Download
1 / 28
280 likes | 370 Views
Marketing and Networking for Writers. Act Like a Writer. Think Like a CEO. Who am I?. Shani Greene-Dowdell
E N D
Marketing and Networking for Writers Act Like a Writer. Think Like a CEO
Who am I? Shani Greene-Dowdell A 4-time published author, with a love for writing and publishing. I began writing my first story in 2005 and by the end of 2006 my manuscript was completed. Two years later (2008), I received the self-published author of the year award from the AALAS in Harlem, NY for my second book. Two years later again (2010), I received a Pink Diamond Award from the SistahFriendbookclub in Columbia, SC. How did a lady in Opelika, Alabama get connected and honored in two different award shows in two different states, only two years apart? I say, it’s due to Networking and Marketing…
Networking for Success Your network = your net worth
Networking We will fill in some of the gaps that you may be missing on building strong relationships in your network and looking at various networks to market your book.
Networks • noun any netlike combination of filaments, lines, veins, passages, or the like: a network of arteries; a network of sewers under the city. • noun an association of individuals having a common interest, formed to provide mutual assistance, helpful information, or the like: a network of recent college graduates.
-verb to cultivate people who can be helpful to one professionally, esp. in finding employment or moving to a higher position: “His business lunches were taken up with networking.”
Networks (BEWARE) I strongly believe that networking is the reason that my work has been recognized. However, I also know that there are some “networks “ that pop up everyday looking for unsuspecting authors to prey on. Most times, they will ask for unreasonable amounts of money for services. DON’T BE THE ONE TO PAY FOR WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!
Recommended Networks • Nayberry Publications • Black Pearls Magazine • Urbanreviewsonline.com • Local Mom and Pop Stores • Local Churches, Schools, and Universities • Trade Shows *** • At work • BUILD YOUR OWN
Network = Net worth Surround yourself with supportive and positive people, and duck, dodge and run from negativity when you first spot it!
Make all of your networking relationships a GIVE and TAKE. ANYTHING ELSE IS UNCIVILIZED! In this picture, an author friend traveled from Atlanta to show support for my first seminar. In return, I set her up with a book signing in Auburn.
Marketing Yourself Believe it or not, most customers are buying you, not your books, so be likeable, approachable, etc.
Marketing • Marketing is the process by which companies determine what products or services may be of interest to customers, and the strategy to use in sales, communications and business development. ... • Selling is the exchange of goods for an agreed sum of money
The world is so BUSY! How busy is your schedule? How many demands to you have on you? Did you remember to do everything that you had to do last week? I DIDN’T THINK SO… Grabbing peoples attention and keeping it these days is not an easy task…and to say the least extremely hard. Sometimes, you only get one opportunity to interest a potential connection or reader. What will you do differently, than the other 300,000 authors that will be publishing new books this year alone?
Cover & Content Your book’s cover and content is a part of your marketing, because it determines the message that you will give to your readers and the different avenues that you can promote. Though many authors do not like to be categorized, your cover and content will decide your genre.
Effective Marketing Builds… • Trust in You and Your Product • Branding • Publicity • Invites • Word of Mouth Buzz • Interest • Traffic/Customers • Sales Though the bottom line is sales. Your top of the line is building your brand and trust in it. INTEGRITY
Ten Effective Marketing Strategies that Don't Break the Bank To bring in new and repeat customers for your business. by Janice Byerwww.powerhomebiz.com/vol16/effective.htm
1) Website • This is probably one of the best and most cost effective forms of having your company visible to your potential clients....and its available 24/7! If you have the time and patience to learn to put something together, give it a try! Or, consider hiring a professional designer in order to get more pop to your site. The benefits of having a website are definitely worth the expense. But remember to shop around and be comfortable with your designer... and the money you pay.
2) Newsletter or Email Campaign • One of the best ways to continue to build with existing customers is to create an email campaign or newletter. This way they are consistently receiving updates on your events and products, but even greater than that they get to learn more about YOU. • Think Tyler Perry, the movie producer extraordinaire and how he genuinely connects with his movie goers through email. How many producers email you and thank you for watching their films, or share personal experiences with you?
3) Signs in or on your vehicle Window decals are fairly inexpensive considering their lifespan. Remember to include your website address. If funds are really short, make signs on Bristol board and put them inside the windows. You can also get Licence decals. These can include your website address, company name, and phone number and fit nicely around your licence plate.
4) Join your local business associations And don’t forget to get involved! Your local Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce can provide an abundance of opportunities for your business. The networking events are a way to meet other business professionals in your community who may just happen to have stores to stock your books or events that you can do signings at. And, getting involved in the committees allows you to share your expertise and be recognized by your fellow members.
5) Flyers Pinup Flyers. Include a tear-off section on the bottom and put the flyers up at your local stores and other locations that may have bulletin boards
6) Followup Keep in touch marketing, such as a personalized thank you to a new client or contact, a Christmas card that simply says thank you, and a monthly newsletter (print and/or online) to all your customers and contacts.
7) Wear Your Brand • Iron on transfers. As an author, you already eat and sleep your book(s), so why not wear it too? You can purchase the transfers at your local business supply store and, I imagine, at craft stores. Then it’s just a matter printing your logo (or whatever you want on the shirt) onto a transfer and ironing it on. • Vista Print. A cheap way to print T-shirts.
8) Articles & Press Releases Writing articles is a good way to receive exposure and it also helps you to be regarded as an expert in your field. Press releases can be used to announce a new book, when you provide a new service, or any other time you have some news to tell. There are 2 keys to a press release... the Headline and making sure it doesn’t sound like an advertisement, but more like it is news. “Alabama Author Tackles Friendship, Love and Secrets Presenting a Powerful Depiction of True to Life Relationships set in Pine Mountains, Georgia
9) Networking This is another highly beneficial and cost efficient way to get the word out about your business. Attend designated networking events as often as possible. Also, when possible, follow the Three Foot Rule... if appropriate, strike up a conversation with anyone within 3 feet of yourself and be sure to bring up your books, workshops, speaking engagements.
10) Testimonials These can be implemented into many pieces of marketing. Include a sentence or two in your advertisements, brochures, newsletters, and you can even dedicate a whole page on your website to the kudos your receive from satisfied clients.
Bonus… Give Away Freebies… Who doesn’t like free? Sometimes just letting a customer know that you care enough to give them a free gift is all that is needed to get the sale. Also, bargain shoppers love a two for one.
Be Creative! • No matter which marketing efforts you use, keep track of where your inquiries and new clients are coming from. Don’t be afraid to ask them how they heard about you and/or your business. Asking only takes a couple of seconds and the results will show you which strategy is working for you the best. • Put your imagination to work... instead of your wallet and watch the business roll in.
