Sunday, January 27, 2013

Marketing Tips - Using GoodReads to your advantage


by: Stephanie Burkhart


Some of you may be asking what is "GoodReads?" Simply put, it's a social cataloging site primarily to read and rate books. It's a great place to connect with other authors and readers. There's over 12 million members and over 20,000 groups – and you can download a GoodReads for your phone.

As an author, how does GoodReads benefit me?

First, it's a marketing tool. It helps you get your name out there in front of readers. Just don't expect it to happen overnight. Social networking takes time to build up a presence.  If you determine you want to use GoodReads, be sure to budget at least 5-10 minutes to hang out daily and build your "brand."

What are the benefits?

Exposure to readers. Remember there's over 12 million readers on the site. You get your own personal profile when you sign up. You can arrange to have your blog's RSS feed highlight your blog on the site. You can upload video trailers of your novels as well.

The Book Shelf

In your profile is your book shelf. You can add books to your shelf. I organize mine: books I wrote, books I want to read, book I read, and currently reading. As an author, I read, rate, and review on GoodReads, too.

Creating Buzz

Do you have a new book coming out? GoodReads is a great place to create buzz.

#1 – Create your book's page in advance so people can start putting it in their "want to read" shelf.

#2 – Find a group that fits your book's genre and put out a call for readers with your ARC. Give out your ARC.

#3 – Post a notice in the appropriate groups about your book's upcoming release.

#4 – Post a first chapter so readers can get a feel for the book.

#5 – Post a "general update" with your upcoming release.

Be Interactive

If you're interactive on GoodReads, others will interact with you.

IDEAS:
Join some groups
Use your blog
Make friends
Post positive reviews (and remember a "3" is a good rating)
Post a giveaway on your books. You'll get lots of people to sign up – and that's exposure.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, comments, questions, and feedback on GoodReads. Do you use the site? Why or why not? What do you like about it? Any tips to share?

If you'd like, I have a PDF I can share. Let me know if you're interested.

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. Her book, First Flag of New Hampshire placed 8th in the 2013 Predators and Editors poll in Print/Ebooks: Children category.  She loves Starbucks, coffee and Andes Mints.


FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE:

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

PINTEREST:
http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart

35 comments:

  1. I use Goodreads, have for almost a year now.
    I've seen the contests, and joined around a dozen groups.
    I'm interested in the PDF as I have a book releasing the end of March.
    bidelia78@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kitty, For me, I'm still learning GoodReads and one thing I learned, you need to dedicate a little bit of time each day to get to know the site.

      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  2. With all the pressure on authors to use social media, it’s hard to know where to put your time and effort. I agree with you, Steph, that Goodreads, is a good use of both because its members are more your target market than any other forum. You’re talking to readers – even if they don’t read the genre you write, they may have friends who do. And don’t forget that Goodreads also offers an advertising capability through the Author Dashboard. I'd appreciate your PDF too.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Brenda send me an email at: sgcardin1@yahoo.com. I agree, you're talking to readers and readers are an author's audience.

      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  3. I like Goodreads, too. I like that you can connect your blog to post there, too.
    Great info.

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    1. Karen, I still haven't figured one thing out - the giveaways - how to offer one and keep track of it. I may have to send you an email. ;)

      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  4. This was very helpful, Stephanie. Thanks. I was delighted when two reviews for my new release showed up on Goodreads. I wish I'd known to stir up some interest ahead of time. Live and learn. Thanks for this.

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    1. Debra, yes, live and learn. I'm several books into my writing, and I wish I'd been more active on GoodReads, directing my focus toward readers sooner, but I figure it's never too late.
      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  5. Very useful article, Steph. I have a presence on GReads, but that's it! Every time I go on I feel as if I'm drowning, so I definitely need some hand-handing. Your pdf would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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    Replies
    1. Linda, making your presence active on GoodReads is the challenge. Send me an email at: sgcardin1@yahoo.com.

      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  6. Most helpful review of GoodReads. Like Linda, I haven't been very active because, in the beginning, I found the site confusing in terms of setting up my own book. The GR people, however, were helpful, but the experience kind of soured me on further activity. But, based on what you're saying, I'll give it another go. Perhaps your PDF would be a good guide. Thanks for clarifying GR.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Tom, I haven't been as active as I would want to be, but the PDF got me off to a good start, but it's a combo of things. You need to spend some time on the site daily, getting to know it, getting the feel of it and interacting in the groups and not just about your writing. There's a learning curve. Once you get the feel for it, I think you'll start to see activity pick up. Send me an email at sgcardin1@yahoo.com

      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  7. This is by far the most useful information blog I've seen for some time. Im copying it and saving it for reference. Ive been using Goodreads for a couple of years now but I've only just realised I have not been using it to its full potential. I shall put your suggestions into practice immediately.
    And I'd love a pdf of First Flag of New Hampshire. We could swap if you like. Pick anyone of mine: Amazon: amazon.com/author/jennytwist
    (not Away With the Fairies because that'll be free this weekend anyway) and let me know if you want pdf or Kindle. casahoya@gmail.com
    Thank you so much
    Lots of love
    Jenny
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jenny, me, too. I've been on GoodReads a while too but I haven't been using it to its full potiential. I'd love to do a swap, but I don't have 1st Flag of NH avail on a PDF. Can I send you a copy of the book? I'll send you an email.

      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  8. Here's the thing I find confusing about GR. Everyone says, join a group. The question is, how do you find these groups? Thanks for the info.

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    1. Carly when you log into Goodreads, there's a menu on the top for: Home, My Books, Groups. Go to groups and then type in your interest. You'll get a bunch of recommendations. Check them out and join. I'm in a Percy Jackson group, a Harry Potter one, and even a Tim Tebow one. LOL. I also am in a paranormal and horror one that's pretty active and a bunch of 99 cent recommendations.

      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  9. I'm there but not a fan. I will probably end up dropping it.

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    1. Nan, I've noticed that GoodReads requires time and lots of it to get used to it so it's a matter of finding the time, which can be challenging for me.

      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  10. I Like Goodreads. I actually like their star system better than Amazon's. There's a community spirit about it that allows friends to share opinions of books and suggest them to others. I can't use the give away thing because my publisher limits the number of copies I can offer but if you are self-pubbed, I think Goodreads is even more useful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara, thanks for the tips. I agree, if you're not limited by the number of copies you can give away, GoodReads will give you great exposure on the giveaway. If anything, that's the last thing I have to really figure out!

      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  11. Thanks, I'm still getting used to GoodReads so I appreciate the tips.

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    1. Lisa, thanks for stopping by. I'm still getting the feel for it too.
      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  12. What a great summation, Steph. I'm a Goodreads member, and I like interacting with readers over there. I have a page there with my books, I post reviews of books I've read, I'm in a few groups, and I also do giveaways of my books. I have my blog feeding there as well, so I hope to continue to connect with readers on all fronts.

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    1. Maggie, I'm doing the same thing you are minus the giveaways. I need to find time to figure that out.
      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  13. Great article Steph...Like some of these folks I have found it confusing. I am going to give it another shot also. After all any kind of exposure is helpful.

    Thanks for the info.

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    1. I agree Penny, any type of exposure is helpful, but I've to conclude on GoodReads you need more than a presense. You have to find a way to be active and enjoy it.
      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  14. Love this article. Once figured out this is a great place for authors and readers to connect. As a reader I love finding new books, and as an author, I love connecting with other authors.

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    1. MJ, yes, I missed Mia's workshop on MFRW, but the PDF is wonderful and was a great starting point for me. GoodReads is a great place for people who just love books.

      Smiles
      Steph

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  15. Great Post. Thanks. I've actually started back on Goodreads after having given up a few months ago. I'm looking forward to put some of your points into practice.

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    Replies
    1. Mythlover, let me know how it works for you.
      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  16. I am bookmarking this post!I am new to Goodreads and do not know what I am doing at all. Another site to learn and navigate. If it wouldn't be too much of a bother, I would love the PDF. Please send it to: karen@karenmcfarland.com. Thank you so much! :)

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    Replies
    1. It's good to know I helped. I'll send you an email
      Smiles
      Steph

      Delete
  17. Wow! Thank you for the post. My editor sent it to me. I am on Goodreads and doing a giveaway for my memoir "Radical Survivor" in February. I would love your PDF. You can send it to nancysaltzman@yahoo.com. Thank you again for the post!

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  18. Nancy, it's great to see you here. Thanks for stopping by. I'll send you an email.
    Smiles
    Steph

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  19. Stephanie, great information. I have a goodreads account, but don't use it effectively. I will try to add it to my marketing strategies though. Too much to do! :)

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