Social Networking & Web 2.0 for Book Marketing

Tools Self-Publishing Authors and Writers Can Use to Publicize Books

Sep 9, 2008

The author and writer has unlimited potential for self-published book marketing and self promotion through social networking and other innovations of the new web 2.0.

There is some debate as to what the definition of a social network service is. Basically, social networking focuses on building online communities of people who share interests, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Social networking has created powerful new ways to communicate, share information and, of interest to the author, promote one's self or product. This is all due to the advent of Web 2.0, a term describing changing trends in the use of web technology and design that enhances its creativity, information sharing, collaboration and functionality, thereby making it more interactive. That is, the user has more control of the content.

Social networking and Web 2.0, book marketing tools for the author/writer

With the advent of Web 2.0 many marketing possibilities are presented to the self-publishing author. Sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, MyPlace, Shelfari (books), Squidoo, Twitter, Zoominfo, Zing, Ning (create your own social network), YouTube and Flickr provide one with unlimited potential for promotion, both of self and of book. And, most are free. With so many of these sites on the web, it might be best to focus on a few of the major ones to start.

Starting out building a social networking presence for the author and his/her book

Start with one or two of the major sites and work up to establishing a presence on several. Facebook, MyPlace and LinkedIn should be good places to start. If you have a book or books, Shelfari will also be worthwhile.

Make a detailed social networking work list

A list of all the important details about the author and her book is a valuable first step.

Create an artist/book profile on MyPlace, Facebook and other social networking sites

Sign up for an account with the sites that will be used, if that doesn’t already exist. Using the work list generated, create a detailed profile that uses the key phrases. It is very important that, in addition other people, the search engines are able to find the information.

Explore all the opportunities that each social networking site offers

Many of the sites offer the possibility of using photographs (author, book, event, etc.), videos and listing of upcoming events (signings, lectures, workshops to mention a few). Investigate what is offered and use it to market book and author.

All the time new innovations are being added to social networking and web 2.0 is expanding, so the marketing, promotion-aware author/writer will do well to keep herself informed in this area.

Also of Interest

The copyright of the article Social Networking & Web 2.0 for Book Marketing in Self-Publishing is owned by John Lamkin. Permission to republish Social Networking & Web 2.0 for Book Marketing in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.