Let's talk about writing, and how to write content (whether it be books, articles, or even marketing copy) that people will want to read. Start with your goals. Kindlepreneur has a great guide on goal setting. The gist is to figure out your big project goal, and then break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Then create a system so you're accountable for achieving … [Read more...] about Writing Content People Want to Read
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Marketing and Social Media for Writers
There are a lot of ways writers can promote their work and connect with potential readers online. Here are a few tips and resources. Marketing Content "Get the Most From Your Webinars With These 13 Repurposing Ideas" on Content Marketing Institute: Webinars are a great way to connect with interested people and let them know what you're about. And after, you can take parts of … [Read more...] about Marketing and Social Media for Writers
20+ Cool Content Projects and Products to Inspire and Help You Build Content
Every once in a while, I like to highlight cool projects and products I've bookmarked. Here are the latest. Enjoy! Microscopya: The website says it all. A "science-themed video game taking players on a journey through the molecular world inside the cell, with hand-drawn illustrations and puzzles based on real scientific concepts. This project aims to highlight the depth, … [Read more...] about 20+ Cool Content Projects and Products to Inspire and Help You Build Content
79 Resources for Planning, Launching, and Marketing Your Book
You've written your book. Hooray! Now it's time to create a plan and market it. A lot goes in to marketing, so here are 79 resources that can help. Planning Your Marketing "Your Book Marketing Plan Won't Work" on David Gaughran "Scan the Market Before Marketing Your Book" on Self Publishing Advice "How Focused Goals Will Sell More Books" on AME "Why Your Book … [Read more...] about 79 Resources for Planning, Launching, and Marketing Your Book
Using Video to Reach Readers
Video can be a powerful tool to engage potential readers, connect with fans, and promote your books. Content Marketing Institute has tips for how to engage people through video, such as by being authentic and sharing stories, being interactive with polls and other things (if you're doing a live stream), and playing with constraints. The Book Designer has a number of great … [Read more...] about Using Video to Reach Readers
April Fools and Creating Content
Last year, Content Marketing Institute had an interesting post, "Is April Fools’ Day Worth the Risk for Brands?" It's something interesting to consider. The main points were if you're going to do it, it must be well thought out, and the humor should integrate with your brand. You should also immediately reveal it's a joke, and don't let the content interfere with your product … [Read more...] about April Fools and Creating Content
Book Promotion and Reaching Readers
There's a lot of strategy that goes into book marketing. Whether you have one book or many, it's helpful to lay your foundation and put a few processes in place, so you can keep building your readership and have an impact. Jane Friedman has a great article about marketing foundations, covering the three basics: have a website, choose which social media to use, and establish … [Read more...] about Book Promotion and Reaching Readers
A Potpourri of Resources
Quick note: If you're in the U.S., today is MLK Day. Now on to the post. I'm a big fan of Jeopardy!, and though I'm a fan of Ken Jennings, I was more sad than I thought I'd be about Alex Trebek's death. Anyway, all this to say, I've been thinking about Jeopardy a lot, and also new beginnings. With that in mind, here's a potpourri of resources, news items, developments, tools, … [Read more...] about A Potpourri of Resources
Navigating Changes and Creating Content
It's Monday! I've got more resources I've rounded up throughout the week, and some insights into how this pandemic has changed a few of the industries us authors work in. Industry Changes To start, advertising in the podcast space has changed a lot in the past month, and is continuing to change. So if you're a podcaster in addition to being an author, apparently now's a good … [Read more...] about Navigating Changes and Creating Content
Guest Post: 4 Content Marketing Tricks for Authors to Attract More Readers
By Heather Redding We get it. You’re an author and not a salesperson, which could be why you’d rather be writing than promoting your books. Engaging in book promotion isn’t the only way to attract your target audience, though. Instead, you could focus on using your knowledge and expertise to educate people and naturally draw them into your world of books. Content … [Read more...] about Guest Post: 4 Content Marketing Tricks for Authors to Attract More Readers
Guest Post: The Guide to Creating Better Content in Less Time
By Ryan Larson Look, we’ve all been there. That is, if you own or heavily operate a business. You’re pinned down with budgeting issues, employee drama, deadlines and keeping up with the competition. And now, you expect me to start telling you to spend hours and hundreds of dollars to produce content? I’m not telling you to do exactly that, but sort of. Content … [Read more...] about Guest Post: The Guide to Creating Better Content in Less Time
5 Examples of Cool Content
I've been learning a lot about content marketing lately. Content marketing is all about creating compelling content, in all different forms, to get people engaged and interested, without directly promoting a product or brand. (If you want to learn more, I recommend checking out Content Marketing Institute.) There are a lot of great examples of very different companies doing … [Read more...] about 5 Examples of Cool Content
Guest Post: The Complete List of Infographic Tools and Platforms (Updated for 2019)
By Andre Oentoro There are millions of content being published every day, in many different forms tooㅡ articles, videos, social media posts, and others. Some people like to read written blog posts, while others prefer something more visual like videos. Each has its own benefits. Words can explain something deeper and more throughout, while visual content attracts people’s … [Read more...] about Guest Post: The Complete List of Infographic Tools and Platforms (Updated for 2019)
Interactive Stories
With digital storytelling, there are new, interactive, immersive ways to share stories. Here are a few cool examples: StoryNexus: Access hundreds of interactive worlds, from science fiction to romance to historical adventure. You can choose how the story flows, and there are also options for creators. The Cornwall a-book: An Augmented Travel Guide Using Next Generation … [Read more...] about Interactive Stories
Online Tools for Building Your Author Platform
As indie authors, so much of our work and efforts go into online marketing, and content on the web. With that in mind, here are some tools (both free and paid) that can help you build your platform and promote your books. Book Advertising "Changes to Amazon Advertising: What Authors Need to Know" on Jane Friedman: A breakdown of new advertising modes, the improved dashboard, … [Read more...] about Online Tools for Building Your Author Platform