If you rely on the Internet for most of your networking/social media/ marketing endeavors, then it's important to establish a good Internet presence.
A couple of things to consider:
When requesting blog interviews, guest visits, don't demand, ask. If you can, offer an exchange. Use a calendar to keep track of your commitments.
Be timely. If you're running a contest, or returning material (a guest blog, edit, etc.,) be on time. If you're going to be late due to real life commitments, send an email.
Be polite. Manners go a long way. Please, thank you, and you're welcome help demonstrate honesty and sincerity.
Update often. Keep people informed and up to date. Readers look forward to contests, trivia challenges, reviews, etc.
Be classy. I know our stories are our "babies," so when we get a review that's a bit critical, the classy thing to do is simply not reply at all, or if you must, a simple thank would suffice. If you argue or negatively engage a reader, it's usually you who looks bad.
Be organized. Try to budget a certain amount of time each day to marketing be it 30 minutes, 1 hours, but no more than 2 hours. (you still have to write, after all) Update your website, newsletter, facebook, emails, look for new review sites, etc., I like to use a calendar, but some use Excel, or develop their own system to keep track of their endeavors.
I'd love to hear your thoughts/tips on establishing a good Internet presence. For me, since I'm not face-to-face, it's important to show off my personality in a good light so I always try to be courteous. People can't tell the way you mean something on the Internet because they can't see your facial expressions or hear the tone/inflection of your voice, so words carry a lot of weight.
Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. Her 4RV Books include The Giving Meadow and First Flag of New Hampshire. She's married with two young sons.
FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor
GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:
http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/
Great advice as always Steph!
ReplyDeletePublishing is a small world so you're wise to remind everyone to think before hitting the Send button - once it's out there you can't get it back - just ask Prince Harry!
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping in Amber. Angela, you sum it up well - once you hit send, you can't get it back. If you pause or hestitate, you probably shouldn't hit send.
ReplyDeleteSteph
Good, solid advice, Steph. All precepts I try to follow myself
ReplyDeleteI agree that responding to criticism with negative rhetoric will only make an author look worse. Another thing I try to keep in mind is that other authors can be a big support and they are readers, too. When I blog or receive a compliment from another author (or a reader), I respond in gratitude. If an author takes the time to visit my blog, I like to do is to return the favor. It doesn't sound like much, but it matters a great deal to the author who responded to another's request. Reciprocation is kind and it's polite. I know that, if I don't show other authors the same kindness they've shown to me, they'll just stop visiting my blogs or responding to my announcements.
ReplyDeleteA very good blog, Steph and a reminder to us all.
Great article! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, Steph. It is very hard to get your presence out there, and it takes a great deal of organization, time, and creativity. As my mom said, kindness goes a long way.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I feel the same way. It's so important for me to reciproate. Unfortuantely, it can be a challenge with my schedule, but I try to do my darrnest. I appreciate all the support I've had so far. It's meant a lot.
ReplyDeleteSmiles
Steph
Great advice for anyone on the internet, Steph. Stop and think always.
ReplyDeleteSteph, Great pointers. It's so important to keep track of all your online obligations and 'to dos.' Another tip is to keep up with those who comment on your site. If you have a three month old post with one comment and no response, it doesn't give a good impression for visitors. If you can't respond to comments it might be a good idea to turn comments off. Obviously, this doesn't apply to posts that get tons of comments it would be impossible to respond to each one.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes of course good manners should be used online and off.