A blog can be many things and serve many purposes. When you have a product to promote, it makes sense to turn your blog into a promotional tool. Let your blog entries spread the word and you will attract more business. Here are five ideas for using your blog to promote your book:
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. Sure you can write about something personal if you want, but tie it into your primary topic—the topic of your book.
2: Turn your blog entries into articles. Either submit them as is to appropriate sites and publications or tweak them to fit. Most of my blog entries are suitable for publishing, as I’m mindful to create stand-alone articles. Sometimes, however, a newsletter or magazine editor wants a longer piece or a more condensed version. Not a problem—I just rewrite the blog to fit their submission requirements. An article can be a sales tool. How? In a word: exposure.
• When you publish informative articles related to your field, this adds to your professional credibility.
• You can usually include a few lines at the end of the article in which to promote your book.
3: Create handouts. Use specific blog entries as handouts when you attend events with potential readers.
4: Compile a booklet of blog entries. If you’re a dedicated blogger, you could actually produce a booklet every six months or once a year and offer them free to anyone who purchases your book.
5: Write a book based on your best blog subjects. Review your blog entries. If you’re like me, you may occasionally hit upon a topic that would make a good book. So start writing. With thought and research, your blog on favorite misused words or how to work with an editor might become a book featuring how language has changed in the last century or a guide to being your own editor.
You started blogging because you heard that blogs can get you noticed. Use these five tips and you’ll reach even more potential customers.
For hundreds more tips and techniques for writing, publishing and promoting your book, read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
If you are just starting to write a book, this book will help you to write the right book for the right audience. It outlines your publishing options and helps you to determine which one is best for you and your project. It also guides you in understanding your responsibilities as a published author and in pursuing the promotional activities most appropriate for your book. You’ll learn what you need to know about the publishing industry and how to successfully navigate it on behalf of your particular book.