Reach Out to Your Audience Through a Blog
Melanie M. Redd, author of Stepping Closer to the Savior, was kind enough to share how her personal blog has expanded her audience.
Perks of the Author Blog
Whether you want to sell more copies of your book or inspire more people, blogging can help you reach your goals. More and more authors are turning to social media to build relationships with their audience, and many have found these tools beneficial in both book sales and spreading their message. Blogging, one of the most popular tools in social media, has proven to be especially advantageous for self-published authors. Though it is a tool for marketing and publicity, the assets of blogging are countless.
The blog as a marketing and outreach tool
One of the most important uses of an author blog is to gain publicity. Blogs allow authors to find and develop a relationship with readers on a worldwide level. Authors often post a summary of their book, an author bio, news stories and upcoming events on their blog.
Melanie M. Redd, author of Stepping Closer to the Savior, has used blogging to not only share about her book, but to share about her book's message. Her blog includes stories, pictures and devotions to help others become closer to God.
“I think my blog is a perfect and simple way to offer hope, timely words and Scripture to a lost and lonely world,” Redd said. “Blogging is an amazing mechanism by which we can share our faith in positive and creative ways.”
The blog as a relationship-builder
Some authors use a blog as an extension of their book, offering fans an extended glimpse of their story. As readers follow your blog, they will become increasingly invested in you as an author. They will be more likely to recommend you to their friends and family and, if you are publishing more than one book, they will be more likely to read your collection.
The author-fan relationship strengthens as readers comment on your posts. Comments allow for feedback from readers. Learn what they liked and disliked about a certain post, or even a certain section of your book. Paying close attention to the words of your followers can help you define your target audience.
Many of Redd's followers have turned into friends. “Primarily, I have received incredible support from those who follow,” she said. “People offer words of encouragement, prayer support, and even funny anecdotes.”
The blog as a writing tool
Those with a passion to write use blogs as a writing exercise. If you ever have writer's block, try setting up a blog and writing about anything that crosses your mind. Blogging can open up creativity and allow for free-flow thought.
Often, authors use blogs to test new material on their audience and allow readers to offer critiques and complements. Ask other authors to read excerpts of your work and suggest ideas. Redd found a way to gain readership and reviews from fellow bloggers.
“I take the time each week to go by and visit other's blogs and offer them words of support and encouragement. Then, they will return my ‘visit'.”
Blogging will help share your message, share the Word, make new friends and become a better communicator. Redd has advice for those of you interested in starting a blog of your own. “Share hope, share photos, share humor and have fun,” Redd says, “Let you come out in your blog!”
Check out Redd's blog to get ideas for your own blog. Notice how she doesn't blog solely about her book but about multiple, yet related, topics capturing the attention of a wider online audience. Her multiple entries per month gives her readers fresh, timely content, and the layout is easy- to- follow with her entries archived by month where readers can easily search for and find past material.
If you're still unsure how to get started, CrossBooks is here to help with our Social Media Marketing Setup.
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