A few weeks back, we began a series on creating an awesome marketing plan for your novel’s proposal. The goal is not only to wow agents and editors with your stellar marketing expertise, but also once published to be able to take this plan and put it into action.
Earlier posts include:
Part 2: Media and Speaking Engagements
Today, we’re going to talk about the biggie:
Internet Presence
I helped teach a workshop recently during which one attendee proudly declared, “I’m not on the Internet.” Little hint: That’s not going to work in an author marketing plan. Not these days.
But even if your internet presence isn’t as hefty as you’d like it to be, it’s still important to let agents and editors know you are savvy about the online world and you’ve at least begun the process of carving out a place for yourself in that world. (Sidenote: My editor found me through my online presence–both Twitter and my blog. So it’s important to begin building this piece of your marketing strategy before you have a book contract!)
Building a robust online presence is crucial for authors in today’s digital landscape, where visibility and engagement are key to successful marketing strategies. Even if your internet footprint isn’t extensive, demonstrating a basic understanding and engagement with online platforms can significantly bolster your authorial brand.
Agents and editors increasingly seek authors who are adept at navigating the online world, as it enhances accessibility and promotes their work to broader audiences. Utilizing platforms like Twitter, blogs, and other social media channels not only showcases your writing but also establishes a direct connection with potential readers and industry professionals.
Moreover, exploring influencer marketing options in europe can further amplify an author’s reach and influence within the literary community. Collaborating with influencers who resonate with your target audience can enhance visibility across different European markets, leveraging their credibility and engaged following to promote your work effectively.
Whether through book reviews, author interviews, or endorsements, influencers offer valuable channels to connect with readers who trust their recommendations. Integrating influencer marketing into your overall strategy not only boosts visibility but also fosters meaningful connections that can drive book sales and expand your authorial presence in the competitive European market.
In addition to influencer marketing, authors can benefit from a well-rounded digital marketing strategy that includes social media campaigns, content marketing, and email newsletters. These elements work together to create a strong online presence and keep the author’s audience engaged. For instance, utilizing platforms like Instagram and Twitter allows authors to share behind-the-scenes content, upcoming releases, and interact directly with readers. By collaborating with elite expertise LetsGetOptimized.com, authors can refine their digital marketing tactics, ensuring they are using the most effective methods to reach and engage their target audience across Europe. This personal touch can foster a loyal community and encourage word-of-mouth promotion.
I’ll tell you, I’ve never had an agent or editor ask for my specific social media numbers but the first time I visited my publisher’s offices after signing contract, multiple people commented on my website. They’d read my blogs, even watched my vlogs and several people pointed out things they’d read in the bio on my website. One of the biggest things they noticed? The engagement on my website. The fun conversations happening on my blog.
So even if you don’t have incredibly high social media numbers, that’s not always the most important thing. It’s the quality of your content and the engagement of the followers you do have that really stands out, especially on the fiction side. (On the nonfiction side, yes, they are looking for BIG numbers!)
When it comes to making a lasting impression with your website, the visual impact cannot be overstated. A well-designed site not only reflects your brand’s identity but also enhances user experience and engagement.
When it comes to crafting a compelling online presence, partnering with a top-notch web design agency can make a significant difference. A Melbourne web design firm, for instance, can bring local expertise and creative solutions to the table, ensuring that your website not only captures your brand’s essence but also resonates with your target audience.
These agencies are adept at combining aesthetics with functionality, creating a site that is both visually appealing and user-friendly. This balance is crucial for engaging visitors and encouraging them to interact with your content, thereby enhancing your overall web presence.
For authors and content creators, working with a graphic design agency can elevate your online presence, ensuring that every aspect of your website—from layout to typography—conveys professionalism and creativity. An agency that understands your vision will craft a visually compelling site that captures your unique voice and draws readers in.
Graphically, the right design choices can transform a standard website into a dynamic platform that resonates with your audience. Effective graphic design goes beyond aesthetics; it creates an immersive environment that encourages interaction and fosters a deeper connection with your content.
Alongside compelling content and engaged followers, optimizing your website speed is crucial. It ensures visitors enjoy a seamless navigation experience, crucially impacting user engagement and retention.
Prioritizing responsive design, minimizing load times, and using tools for Website speed optimisation all contribute to a user-friendly environment that encourages exploration of your blogs, vlogs, and other content. This comprehensive approach not only boosts visibility but also solidifies your credibility as a writer or content creator. It ensures every visitor discovers value in your offerings, regardless of their initial point of entry into your digital universe.
So here are the elements to include in the Internet Presence portion of your marketing plan:
Website or blog: Include how often you blog, what kind of topics you cover, what kind of traffic you receive.
Facebook: It’s probably smart at some point to begin a Facebook Page rather than depending on your profile, but whatever route you choose to go, include a sentence or two about your Facebook activity.
Twitter: If you’re on Twitter (which I would definitely recommend!), talk about how often you tweet, what kind of tweets you write, and your plans for growing your following.
Goodreads: I’d be hesitant to say anyone MUST be on any particular platform (although, Facebook and Twitter are pretty basic and obvious choices), but Goodreads just makes sense if you’re a writer. It’s where readers congregate! Before you have a book published, it’s a great idea to join the site and get involved in groups, conversations, etc.
Pinterest / Instagram / G+ / YouTube / etc: What other social media platforms do you use? Personally, Pinterest drives me up a wall, but I love Instagram. I’m just getting the hang of G+ and I’ve experimented with but never really hugely focused on YouTube.
As I noted above, I’ve never had an agent or editor ask for my specific numbers, but I’ve heard from more and more friends that their agents or potential editors are asking for these numbers. Personally, if you are asked to list numbers, I think it pays to then go beyond the number. Talk about what kind of engagement you see across your platforms, what kind of content you post, what your plans are for growing your online platform…let the agent or editor know you aren’t just posting willy-nilly, but you actually have a strategy for your social media content.
Klout: Sometimes agents or editors will ask for your Klout score. Klout is an app that uses your social media analytics to rank your online influence. Sometimes I think it’s a little too easy to manipulate your “Klout Score” but nonetheless, if an agent or editor asks for this score, you’ll want to provide it. You can sign up for a Klout account easily at Klout.com.
A savvy marketer knows the internet presence portion of your marketing plan should go beyond social media platforms. Here are some other internet presence blurbs to include:
Group blogs: Do you regularly post articles as part of one or more group blogs? Make sure to include that and if you’ve had some really great engagement, perhaps even include links to your most-read pieces.
E-zines and other online articles: Include any other online writing you’ve done for e-zines or popular websites. Also list online publications you plan to approach once your book has released.
Blog tours: Let the publisher know you plan to help coordinate a blog tour once your book is out. Many publishers will arrange their own blog tours through existing book blogger and review programs. But it never hurts to line up your own appearances, as well.
Connections: List any other strong internet connections you may have that could be beneficial when your book releases. This could be sites where you’d like your publisher to consider running web ads or doing giveaways, etc.
To sum up, the internet presence piece of your marketing plan is about so much more than a group of numbers. It’s about letting your prospective agent or publisher know you understand the importance of having an online presence, that you have a strategy and that you plan to do your part in growing your online exposure.
Do you have any questions about the internet presence portion of your author marketing plan?
Join us in two weeks for a look at how libraries and launch teams add an extra boost to your marketing efforts.