have tracked business back to my involvement with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Granted, much of the business has been for my training courses, so perhaps my input does not apply to someone who strictly wants to promote a book.
However, when I track 30 - 40% of business back to my Social Marketing/Network involvement, I'm sold.
Social networks are a viable way to establish credibility and visibility.
People recommend what they like
Regarding book sales (which many authors find a very frustrating and ego deflating experience) readers often buy a book based on whether or not they have heard about an author, whether it be from some form of social marketing or by way of a recommendation from a friend or colleague.
Often recommendations are made on social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Ning and micro blogs like Twitter.
Social networks and social marketing allows for an incredible amount of visibility and credibility building for books and authors when done correctly.
They are great for encouraging followers and friends to visit a blog or website of an author through a posting by or about the author. From there, someone can opt into the author's mailing list. The author can then share details about a current book or upcoming book.
I can't even begin to count how many authors have said, "I don't want to be a marketer, I just want to write and sell books."
I have news for you, you don't market (or have someone who markets for you) you don't sell books.
Have your eye on the target
Social marketing is not a hit and miss proposition. The greatest value comes from having an integrated process that reduces the time spent with your social marketing and social networking and allows you to strategically position yourself as an author.
Again, I will be the first to admit this is not for everyone. However, for those of us who realize the power of social marketing we are going deeper and deeper into the process. And for many of us, getting incredible results.
A solution for some authors is to hire a VA to help with some of the "heavy lifting" such as getting your profiles set up, helping you to determine what are the best locations for you to put time into and helping to organize the process.
I can almost here the objection of, "I don't have the money to hire someone to do this." It's a Catch 22; I don't have the money to market my books, but until I market my books I may not sell more than a handful.
Something that can demystify the topic for some is to get some training in how it all really works. Often, when we don't see the true benefit of something we can quickly discount it. Or not.
Right use of social networking allows for minimal marketing costs with very high return on investment.
Is Twitter useful or a waste of time for authors Judge for yourself - To learn more about this author, visit Kathleen Gage's Website.
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Lately there's been lots of conversations, postings in forums and in social networks about whether or not Social Marketing is useful or a complete waste of time for authors.
As with any form of marketing you have to decide what is most beneficial to overall goals.
The fact is, Social Marketing works for some and fails miserably for others. It is not a one size fits all process.
I happen to be one it works for, but am very clear that there are only so many I should be involved with and only for a specified amount of time. Otherwise, I find myself going down the deep, dark rabbit hole of never ending "shiny objects".
Track results
I have tracked business back to my involvement with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Granted, much of the business has been for my training courses, so perhaps my input does not apply to someone who strictly wants to promote a book.
However, when I track 30 - 40% of business back to my Social Marketing/Network involvement, I'm sold.
Social networks are a viable way to establish credibility and visibility.
People recommend what they like
Regarding book sales (which many authors find a very frustrating and ego deflating experience) readers often buy a book based on whether or not they have heard about an author, whether it be from some form of social marketing or by way of a recommendation from a friend or colleague.
Often recommendations are made on social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Ning and micro blogs like Twitter.
Social networks and social marketing allows for an incredible amount of visibility and credibility building for books and authors when done correctly.
They are great for encouraging followers and friends to visit a blog or website of an author through a posting by or about the author. From there, someone can opt into the author's mailing list. The author can then share details about a current book or upcoming book.
I can't even begin to count how many authors have said, "I don't want to be a marketer, I just want to write and sell books."
I have news for you, you don't market (or have someone who markets for you) you don't sell books.
Have your eye on the target
Social marketing is not a hit and miss proposition. The greatest value comes from having an integrated process that reduces the time spent with your social marketing and social networking and allows you to strategically position yourself as an author.
Again, I will be the first to admit this is not for everyone. However, for those of us who realize the power of social marketing we are going deeper and deeper into the process. And for many of us, getting incredible results.
A solution for some authors is to hire a VA to help with some of the "heavy lifting" such as getting your profiles set up, helping you to determine what are the best locations for you to put time into and helping to organize the process.
I can almost here the objection of, "I don't have the money to hire someone to do this." It's a Catch 22; I don't have the money to market my books, but until I market my books I may not sell more than a handful.
Something that can demystify the topic for some is to get some training in how it all really works. Often, when we don't see the true benefit of something we can quickly discount it. Or not.
Right use of social networking allows for minimal marketing costs with very high return on investment.
Is Twitter useful or a waste of time for authors Judge for yourself - To learn more about this author, visit Kathleen Gage's Website.
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Joe DagerJoe Dager is President of Business901, a progressive coaching company providing no-nonsense direction in areas such as Lean Six Sigma Marketing and organized referral marketing. What others say: In the past 20 years, Joe and I have collaborated on many difficult issues. Joe’s ability to combine his expertise with “out of the box” thinking is unsurpassed. He has always delivered quickly, cost effectively and with ingenuity. A brilliant mind that is always a pleasure to work with.” - James R. If you want to learn more about Business901, start a conversation with us. We can be found @ Web/Blog: Business901.com Web/Blog: FundingYourNonprofit.com LinkedIn Profile Follow me on Twitter - Visit Joe Dager's Website |
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John PowerJohn Power, founder of Biltmore Franchise Consulting, has extensive experience developing and marketing franchises and business opportunities. He has been in and around franchising for over twenty years. From 1980 through 1990 he conceptualized, organized, and developed the American Video Association. He grew AVA to 2,000 national members, before selling the company it 1990. It was later merged into another home video marketing company. From 2000 to 2005 he worked as a contract marketing and human resources consultant to several local and national companies. In 2005 Mr. Power began working as a franchise development consultant on a full-time basis. Since that time he has helped more than three dozen companies initiate and develop their franchising program. He notes that there are many companies interested in developing a franchise program, and who need his specialized assistance. Mr. Power is a “hands-on” franchise consultant. He said, “I am the ‘nuts and bolts’ person who tends to the details for my clients.” Mr. Power holds a B.S. degree with a major in Marketing. See: www.biltmorefranchise.com You may contact Mr. Power at: jpower@biltmorefranchise.co - Visit John Power's Website |
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