I’m not talking about duck feet.
If you want to be noticed by the masses in today’s crowded market, it’s essential to be seen on the Internet. It’s not necessary to do the same thing everyone else is doing, as long as you keep your name out there among people who might eventually pick up one or more of you books. Although most writers know about the value of having a website, blog, and social media presence, there are other ways to get known on the Internet.
Website
I don’t know many writers who don’t have websites because we know that readers want to learn more about us – what types of books we write, what books are on our backlist, upcoming releases, etc. Once you have a website, check it frequently and keep it updated. I add new books as they’re contracted and discussion questions as each book is released. Even when there’s nothing to add, I check it monthly to make sure all the information is up-to-date.
Blog
Most writers I know post blog articles. Some have their own, while others are in a blogging group. Remember that the more frequently you post the more opportunities people have to discover you. Add links that are closely related to the post and use pictures to add more visual interest.
Social Media
There are dozens, maybe even hundreds, of social media sites
where you can interact with other authors, pre-published writers, fans, family,
and friends. With so many available, it isn’t possible to participate in all of
them. Choose a couple that suit you and post frequently. I’m a member of many
different ones, but I’ve decided that I only have time for Facebook and
Twitter. I post information about my books, but I also share other interests. Anyone who's my friend on Facebook knows I'm fascinated by the wildlife in Florida - especially the alligators that live in the lakes near my house.
Web Articles
Whether you are being interviewed for a web article or you write them about whatever topics interest you, having a thick portfolio of web articles gives you a powerful web presence. In the Christian writing community, we have a variety of e-zines that take articles from freelancers. Outside our group, there are other opportunities to write about what you know, help others, and build a fan base that you might not find elsewhere. You can earn a little money between book contracts or while you are waiting to sell your first book. I enjoy getting email from people who discovered me through an article I wrote for an e-zine. Now many of them are fans of my books. I've written fashion articles for Tyra TypeF fashion ezine, health articles for Livestrong, fitness articles for AZ Central, and wedding articles for DexKnows.
Earlier this year I became the Etiquette Guide for About.com, a great source of information for nearly a thousand topics. Being the daughter of an Air Force guy, having very southern parents who insisted on using the correct fork, and being in a sorority that enforced proper etiquette gave me a strong foundation for what I write for About.com. They always have opportunities for new Guides and Topic Writers, but you have to have experience and clips to get to the audition stage, a month-long process of submitting articles and building a mock website that will go live if you are chosen. My author bio on About.com has a link to my website where readers can find a list of my books.
Value
One thing I always come back to on the topic of having a web presence is the importance of having your name associated with something of value. Not only does the writing need to be as good as you can make it, you should provide information that can help someone, shed light on a topic, or entertain people. Getting your name out there strictly for the sake of being famous creates very thin publicity. I prefer having substance that will draw people back for more as I write what interests me.
Do what you can to leave a strong web footprint, and don’t forget to enjoy the process!
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