You’re a businessperson. You may not think of yourself as a writer, but you know that writing well can boost your results and your career. Naturally, you want to do better. Every week I point you to one or two pieces that I think will teach you something or spark an idea or two. This week I’m pointing you to pieces on promoting your book and user-generated content
From Jessica Strawser: How to Promote Your Work Like a Pro
“Now more than ever before, there are so many things we can do to promote our books, articles, stories, essays, services, and other creative works and skills—regardless of whether we’re self-published, traditionally published, or even not-yet-published. Bookstore and library events remain staples, of course, as do reviews, mentions and bylines in prominent media. But add to the mix blog tours, home pages, social networking sites, free promos, cheap promos, paid placements, Web ads, print ads, Goodreads giveaways, email lists, indie author coalitions, and the myriad services claiming to increase “discoverability,” and one thing becomes clear: You can’t do them all.”
Wally’s Comment: There’s a lot in this piece, but the key point is simple. You can do a limited number of things. Pick the ones that give you the biggest bang for your buck or your time.
From Valerie Levin: Out of Blog Post Ideas? Try User Generated Content
“Reaching out to fans and customers isn’t just for global brands and advertising agencies. In fact, any marketer can leverage this type of strategy and use it to create blog posts that offer insights and advice from real people in the industry.”
Wally’s Comment: You may decide whether or not user-generated content works for you. This post will help.
Sources I Check Regularly
I find the posts and articles that I share with you on The Writer’s Edge in many places. But there are a few that provide insightful pieces again and again. Here they are.