Hi guys. I miss you all. I've been so slammed since the contest trying to catch up on deadlines and get everything out. I guess you could say I've had a bad case of the blogger hangover. The Mardi Gras was a huge success (and took more time than I thought). It was so worth every moment since I gotta make so many new blogger buddies. I appreciate you all participating!!!!
Here are my top marketing posts for the week:
Strong Book Spines - While spines seem less important than front covers, they are in fact often a reader’s first visual impression of a book. (This was interesting to me because usually we think of covers as being critical)
Candlewick's new Marketing Campaign - Candlewick Press launched a new marketing program aimed specifically at frontline indie booksellers, CHIRP. In a bit of double entendre, "CHIRP," short for Candlewick's Handselling Indie Recognition Program. (aren't they so cool! I love the program. Brilliant!)
HarperTeen goes online for Marketing - This campaign included a calendar spotlighting a different young adult novel each day, links to Twitter and to YA blogs featuring Q&As with authors, games, a widget, a browse-inside-the books option, and a sweepstakes offering a chance to win a signed copy of a book and one of five iPod Touch prizes. (Again, brilliant - they had over 62000 entries!)
Do authors really need to promote their books? Is it worth the constant struggle between using time to market or to write. (I say yes. :)
Their So called Life - Fact and Fiction behind the fickle girl teen dynamic. Truth be told, they’re much more preoccupied with their own social activities than marketing messages. (This gave me some interesting thoughts. Can't wait to see what our panel thinks!)
Getting Your Book Noticed on Amazon - As the world's #1 online bookseller, Amazon is pretty much the top dog in terms of places where potential customers search for books, so the higher up in the search that your book lands, the better off you are.
Blog the Right Way - Is there a correct way to blog? Much like asking if there’s a right way to write. Actually, any form or action of writing is a form of expression that satisfies the writer and communicates with their audience is a win-win process. (This applies if your goal for blogging is generate traffic to spotlight you or your books.)
What should you tweet about? Twitter is a great way to meet people, develop relationships, and promote your book, yourself and your business. But it's important to avoid being seen as someone who just promotes themselves. Most of your tweets should be about helping others and help people get to know you.
Showing posts with label Friday Five. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friday Five. Show all posts
Friday, March 05, 2010
Friday, September 11, 2009
Friday Five/Marketing Round Up (9/11)
My heart goes out to all involved for 911.
Here are my fav marketing posts for the week:
Know your genre and market trends - The question on genre and trends comes down to this: as a first-time author, should I write based on what genres or styles are popular now, or should I create something original and hope it appeals to a large audience?
Are you/your book findable online? Consider that again: Smart consumers these days trust what they find -- or discover -- on their own first and foremost! These are the ways you should be found.
Make sure more people (than your mom) read your blog - A few examples of ways that you can do it - and in the process hopefully grow your readership beyond your immediate family (not that there’s anything wrong with Mom reading your blog).
Twitter's New terms of Service - these are the basic rules that go along with using Twitter.
13 things to do on twitter besides tweet - Tired of delivering the typical stream of status updates on Twitter? Why not try some of the following ideas for other things you can do with the service?
54 blog posts to read about blogging before you blog - This list includes beginner tips, making money through blogging, thoughts on Twitter, how to produce content – and many other subjects in the world of blogging.
Have a great weekend!
Here are my fav marketing posts for the week:
Know your genre and market trends - The question on genre and trends comes down to this: as a first-time author, should I write based on what genres or styles are popular now, or should I create something original and hope it appeals to a large audience?
Are you/your book findable online? Consider that again: Smart consumers these days trust what they find -- or discover -- on their own first and foremost! These are the ways you should be found.
Make sure more people (than your mom) read your blog - A few examples of ways that you can do it - and in the process hopefully grow your readership beyond your immediate family (not that there’s anything wrong with Mom reading your blog).
Twitter's New terms of Service - these are the basic rules that go along with using Twitter.
13 things to do on twitter besides tweet - Tired of delivering the typical stream of status updates on Twitter? Why not try some of the following ideas for other things you can do with the service?
54 blog posts to read about blogging before you blog - This list includes beginner tips, making money through blogging, thoughts on Twitter, how to produce content – and many other subjects in the world of blogging.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Friday Five/Marketing Round Up
Friday Five
1) Schedule Schmedule - My first week on a new schedule stinks. I have to get up at 6, wake daughter up at 6:30, get her breakfast and packed for school. Wake son up at 7. Drop daughter off at 7:30. come back and get son breakfast. take him to school at 9. 9:30 - 12:30 my time (of course that means laundry, cleaning, paying bills, blogging) 12:45 pick up son. Stretch him until 2 so I can pick up my daughter. come home and get son down by 2:30 for nap. 2:30 - 3:00 quiet time for daughter. 3-3:30 one on one time with daughter. 4:00 wake up son. play until 5 when dinner gets started. By the time 7:30 comes and kids are down - I'm exhausted (and I this doesn't even include my work, writing, hubby or self time.)
2) Take 3 - Yes I am back to the drawing board on my book. Spent hour with Super Agent this morning and it was very productive. I have until Sept 18th to work out some character issues, line edits and other minor fixes. I like my agent because she says things like: gusto, whole hog, and bravo. We are hoping this is the last round before we go to submission. So far, my agent has several editors interested in reading it so that makes me even more anxious to get this thing done and out. I do trust her however and she is very picky and pushes me which I like. I know when the book goes out, it will be the best it can be at this point.
3) I'm not a day over 25! This weekend is my bday (23rd). Yes it is. I wont say how old (you can guess as long as you don't go over 25 :). Its always awkward on my bday. I don't' know why but when you spend time with family, you feel the same age you did when you were 16. As if time stopped. Or maybe its just my family :) Do they have to still sing? Do I have to still wear a bday hat? (Feel free to email me if you have any bday presents you want to snail mail my way. I may be too old for hats and singing but never too old for gifts :)
4) To defriend or not to defriend. This week was my first experience with "defriending" someone. It was all but necessary since the person insisted on posting vulgar/mean posts on my Facebook page. Yes on my public forum. I tried to reason with this person who is mad at me - for reasons I am still not sure about - but I can only apologize so many times (especially when I don't really think I did anything wrong.) Anyway, I tried to call and work it out but at some point, you have to just let people be mad and go their own way. It's sad b/c after 20 years, you'd think one argument wouldn't break the friendship. Anyway, It sucks to sit in front of FB screen and read the note "Are you sure you want to defriend this person?" And then you have to hit "yes". I mean people come and go in your life but there is never a definitive question or sentence that completely ends it. Needless to say, I cried that night. I am such a softy! Honestly, it was either that or continue to be cussed out (as well as my family!) and berated on my (PUBLIC!!!) Facebook page. I mean send me an email for god sakes, you can cuss me out all you want. I can take it. But on my Facebook Wall? Tacky?- yes, immature? double yes. heartbreaking - no matter who it is - my answer is yes. Even though I don't want to be upset, I can't help it. Not to mention, after talking to many people, I think it was all so undeserved. And hey, I am one to take a hit for the team. I am one to apologize even when I shouldn't. But at some point, I guess you have to draw your line in the sand. Right? *sniff - though I am sad*
5) Another award? Really? I am almost putting myself to sleep typing this, you m
ean you guys don't use my blog as night reading to shut your brains down during the day? who knew? Anyway, thank you to Lauren over at Book in the Oven (isn't that the cutest name!) for the Humane Award (obviously she gave it to me before knowing I am probably the only person who just DEFRIENDED someone!) While this award is traditionally used to represent nature friendly bloggers, the writing community has embraced it as celebrating those who encourage other writer. So I will say five bloggers who have been encouraging me in my writing. My critique group deserves one but none of them blog anymore :(
1) Meg Cabot (not that she will even know right?) But I love her books, especially Princess Diaries. Her writing is similar in style to mine and she gave me inspiration to write (not personally, just her books. Though that would be really cool huh!)
2) Katie Andersen (Plot This) who spends hours brainstorming ideas for me. I just gave their blog an award but I could not do this award without mentioning Katie. It would not be right :)
3) Lindsey Leavitt - she is the one who got me back into blogging and on my path to getting an agent. Without her, (and she may not even know this. I don't know if I told her) I would not have gotten this far. Not only is she a fab person and good friend, but she rocks as a writer.
4) Suzanne Young - (She knows why!) Basically, she gave me a HUGE break that got me to where I am today (with an agent). With that said, Suzanne didn't even know me! She just reached out to me on Facebook because she read my blog. So thoughtful. (That's all I will say!)
5) Teen Fiction Cafe - Because it is run by a bunch of great writers all at different stages in their careers.
Rules: Link to back to the awarder, list 5 people who have inspired you in your writing, and then just let them know about their award ;)
Here are my marketing favs for the week:
1) An interview with publicist Suzanne Pfefferle of Pelican Publishing Company. With the ever changing market, it is nice to hear from the brain of the house publicist.
Check it out!
2) Came across twitip.com - the site focuses on providing great tips on how to best use twitter. This article is on how to be follow-worthy!
3) 2009 pulse of social media industry. About this time last year, a survey was done with bloggers/content providers, brand and agency marketers for their insights about one aspect of social media .. Blogger Relations. As is typical in our industry people generously offered their insights and we learned together how to create win-win-win strategies. 2008 Pulse of the Industry Blogger Relations . There is a survey for 2009 if you want to take it.
4) Of course my friends (Robin and Mary) over at Shrinking Promotions ran an article on tweeting this week. Tweeting for introverts that is. :) Just as I am starting to tweet more on marketing/branding tips, they are dedicated to tweeting on "daily tips, reminders, affirmations, and suggestions for caring for your introverted self." I will be doing a guest post for them in October! yay!
5) If you missed my interview with Molly O'Neil, check it out! (oh goodness, that was a shameless plug!) It was a HUGE success. I think about 1500 people came to my blog that day alone. And all for Molly's fabulous advice.
6) Writers Digest lists out the best tweets of the week - some great marketing, blogging, etc nuggets in here.
ON a side note, Cynthea Liu (Writing for Teens) is starting a series of interviews on "Authors on the verge". Today's is Kate Messner. They cover rejections, agent process and publication journey. :)
Have a great weekend!!!!
1) Schedule Schmedule - My first week on a new schedule stinks. I have to get up at 6, wake daughter up at 6:30, get her breakfast and packed for school. Wake son up at 7. Drop daughter off at 7:30. come back and get son breakfast. take him to school at 9. 9:30 - 12:30 my time (of course that means laundry, cleaning, paying bills, blogging) 12:45 pick up son. Stretch him until 2 so I can pick up my daughter. come home and get son down by 2:30 for nap. 2:30 - 3:00 quiet time for daughter. 3-3:30 one on one time with daughter. 4:00 wake up son. play until 5 when dinner gets started. By the time 7:30 comes and kids are down - I'm exhausted (and I this doesn't even include my work, writing, hubby or self time.)
2) Take 3 - Yes I am back to the drawing board on my book. Spent hour with Super Agent this morning and it was very productive. I have until Sept 18th to work out some character issues, line edits and other minor fixes. I like my agent because she says things like: gusto, whole hog, and bravo. We are hoping this is the last round before we go to submission. So far, my agent has several editors interested in reading it so that makes me even more anxious to get this thing done and out. I do trust her however and she is very picky and pushes me which I like. I know when the book goes out, it will be the best it can be at this point.
3) I'm not a day over 25! This weekend is my bday (23rd). Yes it is. I wont say how old (you can guess as long as you don't go over 25 :). Its always awkward on my bday. I don't' know why but when you spend time with family, you feel the same age you did when you were 16. As if time stopped. Or maybe its just my family :) Do they have to still sing? Do I have to still wear a bday hat? (Feel free to email me if you have any bday presents you want to snail mail my way. I may be too old for hats and singing but never too old for gifts :)
4) To defriend or not to defriend. This week was my first experience with "defriending" someone. It was all but necessary since the person insisted on posting vulgar/mean posts on my Facebook page. Yes on my public forum. I tried to reason with this person who is mad at me - for reasons I am still not sure about - but I can only apologize so many times (especially when I don't really think I did anything wrong.) Anyway, I tried to call and work it out but at some point, you have to just let people be mad and go their own way. It's sad b/c after 20 years, you'd think one argument wouldn't break the friendship. Anyway, It sucks to sit in front of FB screen and read the note "Are you sure you want to defriend this person?" And then you have to hit "yes". I mean people come and go in your life but there is never a definitive question or sentence that completely ends it. Needless to say, I cried that night. I am such a softy! Honestly, it was either that or continue to be cussed out (as well as my family!) and berated on my (PUBLIC!!!) Facebook page. I mean send me an email for god sakes, you can cuss me out all you want. I can take it. But on my Facebook Wall? Tacky?- yes, immature? double yes. heartbreaking - no matter who it is - my answer is yes. Even though I don't want to be upset, I can't help it. Not to mention, after talking to many people, I think it was all so undeserved. And hey, I am one to take a hit for the team. I am one to apologize even when I shouldn't. But at some point, I guess you have to draw your line in the sand. Right? *sniff - though I am sad*
5) Another award? Really? I am almost putting myself to sleep typing this, you m
ean you guys don't use my blog as night reading to shut your brains down during the day? who knew? Anyway, thank you to Lauren over at Book in the Oven (isn't that the cutest name!) for the Humane Award (obviously she gave it to me before knowing I am probably the only person who just DEFRIENDED someone!) While this award is traditionally used to represent nature friendly bloggers, the writing community has embraced it as celebrating those who encourage other writer. So I will say five bloggers who have been encouraging me in my writing. My critique group deserves one but none of them blog anymore :(1) Meg Cabot (not that she will even know right?) But I love her books, especially Princess Diaries. Her writing is similar in style to mine and she gave me inspiration to write (not personally, just her books. Though that would be really cool huh!)
2) Katie Andersen (Plot This) who spends hours brainstorming ideas for me. I just gave their blog an award but I could not do this award without mentioning Katie. It would not be right :)
3) Lindsey Leavitt - she is the one who got me back into blogging and on my path to getting an agent. Without her, (and she may not even know this. I don't know if I told her) I would not have gotten this far. Not only is she a fab person and good friend, but she rocks as a writer.
4) Suzanne Young - (She knows why!) Basically, she gave me a HUGE break that got me to where I am today (with an agent). With that said, Suzanne didn't even know me! She just reached out to me on Facebook because she read my blog. So thoughtful. (That's all I will say!)
5) Teen Fiction Cafe - Because it is run by a bunch of great writers all at different stages in their careers.
Rules: Link to back to the awarder, list 5 people who have inspired you in your writing, and then just let them know about their award ;)
Here are my marketing favs for the week:
1) An interview with publicist Suzanne Pfefferle of Pelican Publishing Company. With the ever changing market, it is nice to hear from the brain of the house publicist.
Check it out!
2) Came across twitip.com - the site focuses on providing great tips on how to best use twitter. This article is on how to be follow-worthy!
3) 2009 pulse of social media industry. About this time last year, a survey was done with bloggers/content providers, brand and agency marketers for their insights about one aspect of social media .. Blogger Relations. As is typical in our industry people generously offered their insights and we learned together how to create win-win-win strategies. 2008 Pulse of the Industry Blogger Relations . There is a survey for 2009 if you want to take it.
4) Of course my friends (Robin and Mary) over at Shrinking Promotions ran an article on tweeting this week. Tweeting for introverts that is. :) Just as I am starting to tweet more on marketing/branding tips, they are dedicated to tweeting on "daily tips, reminders, affirmations, and suggestions for caring for your introverted self." I will be doing a guest post for them in October! yay!
5) If you missed my interview with Molly O'Neil, check it out! (oh goodness, that was a shameless plug!) It was a HUGE success. I think about 1500 people came to my blog that day alone. And all for Molly's fabulous advice.
6) Writers Digest lists out the best tweets of the week - some great marketing, blogging, etc nuggets in here.
ON a side note, Cynthea Liu (Writing for Teens) is starting a series of interviews on "Authors on the verge". Today's is Kate Messner. They cover rejections, agent process and publication journey. :)
Have a great weekend!!!!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Friday Five (thoughts and favs)
My thoughts 
My Favs
Judged by your book covers - Books have always been judged by their covers.I know most of us don't have much say but here are things to think about if you do happen to get to voice your opinion. After the Liar debate - I thought it was interesting.
Make the most of Media leads - The key really isn’t getting the leads, the trick is now responding to them. Here is a quick guide that you might want to keep handy the next time a lead comes your way.
Market Savvy text - If you ask any Search Engine Marketing Expert they will tell you the importance of anchor text. So what is this exactly?
Borders marketing directly to Teens - Borders Group Inc. is launching a teens department to capitalize on such hot writers as Stephenie Meyer and Sarah Dessen, as young-adult authors provide a badly needed lift to booksellers.
The evolution of a cover - Caren Johnson shows some behind-the-scenes juice. Specifically how a cover comes about.
Have a great weekend! :)
- Hair today, gone tomorrow. I cut the worst hair cut yesterday. I don't know what I was thinking. Here's what I said "I want some bangs, a couple inches off and to go a bit darker. So why did I want to look like Janeane Garafalo. *sigh* (I used to have long curly hair like Julia Roberts! Keep in mind i said her HAIR, by no means do I look like her!) Why did I want so much of a change right before LA. (so suzanne young if you read this - i guess you and I will be hanging out together drinking and sobbing over our hair issues :) I will say - its what I asked for. It's a cute doo, I just went a little crazy and want my long hair
back. Just wait until I go red in the fall! - Got to have a J.O.B! I've been working like a dog so my goal is to get revisions back to Secret Agent (who really isn't a secret, its just fun to call her that) before I leave for LA. Ive been working like a dog and am so happy with how it is turning out. I don't have time to waste - I need to bring in some cash off this gig.
- Mama don't let your babies grow up! My little girl starts Kindergarten in less than 2 weeks. She's all grown up and is already trying to tell me what kind of hair cut she wants for school. And so it begins. I am just glad I got alot of time to spend with her up until this point. :( I need to hurry and get this book done so I don't have a baby instead :) (JK honey!)
- You are what you eat? We just found out my little boy has a sensitivity to wheat and cows milk. I will repeat that for those who may be stunned - wheat and cows milk. Changing over to rice milk is not that big of a deal but wheat? Not even all gluten free stuff is wheat free. Anyway, we are transitioning/changing his foods and he won't eat. Now he has lost weight - so much I can now see his ribs and it is stressing me out!!! he's happy but he won't eat. I know I shouldn't but you can't help but wonder if kids can waste away.
- Oh Lover boy - Ah I thought Jill and mankini wearing Ed were so cute on bachelorette this week. I actually think he came across better at the Dish session. I mean he was funny! He was kinda all serious and gooby on the show. The outtakes of them were so cute. I totally would have gone for him too had they shown that side of him. I think I could look past the green mankini (That is if I wasn't married to a hotty myself :)
My Favs
Judged by your book covers - Books have always been judged by their covers.I know most of us don't have much say but here are things to think about if you do happen to get to voice your opinion. After the Liar debate - I thought it was interesting.
Make the most of Media leads - The key really isn’t getting the leads, the trick is now responding to them. Here is a quick guide that you might want to keep handy the next time a lead comes your way.
Market Savvy text - If you ask any Search Engine Marketing Expert they will tell you the importance of anchor text. So what is this exactly?
Borders marketing directly to Teens - Borders Group Inc. is launching a teens department to capitalize on such hot writers as Stephenie Meyer and Sarah Dessen, as young-adult authors provide a badly needed lift to booksellers.
The evolution of a cover - Caren Johnson shows some behind-the-scenes juice. Specifically how a cover comes about.
Have a great weekend! :)
Friday, May 08, 2009
Friday's Marketing RoundUp
Here are my top marketing posts for the week! have a great weekend!
Mackenzie Blue - When HarperCollins publishes the first Mackenzie Blue novel on May 5, author and Buzz Marketing Group founder Tina Wells hoped the book will be only one of many ways that tween girls will engage with the title character—a 12-year-old student and aspiring pop star.
Marketing Tip Madness - Here are 50 marketing tips for authors – some free, some cheap, and some even not so cheap.
Free ebook giveaway marketing tactic - The arrival of The Sorceress, third book in Michael Scott’s bestselling Immortal Secrets of Nicholas Flamel fantasy series, kicked off last weekend with RHCB’s first-ever PDF/e-book giveaway.
Are you ready if the Media calls? Are you prepared for the media to call you? If you’re not, you should be. Most authors go about their routine of sending press releases, e-mailing pitches or mailing books, but they’re unprepared for the caller that says, “Yes, I’d like to interview you for a story I’m doing.
Personal branding - Beyond your resume. Creating yourself as a brand. Also references Tim Peters - Your brand called you. You are a brand and you are in charge of your brand.
Mackenzie Blue - When HarperCollins publishes the first Mackenzie Blue novel on May 5, author and Buzz Marketing Group founder Tina Wells hoped the book will be only one of many ways that tween girls will engage with the title character—a 12-year-old student and aspiring pop star.
Marketing Tip Madness - Here are 50 marketing tips for authors – some free, some cheap, and some even not so cheap.
Free ebook giveaway marketing tactic - The arrival of The Sorceress, third book in Michael Scott’s bestselling Immortal Secrets of Nicholas Flamel fantasy series, kicked off last weekend with RHCB’s first-ever PDF/e-book giveaway.
Are you ready if the Media calls? Are you prepared for the media to call you? If you’re not, you should be. Most authors go about their routine of sending press releases, e-mailing pitches or mailing books, but they’re unprepared for the caller that says, “Yes, I’d like to interview you for a story I’m doing.
Personal branding - Beyond your resume. Creating yourself as a brand. Also references Tim Peters - Your brand called you. You are a brand and you are in charge of your brand.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Friday's Marketing RoundUp
Here are my top marketing posts for the week!
Don't forget: Ingrid Law (Author of Newberry winning novel, Savvy) will be with us Monday as our Marvelous Marketer)
Have a good weekend!
Top 10 reasons why your Content Marketing strategy fails - Content marketing is when you create great content that attracts customers and prospects, educates them, and potentially engages them in a conversation with you. Here are the reasons that this strategy can fail.
Platform what if I'm shy? - I would guesstimate that the majority of writers consider themselves shy or introverts. How do you do a platform?
Inexpensive platform development strategies for writers - Platform development shouldn’t break the bank
The Blog Factor - Everything you need to know to start blogging - today!
Befriend Amazon for Promotion - There's a whole world of book promotion potential of Amazon that lies beneath the bookseller's surface.
Don't forget: Ingrid Law (Author of Newberry winning novel, Savvy) will be with us Monday as our Marvelous Marketer)
Have a good weekend!
Top 10 reasons why your Content Marketing strategy fails - Content marketing is when you create great content that attracts customers and prospects, educates them, and potentially engages them in a conversation with you. Here are the reasons that this strategy can fail.
Platform what if I'm shy? - I would guesstimate that the majority of writers consider themselves shy or introverts. How do you do a platform?
Inexpensive platform development strategies for writers - Platform development shouldn’t break the bank
The Blog Factor - Everything you need to know to start blogging - today!
Befriend Amazon for Promotion - There's a whole world of book promotion potential of Amazon that lies beneath the bookseller's surface.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday Fabs- Marketing Round Up
Comment your Butt Off Contest update:
Only 18 days Left for a free web site!
As of this morning - 13 days into the contest, you guys are doing fabulous! Just from March 1 - March 13 (ooh goodie Friday the 13th) we have had:
Only 18 days Left for a free web site!
As of this morning - 13 days into the contest, you guys are doing fabulous! Just from March 1 - March 13 (ooh goodie Friday the 13th) we have had:
- 1,407 Unique visitors (in 13 days!)
- 704 Comments (now I know how agents feel about queries - I have to log and approve each one! )
- 61 people (thanks for taking your time to comment!)
I have met some great people and found some more fab blogs! Thanks for all the off-comment messages. :) Remember - it is not over until the fab lady writes - that's me :). So don't give up!
Persistence is key in this biz - right? :)
Practice makes perfect!
Friday Fabs: Marketing Round Up!
I am going to start doing a round up of marketing posts on Friday. Here are some fabulous posts out there on promotion and marketing I saw this week. These include ideas bloggers have done to get more blog traffic, authors unique projects that spreads the word about their book/cause, and editors/agents advice.
- Lisa Schroeder's Unique "Feel Good" Marketing - Book Angel project.
- Call My Agent: From Blog to Books
- Buried in the Slush Pile: What kind of Marketing does an author do?
- Blog Book Tours: The perfect promotion web page
- Shrinking Violets: Marketing CoOps
- Seth's Blog: Difference between Pr and Publicity
- Plot This - Prepublished Authors front page news
Remember - we have Sarah Davis from Greenhouse Literary talking about her marketing on Monday. And it is fabulous. Very thorough and insightful!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Search Engine Optimization 101/Friday Five
Day 5: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 101So you have a web site now. That's great as long as people can find it and come to it.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is when you improve the volume and quality of traffic through various search engines.
So how do you do that?
1) Pick a good domain and design it simple - try not to use too much flash. Any words in flash do not come up in searches.
2) Register your site with search engines/directories. For example, the 3 main ones are:
- Google Web Master - see this article for instructions
- Yahoo - see this article for instructions
- Technorati - see this article for more directories
3) Use good Key Words - make a short list of 1 or 2 key word phrases for each page of the site you want to optimize. Here is an article that explains this in more detail. Try not to be too generic - like don't pick writer or author. Try to make it easy for those looking for you to find you by selecting keyword phrases they will most likely think of and most probably use when searching for whatever you offer.
4) Meta-tags - Every web site has html - even the godaddy ones. You can view them easily. There are several "tags" that go into the HTML code for a page of a website. These tags are placed between the and . The most important tags are: The title tag and the "description" meta tag. The "keyword" meta tag used to be important but is basically useless now.
5) Use Keywords in your text.
6) Get others to Link to you!
Other articles to Help:
Friday Five - 5 Reasons I love V-Day
1) Feeling Good- I am finally feeling better after 4 months of Vertigo. I still am only about 90% but I don't feel dizzy anymore. I may even try to go back to yoga this weekend. I have not been to Bikram in 4 months and my ass shows it! Did you knwo you can burn between 600-900 calories in 1.5 hrs of Bikram. You should try it!
2) La Familia - I love an excuse to show the love to those I love most. I got my hubby a climbing card and my kids little gifts for the morning. Without them, theer would be a hole in my heart.
3) Treats - This morning I treated myself to a sour cream blueberry cake donut from krisy Kreme. YUMMY! I got 5 more for Vday breakfast tomorrow. Only 4 in my family - who do you think will get the extra one?? Hmmmmm.
4) Learn something new - Do you even know why we celebrate Vday - besides Hallraks consipracy of course. Here is a site by the History Channel that tells you. Its fun! Who knew? I just thought it was about chocolate and kisses ;) Thanks St Valentine for a LOVEly day.
5) I love Quizzes - For those who knowI love quizzes, I found a fun Vday one called Dating through the Ages. You can take a quiz in different decades to see if you would have been a great date in that historic time. (BTW - I think I was a bit permiscous in the 1890s Yikes!)
For those who love my blog, I love you - here's a shout out to you!
For those in the world who have nothing else better to do than gripe, hate, bitch, gossip, put down, complain, or be negative - keep in mind what you focus on just gets bigger. So I ask you - Where is the Love?
Don't forget - we have Robin from Shrinking Violets joing us on Monday as a Marvelous Marketer!
Have a LOVEly Day!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Pass it On - tagged and awarded
Marketing Tip-Blogcasting
Try blogcasting - You can go to Blog Talk Radio and start your own radio show! Just sign up and dial in…the site does the rest. No special speakers, microphones or software needed. All you need of course is your cell phone.
Pass it On
I got tagged
The rules are as follows: link to the person who gave you the award; write down six things that make you happy; post the rules; tag six others and let them know you have done it; tell the person who tagged you when your entry is up.
First - I was tagged by Chandler Craig last week. So I owe her. Here goes:
1) My kids. Kinda cliched and on some days - I might cross them off this list :) But they make me smile and make me light. I tend to get intense so they lighten me up. My little girl because she makes me enjoy little things. She says she wants to be a bug scientist (my hubby trys to get her to say Entomologist. She makes me stop to study ants , ladybugs, earthworms, cicadas, spiders you name it (BTW I hate bugs). My little boy because he just makes me laugh. He is the silliest little guy. Typical Taurus - loves to be on stage and entertain. They both make me want to be a better person and Mom. I love my kids. Kinda wish I could have more but I've been cut-off. (Wait, can hubby's do that? Mine did :)
2) Writing - Well I have to say this one right? Especially if a potential agent or editor are lurking. Seriously, if someone told me today that I would NEVER get published, I would still write my heart out. (I'd just be pissy doing it :). My brain is way to intense to keep all my crazy thoughts jammed in there. An ex-boy used to say my brain scared him. He said it was like the Grand Canyon. (Stay with me) Beautiful, deep, scary and a mystery all at the same time. Something you want to look at it but while you standing on the edge - you are afraid you will fall in. Ha I used to think that was hilarious :) Writing is like cleaning out my closet. You always find something new, unexpected, scary, gross, and amazing. I love it and even when I say I'm taking a day off - I still find myself blogging or writing notes about my writing.
3) Breathing (this is an important one). I've learned to appreciate my body after this ear thing. I don't take care of it enough. Something I am trying to be better about. When you see how intricate everything is and how it all runs together, it makes you think before you put cheese dip or MMs in your mouth. (oops). Yoga here i come!
4) Getting a mani/pedi done! This just makes me feel like myself again. After doing the mommy thing all week, trying to get in some work, take care of house and bills. To get my cheap little mani/pedi for 30$ at Angel Nails makes me smile.
5) My bed and pillows - I love to sleep. Hate to wake up. I don't mind BEING awake, I just hate WAKING up. My mind is creative even when I am sleeping. I have some crazy dreams - sometimes I even figure out plots in my dream. (Sad huh?) BTW, did you know if we don't sleep, we can go crazy! It hormonally changes your emotions. Here's an interesting article
6) So many thing make me happy. I'll add in peace, puppies, flowers, kids, hubby, butterflies, owls, stars, cardinals, the moon, fairies, my dog(s), my family, friends, being silly, skipping. Just to name a few more.
I'm tagging:
Holly Cupala - Brimstone soup
Robin Mellom (one of the Disco Mermaids - check out her new blog!)
Lisa Nowak (the Tao of Webfoot
Corey Schwartz - Thing 1 and Thing 2
Kate and Sarah Francis - PlotThis
Jill Wheeler
Fabulous Blog AWard
Blog Award
Lindsey Leavitt awarded me a Blog Award yesterday.
Here are the rules to receiving this award:You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous bloggers in a post.You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.
1) Cheese Dip & Peanut MMs - Is this 1 or 2? Any cheese dip really. But my favorite is Las Paz 6-cheese dip (My sincere condolences to those of you who don't have one in your town. The chocolate (Peanut MMs) are a must-have when writing intense scene. Sincere apologies to my body. It's my only vice!
2) Writing with coffee- Is this 1 or 2? (I'd be weird if I didn't say writing right?) Let me be more specific drinking Harrod's Christmas Coffee with hazelnut cream. OR should I say cream with a little coffee). Unfortunately I only get Harrod's from my hubby's parents when they ship it from the UK at Christmas. :( So Harrod's if you by chance are an avid reader, plug plug, got any samples you'd like to send?
3) My Target Shoe/Slippers. Suede slippers you can wear as shoes that are lined with something soft. Oh yeah they still look like slippers but they have tread. Comfy for running kids to school, getting gas, being in backyard, waking up in morning, walking on hard wood floors (socks are too slippery). Also cool b/c they LOOK like Ughs but are only 19.99$. I actually have a pink pair of Ughs but they are not as comfy - go figure. Gotta go - I hear "what not to wear" calling. Heck - Ill take the 5 grand any day. (but do I have to give up my slippers?
4) My hubby's white Hanes t-shirts - I love to sleep in these (Sorry honey). I mean if Victoria secret would make a sexy top and bottom using Hanes cotton. I'd be all on it!!! Until then, its the T. Not only is the cotton softer than others, it's the perfect thickness. Not to shear but not too heavy. My hubby has broken them in perfectly. Plus they kinda smell like him :) Hanes is you are listening - Ill take a lifetime supply.
5) Hubby's Crinkles. Don't know why but I love the crinkles around my hubby's eyes. Maybe because I know they have a story. He is a happy person - me? I kinda swing from happy to sad to frustrated to quiet to intense and back again - all within about a minute. He is usually just happy. Positive. His laugh lines are always there. And I love them :)
Try blogcasting - You can go to Blog Talk Radio and start your own radio show! Just sign up and dial in…the site does the rest. No special speakers, microphones or software needed. All you need of course is your cell phone.
Pass it On
I got tagged
The rules are as follows: link to the person who gave you the award; write down six things that make you happy; post the rules; tag six others and let them know you have done it; tell the person who tagged you when your entry is up.
First - I was tagged by Chandler Craig last week. So I owe her. Here goes:
1) My kids. Kinda cliched and on some days - I might cross them off this list :) But they make me smile and make me light. I tend to get intense so they lighten me up. My little girl because she makes me enjoy little things. She says she wants to be a bug scientist (my hubby trys to get her to say Entomologist. She makes me stop to study ants , ladybugs, earthworms, cicadas, spiders you name it (BTW I hate bugs). My little boy because he just makes me laugh. He is the silliest little guy. Typical Taurus - loves to be on stage and entertain. They both make me want to be a better person and Mom. I love my kids. Kinda wish I could have more but I've been cut-off. (Wait, can hubby's do that? Mine did :)
2) Writing - Well I have to say this one right? Especially if a potential agent or editor are lurking. Seriously, if someone told me today that I would NEVER get published, I would still write my heart out. (I'd just be pissy doing it :). My brain is way to intense to keep all my crazy thoughts jammed in there. An ex-boy used to say my brain scared him. He said it was like the Grand Canyon. (Stay with me) Beautiful, deep, scary and a mystery all at the same time. Something you want to look at it but while you standing on the edge - you are afraid you will fall in. Ha I used to think that was hilarious :) Writing is like cleaning out my closet. You always find something new, unexpected, scary, gross, and amazing. I love it and even when I say I'm taking a day off - I still find myself blogging or writing notes about my writing.
3) Breathing (this is an important one). I've learned to appreciate my body after this ear thing. I don't take care of it enough. Something I am trying to be better about. When you see how intricate everything is and how it all runs together, it makes you think before you put cheese dip or MMs in your mouth. (oops). Yoga here i come!
4) Getting a mani/pedi done! This just makes me feel like myself again. After doing the mommy thing all week, trying to get in some work, take care of house and bills. To get my cheap little mani/pedi for 30$ at Angel Nails makes me smile.
5) My bed and pillows - I love to sleep. Hate to wake up. I don't mind BEING awake, I just hate WAKING up. My mind is creative even when I am sleeping. I have some crazy dreams - sometimes I even figure out plots in my dream. (Sad huh?) BTW, did you know if we don't sleep, we can go crazy! It hormonally changes your emotions. Here's an interesting article
6) So many thing make me happy. I'll add in peace, puppies, flowers, kids, hubby, butterflies, owls, stars, cardinals, the moon, fairies, my dog(s), my family, friends, being silly, skipping. Just to name a few more.
I'm tagging:
Holly Cupala - Brimstone soup
Robin Mellom (one of the Disco Mermaids - check out her new blog!)
Lisa Nowak (the Tao of Webfoot
Corey Schwartz - Thing 1 and Thing 2
Kate and Sarah Francis - PlotThis
Jill Wheeler
Fabulous Blog AWard
Blog Award
Lindsey Leavitt awarded me a Blog Award yesterday.
Here are the rules to receiving this award:You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous bloggers in a post.You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.
1) Cheese Dip & Peanut MMs - Is this 1 or 2? Any cheese dip really. But my favorite is Las Paz 6-cheese dip (My sincere condolences to those of you who don't have one in your town. The chocolate (Peanut MMs) are a must-have when writing intense scene. Sincere apologies to my body. It's my only vice!
2) Writing with coffee- Is this 1 or 2? (I'd be weird if I didn't say writing right?) Let me be more specific drinking Harrod's Christmas Coffee with hazelnut cream. OR should I say cream with a little coffee). Unfortunately I only get Harrod's from my hubby's parents when they ship it from the UK at Christmas. :( So Harrod's if you by chance are an avid reader, plug plug, got any samples you'd like to send?
3) My Target Shoe/Slippers. Suede slippers you can wear as shoes that are lined with something soft. Oh yeah they still look like slippers but they have tread. Comfy for running kids to school, getting gas, being in backyard, waking up in morning, walking on hard wood floors (socks are too slippery). Also cool b/c they LOOK like Ughs but are only 19.99$. I actually have a pink pair of Ughs but they are not as comfy - go figure. Gotta go - I hear "what not to wear" calling. Heck - Ill take the 5 grand any day. (but do I have to give up my slippers?
4) My hubby's white Hanes t-shirts - I love to sleep in these (Sorry honey). I mean if Victoria secret would make a sexy top and bottom using Hanes cotton. I'd be all on it!!! Until then, its the T. Not only is the cotton softer than others, it's the perfect thickness. Not to shear but not too heavy. My hubby has broken them in perfectly. Plus they kinda smell like him :) Hanes is you are listening - Ill take a lifetime supply.
5) Hubby's Crinkles. Don't know why but I love the crinkles around my hubby's eyes. Maybe because I know they have a story. He is a happy person - me? I kinda swing from happy to sad to frustrated to quiet to intense and back again - all within about a minute. He is usually just happy. Positive. His laugh lines are always there. And I love them :)
So here are 5 my awards: (I dont know if they will have time to respond though, they may be blogging :)
Shrinking Violet Promotions
ahhhh a glimpse into my terrifying brain :)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday Five - A holiday Version
Marketing Tip - Follow up
No matter if you are trying to get a press release out, a feature article. an ad placement, a testimonial, a blurb, a speaking engagement, or an interview. Don't expect to get anything with just one contact. You need to follow-up 3-4 times and using different methods. Everyone is busy. Don't assume the answer is No. Assume they are busy and make it easy for them to say ye.
Friday Five
1. My little Angel. My daughter came home saying she had been chosen to be the Arch Angel in her PreK play next week. Then , she said we had to "make" her outfit. What? Can I buy one? What is the definition of "make"? Provide, buy, borrow. I AM NOT crafty. I repeat, I AM NOT Crafty!
2. A Rat Race - I have a rat in my house! Like - IN MY HOUSE. ( I don't know why but a mouse wouldn't sound so bad right?) I have never had a rat in my house. I don't want a rat in my house. But I can't get the rat OUT of my house. Only I could have a picky rat - the real Ratatouille. Who knew rats could be picky. We are trying not to take drastic measures. (you know, respect all sentient beings, animal guides, blah blah blah. But, it wont eat anything off our "humane" trap. It does not like organic peanut butter. I does not prefer pecans. And I CANT CATCH IT! Rats! (Disgusting isn't it?) "It was over. Rat 2, Hubby zip."
3. The Folks - In the next couple of days, my British in-laws are coming to visit for 2.5 weeks. We have not seen them in 2 years which means they have never met my son who is now 18 months. On one hand, I can't wait to see them and I know it will be fun. On the other, it is very hard to not see relatives for 2 years and then be submersed with them for 2.5 weeks. I look forward to the holidays - black pudding and all? (Oh yeah, they will be excited to meet our new pet rat?!)
4. It's OK to Moon Me - Has anyone seen the moon tonight? Evidently, its the biggest full moon of the year because it reaches its closest point to the Earth tonight. Can I get a "howl, howl"?
5. Classic Christmas Humor. I know there are wonderful movies out for the holiday - Its a wonderful life, Miracle on 35th Street. But does anyone love the funny movies as much as I do? Hilarious! We just got down our Christmas movies for the holidays. The Grinch with Jim Carrey, Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Christmas Story.
That's my weekend in a nut shell.
Angels
Rats
Folks
Moon
Movies
Interesting yet Strange!
Can't wait to "plunge into the cornucopia quivering with desire and the ecstasy of unbridled avarice." :)
Have a good weekend!
P.S. I did not want to include it in my Friday Five. But I am sad about the findings in the Caylee Anthony case. My heart goes out to the grandparents and I am horrified at what that little girl went through. I'll say a special prayer for her and her family tonight. Some things in life just don't make sense.
PSS Thank goodness OJ Simpson is finally behind bars. There is a god.
No matter if you are trying to get a press release out, a feature article. an ad placement, a testimonial, a blurb, a speaking engagement, or an interview. Don't expect to get anything with just one contact. You need to follow-up 3-4 times and using different methods. Everyone is busy. Don't assume the answer is No. Assume they are busy and make it easy for them to say ye.
Friday Five
1. My little Angel. My daughter came home saying she had been chosen to be the Arch Angel in her PreK play next week. Then , she said we had to "make" her outfit. What? Can I buy one? What is the definition of "make"? Provide, buy, borrow. I AM NOT crafty. I repeat, I AM NOT Crafty!
2. A Rat Race - I have a rat in my house! Like - IN MY HOUSE. ( I don't know why but a mouse wouldn't sound so bad right?) I have never had a rat in my house. I don't want a rat in my house. But I can't get the rat OUT of my house. Only I could have a picky rat - the real Ratatouille. Who knew rats could be picky. We are trying not to take drastic measures. (you know, respect all sentient beings, animal guides, blah blah blah. But, it wont eat anything off our "humane" trap. It does not like organic peanut butter. I does not prefer pecans. And I CANT CATCH IT! Rats! (Disgusting isn't it?) "It was over. Rat 2, Hubby zip."
3. The Folks - In the next couple of days, my British in-laws are coming to visit for 2.5 weeks. We have not seen them in 2 years which means they have never met my son who is now 18 months. On one hand, I can't wait to see them and I know it will be fun. On the other, it is very hard to not see relatives for 2 years and then be submersed with them for 2.5 weeks. I look forward to the holidays - black pudding and all? (Oh yeah, they will be excited to meet our new pet rat?!)
4. It's OK to Moon Me - Has anyone seen the moon tonight? Evidently, its the biggest full moon of the year because it reaches its closest point to the Earth tonight. Can I get a "howl, howl"?
5. Classic Christmas Humor. I know there are wonderful movies out for the holiday - Its a wonderful life, Miracle on 35th Street. But does anyone love the funny movies as much as I do? Hilarious! We just got down our Christmas movies for the holidays. The Grinch with Jim Carrey, Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Christmas Story.
That's my weekend in a nut shell.
Angels
Rats
Folks
Moon
Movies
Interesting yet Strange!
Can't wait to "plunge into the cornucopia quivering with desire and the ecstasy of unbridled avarice." :)
Have a good weekend!
P.S. I did not want to include it in my Friday Five. But I am sad about the findings in the Caylee Anthony case. My heart goes out to the grandparents and I am horrified at what that little girl went through. I'll say a special prayer for her and her family tonight. Some things in life just don't make sense.
PSS Thank goodness OJ Simpson is finally behind bars. There is a god.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday Five! Marketing Pet Peeves
My Top 5 Book Marketing Pet Peeves
1) Web site pages as long as Santa's naughty list - Don't make us page down through pages of your bio. The standard web rule is the user should not have to page down more than 2 times. I personally prefer 1. Your web site is an executive summary. You only need something short and sweet. Web sites reflect your writing. If you drone on for pages - I might not want to read your book. If you have the attitude - "Ill just get my web site up and work on it later", its the wrong one. The minute you launch it - people can see it. Keep it simple, professional, and short. Again, you can get help on Godaddy, they even have templates from which you can choose.
2) Business cards, bookmarks, and brochures from The Land of Cheapo. Come on! Nowadays you can get inexpensive, solid quality stuff from various web sites. You really don't want a white business card with your face on it. You really don't need a bookmark that is so flimsy it can be used as origami. Do yourself and your image a favor, invest in high quality pieces or don't do them at all.
3) My only target audience is children between ages of 0-18. Everyone has more than one target audience. Age is not the only way to segment your audience. There are others such as by topic, by regional as well as looking at the type of media, type of reader (library, bookstore, book club etc). Take some time to think through all of your target audiences and all the ways you can possibly reach them - you should be able to come up with at least 3 audiences and 3 mediums for each.
4) Just gonna wing it. Everyone needs a plan. Just like you need a plot for your book before you write, you need a marketing plan before you can market. Some people think that winging marketing is effective. Nope! I'm not talking about creating a 100 page word document. I am talking about a process where you - as the writer - identify your target audiences, key mediums, key timelines, key events - and set up key contacts in advance. Your materials, plans, and contacts should be in place 6 months before your book comes out. Don't wait until your book is out before you think about it.
5) I don't know computers so I cant do marketing. What? If you are selling books to kids, you need to learn computers. Nowadays at least 50% of marketing (and I am being generous, I think its more like 60-70%) is online. You need to know how to blog, how to do a basic web site, how to start a myspace or facebook page, and how to text/twitter. You also need to keep up with the youth trends (Ypulse is good for that) If you don't know how to use all these, they all are set up pretty easily to figure out. Some even have tutorials. This cannot be an excuse anymore - unless you don't want to sell anything.
Marketing and Pr are critical to your overall brand. It is better to invest in a few key pieces than to do a bunch of bad pieces. Take pride in your materials as you would take pride in your book. It is a reflection of you.
In addition to the bigger things, if you are going to deal in marketing and PR yourself, it's still important to dwell in minutiae. so be mindful of all the little things. Like copy, grammar and punctuation. These all make a different on web sites, blogs, and other marketing materials.
So get out there and market or you could always use me :)
If you have any questions, post them in a comment and I will be happy to answer. :)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Friday Five!
1) From the Horse's mouth. I read a few post this week that gave direct feedback from kids to adults writers about what they like and don't like about books. In Publisher's Weekly , a 13 year old boy tells what boys like and don't like about today's books for boys. At the Crow's Nest, Nina summarizes what teens like and don't like about the books they read. She is a high school teach and grabbed some great insight. (how much do we owe you Nina!) I found it very insightful and it make me wonder: Why don't we Children writers find more time to talk with kids. We seem to spend alot of time reading about how to write, how to publish a book, how to get an agent, and how to do school visits. Great idea for next conference, get a panel of teens!
2) Commenting Challenge. I have way surpassed my quota of 5 comments a day. Bad news - more people have proof of how goofy I am. Good news - I made a few Bloggie friends this week. Special shout out to Literary Rambles (CaseyMcCormick). When the challenge is over, my goal is to continue visiting new blogs and meeting new efriends. After all, an introvert can never have too many cyber-friends.
3) Eight is Enough. Now I usually do not blog about politics. But I watched a video on Grow Wings - Laini Taylor's blog - that I found insightful. I am not here to give a "Prop 8: to be or not to be" speech. But here is a link to Keith Olberman's commentary on Prop 8. Whether you agree or not, he has some funny lines and good points. Plus I love his passion. (Thanks for the heart check Laini!)
4) My WFFs (Writer Friends Forever). It is so rare to find people that you connect to that love your writing and want you to succeed just as much as they want to succeed. Another special shout out to a few people who have been supporting me non-stop as I finished my book and a request for fulls from a couple agents I researched and hand-picked for my representation. Katie Anderson for offering to read my entire YA novel in a week. She has provided amazing insight and I wholeheartedly appreciate it. Check out her blog - Plot This (along with writer friend Sarah Francis who is also reading my book for me). Jessica Dehart, a fellow writer and friend who started this journey with me. She recently gave up an afternoon to sit down and simply brainstorm a few plotting issues. She also has an amazing foundation that teaches kids to lead brilliant lives. To the rest of my critique group - The Calliope Circle - Thanks for all your patience and words of encouragement. Too bad you all aren't agents. I'd be rich! :) Lindsey Leavitt, who has an amazing blog and is one of my new WFFs (writer friends forever). Thank you for taking me under your wing - even if you did not mean to or did not know you were- and guiding me through this crazy process with advice and cheering.
5) Sunny Days. Since I have a 4.83333 year old (I am not ready to say 5 year old yet :( and an 18 month old. Sesame Street is always on at our house (of course within the 2 hr TV limit recommended by the APA ;) This is their 39th season. I am (cough cough) so I grew up with them. They always make the show fresh and hip. Cool singers, new stars and new characters. I am personally in love with Abby Cadabby - the little fairy. For a public run show and station, they rock. Thanks for the sunny days.
Have a good weekend!
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