A blog can be many things and serve many purposes. When you have a book to promote, it makes sense to turn your blog into a promotional tool. Whether your book is a historical novel, a how-to gardening book, a memoir or a book of poetry, let your blog entries spread the word and you will sell more books. Here are five ideas for using your blog to promote your book: Of course, the number one rule is to post to your blog often!
1: Stay focused on your topic. Make sure that you are providing the information your audience wants in a way that makes it palatable. Stay on track when adding to your blog so that you are always addressing your target audience.
2: Use numerous keywords. If your audience is seeking information about gardening in the northwest, continually use words in your blog entries that your potential audience would use in an internet search.
3: Participate at other blog sites. Search out blogs on your topic through Google, Google Alerts ( http://www.google.com/alerts), http://www.blogsrater.com and http://technorati.com. Leave comments, ask to be interviewed, offer articles and other information.
4: Offer freebies. Do you sometimes wonder if you’re being read? Offer free items or run contests from time to time. I know one author who offered a $100 prize to the 100th person who purchased her book. I sometimes offer a free report—something that includes information or tips that may or may not be included in the book that I’m pitching.
5: Promote your blog through your social media account—Facebook, Twitter and so forth. But as the experts say, make sure that you offer something useful to your readers.
I’ll bring you additional ways to promote your book through your blog in tomorrow’s post.
(Download a FREE ebooklet, “50 Reasons Why You Should Write That Book,” from this site.) http://www.patriciafry.com