If you’re new to blogging and involving yourself in the social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, you do have a choice on how to handle this new form or tool of marketing. Your choice breaks down to your reactions to technology. You can either run-away in fear, pretend it doesn’t exist, or just grab the bull by the horns and hold on tight.
You can jump on this new fast craft and *conquer all obstacles*. All it takes is a change of attitude. Perception is HUGE. Isn’t it time to see the glass ½ full rather than ½ empty?
Let’s make 2010, the year of opportunity! A year to market you and your books.
You’re a newbie? Don’t worry. There are a lot of us out here who were exactly where you are today or have been recently been there. We can relate. We remember what it was like to start our first blog, to make our first 140 character twitter announcement, and to create our first profile on Facebook.
Like writing, begin with the rough draft. Don’t worry about your punctuation. If you forget to fill out all the blanks in your social media profile or ½ your message gets cut-off when twittering, there are reminders and second chances. Your second draft will be a lot better than the first. Whenever I’m scared, I ask myself: What’s the worse that can happen? AND… Is it life-threatening?
If you don’t put anything down on paper, you’ll never write that story. Open up that first social media network and fill-out your profile. Don’t know something…heck, don’t worry about it, there are plenty within this community who are waiting to help those who appear stranded. Reach out and click the mouse that hovers over a member and request a friendship. Just reading that person’s profile has sparked some sort of interest your way. And that’s it! You’ve begun your journey into marketing-using the social media.
Positive attitude goes a long way. It will show in your voice—the articles you write, and even in the short bursts of communication. Staying positive is one of the secrets in producing quality blogs.
Why Start a Blog?
A blog establishes authority—an expert on a particular subject matter. A blog is your home base and will become your identity and place of presence.
Writing posts about your passion will come easily. If you’re struggling or dreading this task, chances are you haven’t discovered your true niche. It may be time to switch gears and take a self-inventory, asking yourself what you love doing the most.
How do I Create Quality Posts or Valuable Content?
- Create articles around topics of your passion. Sell each post within the first paragraph. Like your story, it’s imperative to hook the reader from the first sentence or paragraph.
- Stay positive and use a balance between informative and conversational language styles.
- Produce posts that contain useful, intelligent, and newsworthy content.
- Promote others using quotes with direct reference (if you can, use links). Others will appreciate the ‘mentions’ and your post will become stronger with the proven backed-up facts.
- Do NOT be afraid to ask for help – again, a win-win situation
- spend extra time researching—educating yourself. Read, read (oh and did I say…read?).
- Become a two-way blogger – become the viewer and comment on other blogs. The blogger will appreciate your following and other lurkers will read your response, become curious and may direct themselves back to your profile where your blog link is located.
Soon after you push that publish button, some of your viewers will contact you by responding to your post—positive interaction has begun. (Remember there will be many, many lurkers or viewers who’ll read your post but will not respond right away—but they’re out there, watching, reading everything you write). Your viewers will begin to share your name and quality content with others. Bingo! You have now graduated into the current of social media—marketing you and your books.
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