Do you have a blog designed to promote your book? If not, why not?
As you may have noticed, practically everyone has a blog, these days: the stay-at-home mom with toddlers underfoot and a bent for the written word, the auto repair guy who wants to share his poetry with the Internet world, the animal lover who is passionate about educating the public on pet rescue issues. These people and millions of others are sharing their views, their talent, their obsessions, their opinions and their wares with anyone who is willing to stop by and peruse their blogs.
For some, a blog is a diary/journal of personal thoughts. Others use their blog space to try to change minds or make a difference. Still others just want to be read/heard. I know of one blogger who shares her journey as she writes and rewrites her novel. Another one posts photos and stories of his travels.
When you pay for blog space through WordPress, bBlog, Blosxom, Nucleous, Movable Type, etc., you can then blog about pretty much anything you want—your pet cow, your many girl friends, your Elvis memorabilia collection, your knitting projects, your wife’s bad habits or your book.
A blog is like a newsletter only, instead of sending it out to your list, you invite your list PLUS the rest of the world to read your entries. You might post daily, weekly or whenever you feel like it. And, as I have indicated above, you can complain, vent, brag, inform, educate, preach or simply share a feeling or thought.
If you have a book in the works or one to promote, blogging is a good way to help build your platform and to promote your book. Through your blog, you can:
• Establish credibility and/or recognition in your field/genre.
• Attract those who are interested in your topic/genre.
• Sell more books.
While my blog is designed to educate, inform and teach visitors about the world of writing and publishing, it is also an opportunity for me to promote my writing/publishing- related books, my online courses for authors and hopeful authors and spread the word about my upcoming appearances.
I suggest that you visit my blog often, but also do a survey of other blog sites and get some ideas for yours.
• Create a blog around the theme or topic of your book.
• Make it useful, informative and/or fun.
• Come up with ideas that will ensure repeat visits.
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