We are going to post our comments regarding Dineen’s article on Friday
the 18th because it really belongs on our Finer Points day, instead
of Myth-busting Monday.
For today: Networking is not Marketing.
Marketing is what you do when you have a product or service
to sell. Marketing is the preliminary stage to advertising and promotions.
Marketing is preparing and presenting your product (book) in the best possible
way so your target market (customers) will see it.
Networking is what you do with your Persona. Networking is
what you do on Twitter, Linked In, Google Plus, Facebook, or whatever you do online. Networking
is what you do with colleagues and others within your professional industry or
area of interest. Networking is what you do in person as you live your life, connecting with people beyond your core friends and family. (Do you always go to the same cashier at the grocery store? Consider that cashier part of your food network - and a potential reader!)
You can Market your book to your networks, and hope your
Persona has generated enough interest for people in your network to read, review, and chat about your book. When people in your network do that, they are marketing
your book for you. It’s the most awesome way to get the word out – word of
mouth endorsements are huge!
Networking as a writer with other writers is also huge!
Writers are readers but also mentors, colleagues, friends, and your support
system on your journey to create books – then as you create your career writing
more books. Yes, they are part of your target market but READERS are your ultimate market and they are really only
interested in The Book.
When readers connect with your Author Persona because they
want to know the creator of that fabulous story, they may become part of your
reader network but ultimately, they are FANS and CUSTOMERS. They are also
exceptionally fickle and can easily be fans and loyal customers to lots of
authors. Your writer network may be tolerant of writer angst, readers could cut
you off if they hear the same. This is why your Author Persona must be clearly
defined prior to marketing your books.
All a reader wants to know is what other books you have that
they will love and purchase. You appreciate their contact and interest and:
- Add them to your notification list for when you have a release date for your next book.
- Promote your backlist, and your blog (or whatever social media you are happy to do.)
- Promote your RECOMMEND page on your website.
This is where your website matters the most, and where you’ve
culled a list of favorite books and authors to endorse from writer friends in
your networks. You are now marketing books from your network to your readers
and retaining an avid fan.
Any questions?
Very good points you wrote here..Great stuff...I think you've made some truly interesting points.
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