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THE SECRET TO PROMOTION
Posted by Jo-Anne Vandermeulen on January 12, 2009
The best compliment I got this week was: “I see your signature everywhere these days.” Jo-Anne Vandermeulen gets around. (Notice how I didn’t title my post as this headline. I’m not that crazy…lol). Can I get use to the idea as being this Internet tarnished writer, exposing herself all over? You bet…:). I had to laugh at one comment, “I’m getting pretty sick and tired of always seeing this, ‘conquer all obstacles’.” (Yes, we meet all kinds on line).
NETWORKING OPENS DOORS FOR MANY OPPORTUNITIES
All through PROMOTION, this week has shed many opportunities for me. The calendar is filling as I type.
In just seven days: I had over seven hundred hits on my new blog I created at the end of October, 2008; I was asked to be a guest on-line speaker, teleseminar presenter, and local visitor; a reputable group showed interest in featuring me as an author of inspiration; a publisher requested to publish my articles; I was invited to personally promote an author’s forty -some books in print; and I have met close to a thousand wonderful new friends. You may ask me, how? The answer is simple and I’m not about to keep it a secret:
1.) Writing Portfolio – Your voice comes through. The audience will experience your writing and learn more about you.
2.) Market Yourself – Sprinkle your promotional item (book).
3.) Connect With Your Audience
4.) Network With Fellow Writers – A supportive community of fellow writers. Friends will give you encouragement, solve problems, and help you celebrate.
1.) Keep your vocabulary simple – Being humble shows more credibility then fancy words. Relax and add humor.
2.) State the point of your topic – Get to the point ASAP and communicate clearly.
3.) Use concrete details – Stories provide examples, emphasizes the main point, and allows your audience to relate. Add a picture.
4.) Write from your heart – Strengthen you post. Rather then using a bunch of adjectives, use colorful nouns and verbs. Tell an outrageous story with descriptive words that create visuals.
> Why will your followers select your blog? You know your audience’s objectives. They will feel comfortable and take action when they are engaged. With comments and questions, you can give your followers exactly what they want.
Never assume their answer and think they want what you want. Your motivators may not be the same as your target audience.
***Network through the Internet***
Discover a demand (Promotion), find your target audience (Writers), and supply them with what they want (Free Information).
You can do this too (I hate doing things alone). Come and join me in this new venture of opportunities…
The door is wide open for you to ‘conquer all obstacles’.
Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
Professional Support Network for Writers
Prolific Writer of Romantic Fiction
http://gr5mom2@wordpress.com
Lynn Rush said
GREAT ADVICE!!!!! Thanks for this.
annb106 said
thank you for your help, it is greatly appreciated and needed.
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Rene said
Wow Jo-anne love the advice you are giving. Thanks, it’s so easy to understand too.
gr5mom2 said
Hi Rene;
Thank you for your comment. I respect the feedback from my followers…so knowing I’m giving them the information they require in layman’s terms is perfect.
Good luck.
Jo-Anne
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robin shope said
loved this..thanks for posting.
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GW Gresham said
Thanks for the advice Jo-Anne. I just published my first fiction novel and started a blog to promote it. I came across your site and you have so much good info here I’ll be coming back to read more.
Jo-Anne Vandermeulen said
Thanks for the feedback…so happy…:).
Please pass this information on to others. I love to share the wealth of knowledge.
Jo
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Kym Brunner said
I think my problem is trying to figure out WHO is my audience. I’m a *wink* pre-published author, a teacher, reality TV nut, and a writing fiend. Since I now connect with many of my writing/teaching buds via Facebook, my blog has sort of fallen off the face of the earth. My biggest hits on my blog have been my posts about Real Housewives of New York and the story about how I got my agent. Any advice for me?
Jo-Anne Vandermeulen said
Hi Kym;
Ask yourself these questions:
1.) What is your passion? http://joconquerobstacles.com/2009/03/26/defining-your-niche/
Once you know this, writing in your blog will come naturally…and won’t be a chore. There’s a difference between writing for the audience and writing about your passion. If you write just for your audience & the posts aren’t your passion, you’re going to struggle and your blog will drop off.
So, back to the answer to question #1. Once you define this, then ask yourself:
2.) Where would these type of people hang out?
For example, if your passion is dogs…where would dog lovers hang out? Go to these groups on various social media sites (Facebook/Twitter/Goodreads/Librarything/Shelfari/etc.) and request friendships, leaving your signature behind. Your signature will be linked back to your blog. This is the beginning to forming RELATIONSHIPS.
It took me a couple of months for me to actually answer these questions for myself. It took me another couple of months to work up the courage to exit my existing comfort zone and head out and seek my real audience. Like strangers, it takes a while to ‘warm-up’ to each other and form that trusting relationship that’s necessary for our viewers to come back. And, we must produce content with valuable information the reader can take: http://joconquerobstacles.com/2009/06/23/content-is-the-key/
Hope this helps. If you’d like more information on blogging, social networks, and marketing…read more from my newest release: “Premium Promotional Tips for Writers” at:
eBook: http://www.myebook.com/index.php?option=ebook&id=23157
Physical Copy: http://vandermeulen.laurusbooks.com/
Oh, and spread the word…viral promotion is HUGE!
Merry Christmas & many blessings;
Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
Prolific Writer & Professional Marketeer
*FREE Marketing Tips for Writers*
http://www.joconquerobstacles.com
Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
Author of Suspense/Romance
“Conquer All Obstacles”
http://www.joconquerall.com
Author Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
“Premium Promotional Tips for Writers”
http://vandermeulen.laurusbooks.com/
Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
Owner and Marketeer of
*Premium Promotional Services*
http://www.premiumpromotions.biz