TIERNEY JAMES

Lipstick & Danger

My Blog

Drowning in the Blogisphere – Why Your Blog is Important

 

Many authors start to groan at the thought of developing a long-term marketing strategy for their books especially an on-line strategy because it’s another demand on their time. “This is time I could spend writing,” is the general complaint. Extra time isn’t something any of us have in ample supply, so I totally understand. This is why I tell authors to select a few things that matter most to build their community and brand. For book authors in a competitive marketplace, the need to blog continues to be high. Despite ever-evolving social media, blogging remains a top priority for authors. There are even awards given for these jewels of wisdom and creativity.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the compelling reasons why you, as an author, need to blog.

TOP REASONS TO BLOG

  1. Small business owner – have a place for an audience to locate you & your work
  2. Finds the right audience for what you write
  3. Build excitement for your books through your blog. Give them a taste of what to expect.
  4. Strut your stuff – Be the wise sage who bestows valuable information to help solve problems.
  5. Become an authority on your subject matter
  6. Develop a variety of content based posts that can be connected to your work
  7. Good cross-promotional opportunities. Ebooks, recordings, webinars, books
  8. Blogs define who you are and strengthens your personal brand
  9. Share your blog on social media outlets to drive traffic to your blog
  10. You can even write your next book. Think about The Martian by Andy Weir. Yep. Started out as a blog.

Your online platform is your ability to reach people and your blog is like a business card that keeps people coming back for more. Blogs can be one of your most effective strategies for online marketing. This is no longer a luxury or an afterthought — it is a necessity.

Okay. I have to just admit right here, that Daryl from The Walking Dead has nothing to do with blogging. I just liked the picture. It’s my blog so I’m exercising my creativity.

How to start a blog?

  1. Choose a platform – WordPress, Blogspot, GoDaddy
  2. Choose a focus: Think deep and hard about these next four suggestions.
  3. What are you passionate about and can you write forever concerning the topic?
  4. What other kinds of writing do you do that can tie in? Cooking, travel, education?
  5. What do you hope to accomplish with your blog? Purpose! (Me? Sell books!)
  6. Will the blog be personal or topical? Surviving cancer or how to change a tire?

What makes a great content/blog?

  1. Title –Make it catchy
  2. Opener draws people in
  3. Main points that people might care about
  4. Give a take away (how will your life be different by reading this?)

Types of Blog Posts:

  1. Top 10 Reasons
  2. Tips (how to be a great cook)
  3. How to do or become something trending
  4. Pep talk/Motivational story with message
  5. Research
  6. Response to something going on in the news (be careful)
  7. Rant (be careful here too!)
  8. Pre-Sale or contest
  9. Series

So if you are now sold on the idea I have another hint for you. Be consistent. Don’t be one of those bloggers who post hit and miss. Readers need to count on you. Whether it is every week or once a month, be prepared to have material for those people coming to visit your site. So here are my all-important final words of advice.

Tips on Blogging

  1. Be consistent
  2. Frequency (once a week or once a month)
  3. Not too long or short. 600 words is a good number
  4. Colorful and sharp format appearance
  5. Headlines
  6. Connect your blog on social media
  7. Be a guest on other blogs and add your blog to the interview
  8. Linking to other famous bloggers is a good way to get noticed like Publicity Hound.

Thanks for stopping by to encourage me. I love hearing from you. I’ll string some more words together next week about creating a media kit. Do you have one? What! Then you better stop by next week. I hope you’ll sign up on my website to enjoy other informative funnies that come to my mind. Remain awesome.

5 Responses

  1. You have inspired me SO MUCH! I’ve been thinking of things to blog about and hope to get started very soon. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful information. You rock.

  2. You would not believe the progress I have been making just since your workshop where you talked about the specific subject of this post! But there is so much to do and so little time!

    Blogging is never a waste of time! Not only does it do all of the things that you mention above, but it helps hone the craft and teaches discipline, also it proves that an infinite number of subjects exist by which we can build our author platform.

    1. It is like chocolate after a while. The more you write the more topics spring from those creative juices. You just can’t stop writing.

Leave a Reply to Tierney JamesCancel reply