I've been thinking about marketing and such lately. Never hurts to be prepared. There's a lot hoopla about on the benefit (or not) of blogs, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, GoodReads, etc., etc., etc. ad nauseum.
And sometimes this works. Tomorrow, I'm going to tell you about how I got turned on to an author 100% because of online marketing.
But--and here's the kicker--it's got to be unique. Everyone and their mom can get a blog (or twitter or facebook or whatever), and anyone with the ability to type can fill it with words. It is not enough to do something just because everyone else is and "they" say it's good marketing.
What's really good marketing? Standing out from the crowd.
Like this widget.
This is how it's done, folks. Check it. Everything's all neatly there in an eye-catching (but not annoying) little box. Easy to load, easy to share. And it really does go above and beyond. Info on all the books (albeit with a focus on the one most recently released). And did you see that thing in the middle? EXTRAS. As in, only find them here, one of a kind EXTRAS.
How clever is that?
People will see it--click on it--and discover a whole new author. This one little widget has it all.
And it will sell more books than tweeting about what you had for breakfast.
Is the widget supposed to be just a black box? I'm not sure it's loading right. :(
ReplyDeleteIt loaded okay for me and I thought it was awesome. I'm going to bookmark this & put the book on my list to read. What a great idea. Thanks for shariing it.
ReplyDeleteI want a widget! I want a widget!
ReplyDeleteer...um...how do you make a widget?
Shelley
That widget is awesome! My problem is I don't know how to make one and where do you put it...on your own blog? Just wondering as I'm lacking in the marketing genius department. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteWOW! You are right! That is awesome and makes me want the book. Also makes me want a widget. Is your next post - how to make an awesome widget?
ReplyDeleteI agree with StoryQueen : gimmie, gimmie, gimmie!!!! :D
ReplyDeleteThis is a great example of a widget. I have noticed that more are becoming more than just a countdown, but offering sneak peeks at the book, movie casting, etc. I think it's a great way to market your book!
ReplyDeleteWow, you're definitely right. I think Terry's got a point - your next post should be all about how to make an awesome widget. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's a fantastic widget! You just got your post tagged in my google reader. :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that widget is so awesome. If I weren't already a fan of Snyder because of POISON STUDY, I'd totally check out her books because of this.
ReplyDeleteCool stuff! How did you do that?
ReplyDeleteinteresting . . . I'll have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! How is this made? I'm curious. I'm in the process of trying to figure out a book trailor.
ReplyDeleteLove the widget!
ReplyDeleteVery cool widget!
ReplyDeleteWidget making is not something I've tried yet, but something I should look into in the future!
Thanks Beth - this is a cool little widget. I'm going to file this away in my marketing ideas folder for when I get to the marketing stage (fingers crossed that it will come soon).
ReplyDeleteCool. Definitely something to keep in mind.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing!! I so need to learn how to create something like that. Are you gonna give us a lesson??
ReplyDeleteWow . . . that IS a wonderful idea, Beth! Definitely something to keep in mind when marketing a book! Thanks for sharing!:)
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting post. I've been hounded to death by some of my writing partners for closing my Facebook account. That thing drove me out of my mind with all the games, the quizzes, the cheezy comments about what folks buy at the grocery store. I couldn't keep up, nor did I WANT to keep up. But you're right. If it is done correctly, tastefully, professionally...then I'm for it. But how do you find the balance? I've got so much on my plate right now.
ReplyDelete