I am almost at 10,000 posts since I began blogging four years ago and at least half of those are book promotions. It is one of the reasons that I began blogging four years ago as I wanted a platform to promote my own work as well.
When I look at those posts in retrospect, is quite clear that the ones that did well as far as comments, reblogs and sharing was concerned, were ones where the author featured participated fully in the effort.
This means reblogging (better a couple of days later to keep the ball rolling) shared across their own Facebook, Twitter and other social media, and very importantly responded to comments over a period of days. This engagement with people who took the time to comment is critical in building relationships that support going forward.
Apart from sharing on Facebook and Twitter, these particular authors also responded to those who shared their post on Twitter. I tag the featured authors when I respond to shares on that platform, and this not only shows the author who has shared their post, but also enables them to respond and follow if they do not already do so.
The same applies to Facebook provided the author has an account, and is another way to find other writers and importantly readers for their books.
There are a great many ‘how to ‘ market your books out there but it is actually quite simple if a little time consuming. It is done by communicating which involves responding and engaging with others.
I understand that people are very busy and time is short, but how you communicate about your current or previous books, will have a direct impact on the sales of your future books.
I have said this before and I will say it again.. People buy People First.
They will judge you by how you are perceived online and if you can find the time to respond to comments, or thank people for sharing, they will remember you and respond positively next time.
If you want an example of an author and blogger who does all of the above very well then check out D.G. Kaye of https://dgkayewriter.com/. Debby responds to all comments and communicates far better than I do on Facebook, Twitter and other platforms.
On that point I do have to say that in recent months I have spent less time on certain platforms. Google+ has become user unfriendly in its new format and my focus for book promotions is across Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.. although I do post promotions on Google + during the week.
This brings me to Twitter pinned tweet which I have mentioned a number of times before.
If you are an author I am sure that you already have your profile photo, genres that you write and a link to your Amazon account and blog in your profile.. however 160 characters is not a great number to do you justice. But you can use the Pinned Tweet to add more.
This can be used as an extension of your profile and gives you an additional 140 characters to promote either your latest book or a post that is key to your blog. Currently my pinned tweet is a link to the post I wrote about increasing reviews for our books.
Your pinned tweet is a fixed piece that anyone going into your profile is going to see and stays there as long as you are promoting that post or book.. You can also put a composite of all your books there with a universal link to your Amazon Account.
How to set up a pinned tweet.
If you have not used your Pinned Tweet facility before, it is very straightforward. Compile your tweet offline first to make sure you use your 140 characters to their best advantage. Play around with it so that you insert & for and.. abbreviate if it makes sense and make room for an image and a link to buy or visit. Then transfer to your update box and when satisfied click TWEET. Go to your Tweets folder and you will see this most recent tweet.
On the right hand side facing you is an down arrow. If you click this you will be offered options, one of which is to pin this tweet to your profile..click and it will tell you that it will replace any other pinned tweet, click okay and then it will offer you the chance to view.. click and you will see your new pinned tweet which will remain in prime position until you decide to change it.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sgc58
There will be those who say that building a following on a blog or social media does not sell books.. I am sorry but I do not agree.
With the millions of titles that are available, often within a particular genre, it is essential that you create a name for yourself. I am afraid that readers do not just stumble into our Amazon accounts by accident especially if you are a new author. They visit because they have seen you in action on social media or your blog.
This was just a couple of ways that you can make a name for yourself and your books. It may not happen overnight but you will be surprised what you can accomplish in six months to a year.
If you are not already in the Cafe and Bookstore you can find details and also look at the over 200 authors on the shelves at this link.
https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore/
Thank you for popping in. Sally
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I just wanted to stop in again, and thank you for promoting my story. Many of your followers came to my site, and I set a record for likes in one day. With best wishes, and gratitude – thank you.
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Great to hear Patrick keep them coming.. a good start to getting your readership in place. If they like what they see on your blog they will want to read your book. Sally
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Thanks for the reminders, Sally!
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Thanks John.. x
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Reblogged this on BowmanAuthor and Writer/Editor and commented:
Thank you, Sally, for great information. I wanted to share this great author’s words of wisdom, hard work, and dedication. I know the key to promotion is consistency, but I don’t always practice what I preach. Thank you, Sally Cronin, for reminding us all what’s important in the writing industry.
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Thanks Deborah.. I am not always good about my own promotion but I am passionate about making it work for authors on here. hugs xxx
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I promote the books I edit and ghost-write more than my own. I just run out of hours in the day. I just launched a memoir I was the ghostwriter for. Getting back into public speaking after a long absence. I can sing in front of anyone and everyone, but speaking was definitely not a natural talent for me, but when I’m passionate about someone else, something magical happens.
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I think it is different when you are not talking about yourself Deborah and sounds like you are very busy.. the ghostwriter’s job must be difficult when you see your work out there under another name but I guess as a job it is very interesting.. xxx
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Yes, it is interesting. That is why I would never ethically write a fictional “story” for someone else. Fiction is a God-given talent and my words are my own–good, bad, or indifferent. I’m overly generous with my poetry, giving it to people, but it’s so easy and quick for me to do. I have published one poetry/motivational book … Quill and Ink, but very little interest in this day and age. I’m pleased that I donated my poem on SLE Lupus to http://www.lupus.org. It started out as funny because the writer lady “me” was allergic to her purple cast, but suddenly turned serious because I could laugh at my itches and lack of typing because there would me more words to write and correct on another day, but lupus sisters might not have another my smile, another laugh for many would never see the sun rise again. Now it is me who lies in bed with a stress fracture … but this too shall pass; my faith will flourish again and God will chose to bring me home or let me write more poems and books. In fact, I can’t work now … I have 98 pages of a family saga I began years ago. Time to research, rewrite, finish… “The Locket” is my working titled, circa late 1770s to the 21st century. How different groups of ethnicities (all Caucasian, for a change) treated each other in our supposedly “free” country. Told by all the woman who were never allowed to marry the man they loved and fathered their first and sometimes only child. We have been horrible to each other in our little colonies across the pond. Yes, I think that will get me nicely through 6-10 weeks of bed rest. Surgery? Not doing it this time. My little fracture can just heal itself … pass me the Silk Almond milk, please, Sally.
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I wish you a speedy recovery Deborah and your saga sounds just the thing to work on whilst you heal.. It sounds like a fascinating project that needs to be brought into the light.. xxxx
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Thanks, Sally. I was pleased when I dug it out of an old box; didn’t realize so much was done. The style of writing has changed considerably since I originally wrote it to short sentences, short chapters, and a slew of new words, but historical fiction has its own vocabulary. I stay abreast of and adhere to the new styles for myself and my clients, but my descriptive word paintings still get their share of attention. Lol Oh! Love the name book! “Annie” really is me in your book as well as my own past-life character, but I love them all! I was about halfway through reading your book for a review when I got tied up with doctors and x-rays. Something to look forward to in the dark of night when I can’t sleep!
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Glad you are enjoying Deborah.. I guess we all have our favourites and some are snippets from my life.. I have a soft spot for Clive… get better soon.. hugs xxx
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Good post, Sally, which has reminded me I haven’t updated my pinned tweet for months!
I’ve more or less given up on Google+. I never fully understood how it worked and when they changed it I was completely lost. You are right about the importance of responding to comments. I’ve visited blogs where lots of people have left comments but there isn’t a single reply from the blogger. It seems odd to me to not want to build a relationship with people who visit and comment – but I suppose we’re all different in how we approach these things.
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Thanks Mary.. I find it strange too and a little sad that people put so much effort into the posts and then do not put share buttons or respond to comments.. People soon stop coming back. xxx
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Mary Smith, I second your reply! I must go see your blog now.
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Easier than I thought it would be to do this. Thanks for sharing this information again. I never followed through because I thought it would be difficult. On board NOW! ❤
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Great Annette.. will head over and check it out and share.. hugs ♥
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I tried to pin a video recently, but it wouldn’t play. I previously had a video pinned to Twitter, but it came from Amazon Cloud. This book trailer came from my own PC. I’ll go back to Animoto where I made it (43 seconds in length) and try to do it from the source. I also have a 1.5-minute book trailer for “Annie”, but I know it’s too long. I have two videos on my Clasid Consultants website, but they came from YouTube. More research is required for me, I see.
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Fantastic tips, Sally! I’ve met so many amazing and incredibly talented people via blogging and social media engagement. The key is engagement for sure. Thanks so much for sharing!
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Thanks Natalie.. glad you agree. hugs xxx
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Those are amazing metrics, Sally. You rock. Mega hugs.
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Thanks Teagan – hugs xx
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I agree with you Sally…’people buy people first’! You have been a fantastic supporter! Many thanks for being a wonderful guide too. Love you for your virtues. Stay blessed! 🙂
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Thanks Balroop… hugs xxx
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
Great advice from Sally 👍😃
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Thanks for sharing Chris.. hugs xxx
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My pleasure, Sally- hope you get lots of entrants 👍😃❤️
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Geat article. Thank you Sally 🙂
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Thanks for sharing Steve.
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Thank you Sally. You are a most prolific blogger and supporter of other authors. I think we get back what we put out in life and you certainly deserve all your success.xx
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Thanks Brigid but I do have to say that it does not mean as much when done in isolation.. being part of a community here is a huge plus. xxx
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This is a very good post Sally with strong and sensible advice for us all.
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Thanks Paul..we can only do what we have time for but somethings are key. xxx
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As always, to the point and sensible advice Sally….I try as much as possible to respond to comments I am better on some media’s than others…I need to catch up with Twitter.I am going to go back to setting my timer it always helps me to focus…Good post Hugs xx
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Thanks Carol.. we all have busy lives.. I have to set a schedule otherwise I would not get other work done.. but I know one is dependent on the other. xxx
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Outstanding advice. I always try to follow up on every guest post I make, and I tweet a lot of stuff too.
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Yes you are very good Craig.. you treat it like the business it is. I love what I do but I am also aware that if I don’t do the work I won’t sell any books… x
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That’s the hard reality. In a perfect world they would beat a path to our door, but the world isn’t perfect. I enjoy the connections I’ve made though, so that’s a side benefit.
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Yes I love what I do.. I enjoyed my career (s) but have to say this is the best yet..
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A very informative post, Sally. I try to keep up with comments and tweets but it is hard when I am very busy at work. I try must best though. Thanks for all your wonderful support of Michael and my books, we appreciate it a lot.
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I know how hard it must be working full time and taking such great care of the family. You do very well Robbie and always a pleasure to see you across social media.. xxxx
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Great tips, Sally!
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Thank you Bette.. glad you found interesting. xxx
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Another excellent post, Sally. It’s essential to remember that the important part of social media is being SOCIAL. Talk to people, respond to them, ask questions, be engaging. It really works!
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Thanks Amy.. I quite agree… but I think sometimes when people are shy they carry that forward online.. but there can be no shyness as an author when you are also marketing consultant and salesperson. xxx
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Reblogged this on deanieblog.
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Thank you for sharing Deanie.. hugs xx
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welcome, Sally. Hugs back to you. xox
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Ok, this was just such a succinct and fabulous post Sal. Not to mention, I was absolutely humbled that you mentioned my name in the context of sharing and commenting. You and I both know the importance of engagement. And yes, there are many sites to babysit, as you and I both know, we don’t always get to Google and Linkedin, which both have changed their protocol lately. With time we learn where our most engagement comes from and tend to gravitate more to those sites, like you and me, we’re quite active on Twitter and Facebook. Great mention about pinned tweets. What I like to do is keep an image up of all my books with a link to my author page but when I’m running a promo, I’ll change the pinned tweet to the promo and link until it’s done then I’ll put back my ‘go to’ pinned tweet. Why waste valuable advertising space?
Thanks for this great post Sal, and I’m definitely going to be reblogging it to help get the word around. ❤ xoxo
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Thanks Debby.. you and I have discussed this offline several times and whilst time consuming it is actually a very easy thing to do. As I mentioned in an earlier comment I do think that it is as difficult online as it is offline for shy people to communicate but it is something that if you are an author you need to do. I have a couple of things on my mind on that front for over the summer..And you are a role model…. ♥♥
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Aw gee thanks Sal. But you are so right. In a sea of books we are a spec. If we don’t use our voices to count ourselves in we’ll surely drown with our books. ❤
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Reblogged this on Colleen Chesebro ~ Fairy Whisperer and commented:
Sally has the secret for authors to sell their books. Read what she has to say. ❤️
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Thanks for sharing Colleen.. xxx
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Thank you Michael
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A timely reminder, Sally. Sometimes it’s all too easy to say’no time, no time’, and rush by posts that would normally catch enough attention for interaction. Thank you..x
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Thanks Judith.. it is time consuming and a tough balance but you always seem to manage very well.. xxxx
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I try!! david says I’m very trying!!
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haha x
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Reblogged this on Michael Phelps 1's DAVID JANSSEN ~ Our Conversations Blog and commented:
THANK YOU, SALLY! I really need your help and advice. Appreciate your tips, now I must move to your Book Promotion programs. THANKS AGAIN, Mike Phelps
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Thanks Michael.. I would be very happy to do a book promotion for you I have everything I need from Amazon and your previous posts.. just need your go ahead.. hugs Sally
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Reblogged this on The Writers Desk and commented:
Some great advice from the wonderful Sally at Smorgasbord Book Promotions. Nothing to lose and everything to gain. Thanks, Sally. xo
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Thank you Patricia.. glad you found useful hugs xx
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Thanks, Sally. I think social media works better for some people than other but it is not a panacea and it is becoming less and less useful to sell books (or anything else for that matter). With the changes to all the platforms and their focus on promoting paid advertisements over other content, it is becoming very difficult to have an impact. Thanks, Sally, for the reminder of some of the useful things we can still do.
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some of this I do, but lots of new ideas here as well, thank you Sally 🙂
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Glad you found useful Lucinda.. we all do what we can.. time is precious.. xxx
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All wonderful advice, Sally! Thanks for all that you do 🙂
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I love doing it Helen.. glad you found useful.. xx
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I really did – thanks, Sally 🙂
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I appreciate all the sharing and promotion you do, Sally! You are awesome! BTW, I offered a free Amazon promo last weekend for Better Blogging with Photography and gave away 111 books! So excited to get it into the hands of folks!
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That is fantastic Terri.. sorry I missed as I would have put in Friday’s Cafe update.. if you think of it do let me know next time… I hope all those guys do reviews for you.. hugs xxx
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Aww, thanks, Sally! It was such a quick freebie. I had 111 downloads!
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That is amazing Terri.. xx
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Thanks for the reminders, Sally. I think it’s so important that, as bloggers, we respond to all comments left on our blogs. I treat everyone as a guest when they visit my blog, and one of my first jobs of the day is to respond to comments. I’ve never understood people who say they are bloggers and that they don’t have time to respond to comments, especially given that we can turn off comments on any of our posts. I don’t thank people enough on Twitter, instead, I’ll retweet one of their tweets as a thank you. I’ve also cut down on the number of social media platforms I use in order to free up more time to write, read and comment. I learned that spreading ourselves too thinly can cause problems.
Have a great weekend.
Hugh
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I agree Hugh.. I am sticking to FB Twitter and sometimes LinkedIn.. I am finding all the others time consuming and not as valuable a resource… hugs xxxx
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Pingback: Helpful tips to grow your readership with Sally Cronin
Excellent tips here, Sally. Like you, I agree that blogs and social media are key ways to connect with potential readers and grow your audience. It’s about personalizing the relationship. You’re right that the pinned Tweet provides a great opportunity. I’ve been using it lately for blog posts that I want to highlight. Love your inclusion of Debby here. Many hugs!
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Thank you Christy you also are great at engagement and I am still finding my way through all the permutations to see what works most effectively for me.. I have yet to find the magic formula for selling millions of books but working on it!! Hugs xxx
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Hello Sally! Wonderful tips! We as writers do need reminding from time to time. I completely agree with what you wrote about Debby. That’s why I keep saying, when I grow up I want to be just like Debby. 😉 xx
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As we all do Vashti and a worthy ambition ♥
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