The Next Level of Online Marketing - Web 2.0
by Tyora Moody
I am your host Tyora Moody and I’m thrilled to be able to share this workshop with you. Now I am a computer nerd and also love teaching, so I hope NOT to overwhelm you. I have the unique position of being a web developer and a writer. As I currently polish my own manuscripts, I’m constantly exploring and making note of marketing options. There are so many options, sometimes it’s hard to keep up or know where to start.
This workshop is too lengthy to include in a blog post, so all participants will have access to the full workshop via a downloadable PDF (ebook) after this two-day seminar. Even though I spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen, I still enjoy regular “paper.” J
If you have questions, feel free to post them in the comments section and I will post my response throughout the two day period and over the weekend.
Outline for Day 1
Thursday, August 21, 2008
1. Marketing Options
2. What is Web 2.0?
3. Social Media Platforms Authors and Writers Should Explore
Marketing Options
Who better to tell about your book then you? I want you to keep that in mind whether your book is published through traditional means or self-published.
If your book is contracted with a traditional publisher, they will do some marketing for you, but they will expect you to push your book too. Many publishers will ask for marketing plans as a part of the proposal.
If you choose to self-publish your book, understanding marketing is even more important to you. Being aware of the various marketing tactics, new and old, will benefit you either route you take on the road to publication.
Traditional Marketing Methods ARE Still Important
Now let me be clear, while I work from the online part of an author’s brand, I must emphasize traditional marketing methods should still be a part of your budget. Many of the Web 2.0 platforms I will introduce today are FREE, but DO NOT solely depend on these platforms to market your book.
My main goal today is to educate you on where the Internet is going since more and more people are online thanks to high-speed access. Personally, I rarely watch TV or even read magazines, so most of the information I receive about book releases and upcoming author events are from online marketing.
Now know one can be on the computer 24 hours a day. When you meet potential readers in person (salon, your child’s school, church, grocery store, etc), you definitely need to consider having business cards, bookmarks, postcards, and other print materials are definite line items in your budget. Research your local print shop or online places like VistaPrint.com for pricing. You probably don't need to order more than 250 at a time which is usually the minimum amount. Make adjustments as you go along.
PLEASE don’t create print materials from your personal printer. Invest money in materials that showcase your book cover and your photo professionally.
Online Marketing Methods – For Starters
The first thing you need for online marketing, which I hope you should know by now, is a Web site. Recently on his blog, literary agent Terry Whalin mentioned, “Several years ago, it was OK for an author not to have a website. In fact, there was a great deal of skepticism about anything online and whether it was true or not … in today's publishing climate, the Internet is often the first place that people turn for information about anything and anyone.”
Read the full article Why Author’s Need a Web Presence
It doesn't matter how you obtain a Web site. You can design it yourself (if you have the creative and graphic skills) or choose to hire someone. If you choose to do it yourself, keep it professional. Later, in this workshop, I will share some no, no’s when it comes to building a Web site. If you hire someone, compare prices. I purposely keep my prices at Tywebbin Creations for people on a budget.
DO plan to include two line items in your budget. For a Web site, you need a domain name and webhosting.
If you do not currently have a domain name, go to godaddy.com (or another inexpensive company). When you find the name that you desire, purchase the name immediately to make sure you have in your possession.
The second thing that most people don’t seem to be aware of is Webhosting. This is just as important as the domain name. Webhosting is basically renting space online for your Web site files to sit for the whole world to see. You can purchase both the domain name and webhosting at the same time on godaddy.com. I always prefer clients to purchase these items on their own. There are web design companies that will take care of all of this for you, but it’s always a good idea to understand what you are purchasing and why. You can also be sure that you are the “owner” of your domain name too, which is very important.
That’s enough about Web sites for now. I'm going to talk more about developing Web sites tomorrow. Remember your online presence begins with your Web site.
Online Advertising
In the age of text-messaging, email is still the dominant form of online communication for adults. I will show you some statistics from a recent survey later in this presentation about adults and their online activities.
NEWSLETTERS (HTML EMAIL): If you have the time, definitely consider starting a newsletter or mailing list. You can keep readers updated with your new book releases, speaking or book signing events. (Example companies: Constant Contact, Vertical Response, etc)
EBLASTS: As you grow your personal mailing list, you may want to consider hiring online publicists that concentrate on sending eblasts or ecards. There are quite a few dynamic public relations firms like Ministry Marketing Solutions, Good Girl Book Club Online, TheGRITS.com, etc. These companies have hundreds, in some cases thousands of subscribers. If you can afford these services definitely consider having a professional eblast created by a graphic designer.
BANNER ADS: Some popular Web sites offer ad space in the form of banner ads. Definitely ask these sites if they can provide statistical reports or be sure to add Google Analytics (or some type of stats system) to your Web site so you can monitor your hits and inbound sources (where people are coming from to get to your site).
OTHER: Don’t forget about press releases and media kits (usually you post these on your Web site).
What is Web 2.0?
Wikipedia says …
Web 2.0 is a term which describes the trend in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to enhance creativity, information sharing, and, most notably, collaboration among users. These concepts have led to the development and evolution of web-based communities and hosted services, such as social-networking sites, wikis, blogs, and folksonomies. For more information, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0
Another term for you …
Social media is an umbrella term that defines the various activities that integrate technology, social interaction, and the construction of words, pictures, videos and audio. This interaction, and the manner in which information is presented, depends on the varied perspectives and "building" of shared meaning among communities, as people share their stories, and understandings.
Did You Know 50% of U.S. Adults Use Social Media?
Read this brief blog post:
http://www.tywebbin.com/next/2008/08/did-you-know-half-of-us-adults-use-social-media/
The purpose of showing you these statistics is so you are aware of the changing internet. It’s more than just having a Web site these days. People want to connect to each other. Now text message is probably more for young people, and not very effective for marketing since this is a small circle of people like family and friends. I do want to talk a little more about blogging and social networks.
I am your host Tyora Moody and I’m thrilled to be able to share this workshop with you. Now I am a computer nerd and also love teaching, so I hope NOT to overwhelm you. I have the unique position of being a web developer and a writer. As I currently polish my own manuscripts, I’m constantly exploring and making note of marketing options. There are so many options, sometimes it’s hard to keep up or know where to start.
This workshop is too lengthy to include in a blog post, so all participants will have access to the full workshop via a downloadable PDF (ebook) after this two-day seminar. Even though I spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen, I still enjoy regular “paper.” J
If you have questions, feel free to post them in the comments section and I will post my response throughout the two day period and over the weekend.
Outline for Day 1
Thursday, August 21, 2008
1. Marketing Options
2. What is Web 2.0?
3. Social Media Platforms Authors and Writers Should Explore
Marketing Options
Who better to tell about your book then you? I want you to keep that in mind whether your book is published through traditional means or self-published.
If your book is contracted with a traditional publisher, they will do some marketing for you, but they will expect you to push your book too. Many publishers will ask for marketing plans as a part of the proposal.
If you choose to self-publish your book, understanding marketing is even more important to you. Being aware of the various marketing tactics, new and old, will benefit you either route you take on the road to publication.
Traditional Marketing Methods ARE Still Important
Now let me be clear, while I work from the online part of an author’s brand, I must emphasize traditional marketing methods should still be a part of your budget. Many of the Web 2.0 platforms I will introduce today are FREE, but DO NOT solely depend on these platforms to market your book.
My main goal today is to educate you on where the Internet is going since more and more people are online thanks to high-speed access. Personally, I rarely watch TV or even read magazines, so most of the information I receive about book releases and upcoming author events are from online marketing.
Now know one can be on the computer 24 hours a day. When you meet potential readers in person (salon, your child’s school, church, grocery store, etc), you definitely need to consider having business cards, bookmarks, postcards, and other print materials are definite line items in your budget. Research your local print shop or online places like VistaPrint.com for pricing. You probably don't need to order more than 250 at a time which is usually the minimum amount. Make adjustments as you go along.
PLEASE don’t create print materials from your personal printer. Invest money in materials that showcase your book cover and your photo professionally.
Online Marketing Methods – For Starters
The first thing you need for online marketing, which I hope you should know by now, is a Web site. Recently on his blog, literary agent Terry Whalin mentioned, “Several years ago, it was OK for an author not to have a website. In fact, there was a great deal of skepticism about anything online and whether it was true or not … in today's publishing climate, the Internet is often the first place that people turn for information about anything and anyone.”
Read the full article Why Author’s Need a Web Presence
It doesn't matter how you obtain a Web site. You can design it yourself (if you have the creative and graphic skills) or choose to hire someone. If you choose to do it yourself, keep it professional. Later, in this workshop, I will share some no, no’s when it comes to building a Web site. If you hire someone, compare prices. I purposely keep my prices at Tywebbin Creations for people on a budget.
DO plan to include two line items in your budget. For a Web site, you need a domain name and webhosting.
If you do not currently have a domain name, go to godaddy.com (or another inexpensive company). When you find the name that you desire, purchase the name immediately to make sure you have in your possession.
The second thing that most people don’t seem to be aware of is Webhosting. This is just as important as the domain name. Webhosting is basically renting space online for your Web site files to sit for the whole world to see. You can purchase both the domain name and webhosting at the same time on godaddy.com. I always prefer clients to purchase these items on their own. There are web design companies that will take care of all of this for you, but it’s always a good idea to understand what you are purchasing and why. You can also be sure that you are the “owner” of your domain name too, which is very important.
That’s enough about Web sites for now. I'm going to talk more about developing Web sites tomorrow. Remember your online presence begins with your Web site.
Online Advertising
In the age of text-messaging, email is still the dominant form of online communication for adults. I will show you some statistics from a recent survey later in this presentation about adults and their online activities.
NEWSLETTERS (HTML EMAIL): If you have the time, definitely consider starting a newsletter or mailing list. You can keep readers updated with your new book releases, speaking or book signing events. (Example companies: Constant Contact, Vertical Response, etc)
EBLASTS: As you grow your personal mailing list, you may want to consider hiring online publicists that concentrate on sending eblasts or ecards. There are quite a few dynamic public relations firms like Ministry Marketing Solutions, Good Girl Book Club Online, TheGRITS.com, etc. These companies have hundreds, in some cases thousands of subscribers. If you can afford these services definitely consider having a professional eblast created by a graphic designer.
BANNER ADS: Some popular Web sites offer ad space in the form of banner ads. Definitely ask these sites if they can provide statistical reports or be sure to add Google Analytics (or some type of stats system) to your Web site so you can monitor your hits and inbound sources (where people are coming from to get to your site).
OTHER: Don’t forget about press releases and media kits (usually you post these on your Web site).
What is Web 2.0?
Wikipedia says …
Web 2.0 is a term which describes the trend in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to enhance creativity, information sharing, and, most notably, collaboration among users. These concepts have led to the development and evolution of web-based communities and hosted services, such as social-networking sites, wikis, blogs, and folksonomies. For more information, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0
Another term for you …
Social media is an umbrella term that defines the various activities that integrate technology, social interaction, and the construction of words, pictures, videos and audio. This interaction, and the manner in which information is presented, depends on the varied perspectives and "building" of shared meaning among communities, as people share their stories, and understandings.
Did You Know 50% of U.S. Adults Use Social Media?
Read this brief blog post:
http://www.tywebbin.com/next/2008/08/did-you-know-half-of-us-adults-use-social-media/
The purpose of showing you these statistics is so you are aware of the changing internet. It’s more than just having a Web site these days. People want to connect to each other. Now text message is probably more for young people, and not very effective for marketing since this is a small circle of people like family and friends. I do want to talk a little more about blogging and social networks.
Let’s talk a little about relationship building.
Relationship Building
All you have to do is look at entertainment shows and magazines to see how hungry people are to relate to someone. This presentation is being presented through a Christian writer’s group and I’m a Christian writer. Christian writers have been gifted to spread the Gospel in a unique way especially if you're writing Christian fiction. Why not spend time beyond the pages of your book to meet people and build relationships?
Let's look at some social media platforms that may benefit you as an author and “minister” of the gospel. I’m not talking merely about making profits, but building a readership that will recognize YOUR NAME/YOUR BRAND. Even more importantly the person behind the characters, book covers, blurbs, etc
Social Media Platforms Authors and Writers Should Explore
I’m splitting this next section into two categories, blogging and social networking.
NOTE FROM PRESENTER: If you are viewing this on the BWChristianLit blog, I am providing links to this content to NOT overwhelm you. This content will have more screenshots in the downloadable ebook after the workshop.
Let’s Explore … Blogging
What is a blog? WATCH THIS VIDEO
http://www.tywebbin.com/next/2007/11/what-is-a-blog/
Popular platforms: blogger.com, wordpress.com or wordpress.org (self-hosted), typepad.com (pay)
Sample Blogs:
Many authors will use blogs to help other writers by posting about their personal publishing journey. Angela Benson, author of Up Pops the Devil is a perfect example. http://www.angelabenson.com/ (self-hosted wordpress)
If you have a certain niche or topic that you write about in your books, you can use this a jump off point for creating a blog. A good example of this is Linda Leigh Hargrove and her 17seeds.com blog where she talks about racial reconciliation. This is a topic also found in her Christian Fiction books, The Making of Isaac Hunt and Loving Cee Cee Johnson.
http://www.llhargrove.com/ (self-hosted wordpress)
NOTE FROM PRESENTER: I can’t cover much more about this topic on the blog post so stay tuned for the FREE downloadable ebook coming after this seminar.
Let’s Explore … Micro-blogging
Popular platforms: twitter.com, pownce.com, plurk.com
By now you may have heard about the phenomenon Twitter. This is another form of blogging known as micro-blogging Users are only allowed to post 140 characters at a time. So if you're not into creating a full-blown blog, you might like twitter. Don’t knock it until you try it. I think I had a twitter account for months before I decided to really check it out. Most people that I know, once you get started, it’s a whole lot of fun – and easy!
http://www.tyoramoody.com/
http://www.twitter.com/cookieaisle
Your twitter feed can easily be posted to your website so that people can check what you have been saying on twitter. If you click on TyoraMoody.com, you can see where I have the twitter feed included in the right sidebar.
Twitter is the best when it comes to networking. You can follow other people and if people like what you are saying, they will follow you. Sounds a bit like stalking I know, but really just try it. You can control who follows you, by blocking unwanted persons.
If an author has posted an excerpt for their upcoming book release to their Web site, you can draw traffic to your site by posting a twitter announcement.
Let’s Explore … Social Networking
What is Social Networking? WATCH THIS VIDEOhttp://www.tywebbin.com/next/2007/06/what-is-social-networking/
There are so many social networks these days. You really have to check them out for yourself to see what you really like and are comfortable joining. The KEY is to find one you enjoy, participate and network.
Popular platforms: myspace.com, facebook.com, ning.com
Now some social networks authors and writers might really like are shelfari.com, goodreads.com and shoutlife.com. These sites are great for meeting bookworms and other authors.
NOTE FROM PRESENTER: More on this topic in the FREE downloadable ebook coming after this seminar.
Let’s Explore … Video-Based Social Media
Popular platforms: youtube.com, vimeo.com, Godtube.com, 12seconds.tv
You might think of Youtube.com as a place where people post silly videos. If you have the time and the skill (or you can budget for this) create a book trailer. Most PC’s come with Window Movie Maker on it and Macs have a great selection of editing tools for videos.
The cool thing about Youtube, you can take the embed code for your video and add it to your Web site. So you don’t necessarily have to draw traffic to Youtube, but you can still bring readers or future readers to your Web site.
Check out Linda Leigh Hargrove’s site again to check out her great movie trailers.
http://www.llhargrove.com/
Let’s Explore … Audio-Based Social Media
Popular platforms: blogtalkRadio.com, utterz.com
You don’t necessarily have to start your own podcast or radio show, but if your platform calls for it, go for it! There are sources out there for you to get started. All you need is an account, and an assigned phone number. Like the videos, these sites provide embed codes so your audio files can be included on your site.
You definitely want to consider being a guest on someone’s show as a part of your promotional tour. Some online radio shows you might want to check out are: APOOO, Black Authors Network, Abundant Solution, On the Air with TheGRITS.com, and Ministry Marketing Solutions
Whew! That’s a Wrap for Today!
I have listed a lot of information on this particular part of the presentation. Tomorrow, I’m going to talk about how you can incorporate Web 2.0 into your Web site. If you have any questions, please feel to post them in comments section.
PRIZE (For One Person)For those who leave comments or participate over the two day period, we can pull names for one person to receive a free ecard/eblast graphic designed by Tywebbin Creations to use with the online PR company of your choice.FREE EMAIL QUOTES (For All Participants Aug 21 & 22)For those who leave comments or participate over the two day period, I can offer a free web quote or advice on how to improve their current web site.
FREE EMAIL QUOTES (For All Participants Aug 21 & 22)For those who leave comments or participate over the two day period, I can offer a free web quote or advice on how to improve their current web site.
Tyora Moody has worked as a web developer for ten years. She started Tywebbin Creations, her web and graphic design company in 2000. She has designed Web sites for Sharon Ewell Foster, Sherri Lewis, Tia McCollors and a host of others authors.
Posts
22 comments:
Ty I will be away most of tomorrow so I want to take this opportunity to thank you for such a comprehensive presentation.
Linda!
http://www.lindabeed.com
Ty,
Thanks for the great information. I'm going to follow this for my upcoming release.
Wanda B. Campbell
Ty, Wow. Thanks for the 'adds' in this very informative post. I'll be sure to check out your ebook.
--
Linda Hargrove
No problem Linda. I enjoyed putting it together. I hope people find it beneficial.
Let me know if you have any questions Wanda.
Linda, I LOVE your Web sites, blog, book trailers and books. You are a package that MUST be featured. LOL! Many blessings with the book release in September.
Blessings,
Ty
Ty, you have provided us with not only an 'education' but an abundance of information that we can start using right now.
Thanks!
Glad to be of service Jeanette. I'm a computer nerd, so I didn't want to overwhelm with all the "social media" platforms I play around with online. LOL!
Here is another cool Social Network. I will be adding it to the ebook.
http://christianfiction.ning.com
Dee Stewart manages this social network.
Good morning Ty,
EXCELLENT information and I can tell you everyone will be chomping at the bit for those PDF files to download and refer to later (me included).
THANKS so much for the mention in your workshop today; I truly appreciate you. You have been a wonderful blessing to me and my online work through the years.
I just Twittered to all my followers about your presentation; so hopefully everyone will dash over here to catch you in action!
Again THANK YOU and continued blessings to you and all you do for us online and offline!
Good info! Blessings!
Naima
GM Ty...great post...and yes social marketing is alive and well...hehe. Thanks so much for mentioning APOOO and giving us a post that was enlightening and informative...off to twitter this info.
xoxo
Hello Ty,
Thank you for the reference to my blogpost. You have some great resources and tools for people to access. If anyone is submitting book ideas, I hope they will drop by and pick up my free Ebook, Straight Talk From The Editor, 18 Keys To A Rejection-Proof Submission.
Keep up the good work,
Terry
Author of Book Proposals That Sell
Ty,
Great workshop. Now you know I will be contacting you for the online conference next year :)
Hey roomie!
Great post, Ty. Chock full of information. Even though I'm a techie like you, I still learned a couple of things. Looking forward to that ebook.
Thanks for stopping by Marlive and Yasmin! I love what both of you do for AA Fiction. Definitely a fan of TheGRITS.com and APOOO.
Terry, I'm honored to have you stop by to share. :)
Hey LaShaunda! Sounds like a plan. I'm a teacher at heart. Let me know what you need.
Hey Patricia, enjoyed being roommates at Faith and Fiction this past weekend. You are hilarious and fun to be around! I hope to get the rest of photos online soon!
Miss Naima you snuck in here too! Thanks for stopping by writing buddy. :)
Ty, your marketing informaton is superb! I am going to make more use of those things that you stated that I already knew of, and as for those that you listed that I don't know about, I am surely going to begin utilizing as well. I'm elated to know about the Christian Expo next year. I visited all of the links you posted too. Thanks again for sharing the information.
Question: Maybe you're going to cover this tomorrow but I want to know how I can place an RSS feed on my website and on my newsletter. kUDOS TO ALL THE SITES YOU LISTED, and Linda your book trailers are outstanding.
Shelia Lipsey
Author of My Son's Wife (Oct 08)
Sinsatiable
Into Each Life
www.shelialipsey.com
Thank you for your comments Shelia! I included a little bit of information in tomorrows post about RSS Feeds, but most of it will be in the ebook.
I use Feedblitz.com with my blogs for people to receive the RSS feeds via email.
Feedburner.com can also send RSS feeds via email, but I mostly use it so folks can directly subscribe to my feeds through an aggregator.
Aggregators are platforms that pull in all the feeds you subscribe too.
My favorite is Google Reader. There are a host of others you can use as well.
Do you have a blog? RSS Feeds are really easy to set-up with blogs. If you have any questions, free free to send an email. I can walk you through the process.
Hi Ty:
Great information!!!
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge especailly to folks like me who are computer challenged.
Think I've found my next web designer...
Best,
LaConnie
Thanks for stopping by LaConnie! I enjoyed hosting your book tour on AAKultureZone.com. Many blessings with the book release.
Ty
great stuff. Blog on!
Pam
www.ChocolatePagesNetwork.com
:)
God bless you!
3 John 2
WOW! I'm almost speechless! What terrific information, especially for a new author like me. Thank you so much, Ty. I'm looking forward to working with you in the near future.
MaRita
Ty,
Thanks for the great information. I'm going to follow this for my upcoming release.
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