Is having a blog part of the recommended marketing strategy? I noticed that you don't advertise your book on your blog, but do advertise on your webpage. I know the assumption is that every visitor you have comes through your website. But what happens when they visit or find your blog first? Someone like me, for instance. Do you see the blog as more personal, and therefore not a place to advertise your book?My take on blogging is quite straightforward, if you want to blog and enjoy it then go for it.
If however you see blogging as a huge chore then don't.
There is absolutely nothing worse than reading over a blog which is simply a series of apologies for not blogging. Its clear to everyone that the person doesn't want to blog and that defeats the purpose.
I love to blog. Love it. I've been blogging for coming up to three years now, my longest break has been ten days. My blog is a joy, I enjoy going through my days picking out the things I could be blogging about. People who're faithful readers have been with me through everything from domestic ups and downs to the day my Grandmother died. Their help and support has got me through some tough times and they've laughed with me when the only other option was to cry and given sage advice on baby issues, bad back issues...
So no, this blog is not any part of a marketing strategy, and yes I probably should be making more effort to sell my book on it. But I think if a person likes what they read here they'll check out the website, and if not... well... chances are they weren't going to buy the book anyway.
I'm a total fan of Jane Porter and often read her blog, however, from time to time she will put up a hard sell blog post for her latest book. Frankly I find it a complete turn off. I share my life on the blog because I enjoy it, not to keep people interested long enough to politely request they buy a book or put a review on Amazon.
I do, however, put up a post if I'm doing other stuff in cyberspace, blogging elsewhere, have an interview up, that sort of thing. People can go take a look or glide over it to the next post, its up to them.
I will also soon be moaning at length about the edits due to arrive for Secret Intentions - I reckon I don't have to advertise my next book on the blog because everyone has had to suffer through the edits with me anyway!
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I agree with you on the blog thing Cait. You can tell when someone doesn't like to do it.
I think enjoying blogging is about discovering what you do and don't want to reveal, and posting with a regularity that suits you. Don't post every day if it's a chore. I post about once a week and that suits me. Others might only be comfortable writing one long post once a month. Whatever works for the person posting. After all it's their blog.
I do a little promo stuff on mine, about the same as you. The blog is to keep people, mostly my friends rather than readers who may or may not be reading the blog, updated on what I'm doing. Hubby takes care of the website (which means it only gets updated when I nag :)). And anyone who visits the blog can see I'm a romance writer and see my book list on the sidebar. They also get a sense of my personality, which tends to come out in my books so it gives an indication of what they'll get if they do buy something of mine. Thats about all I use it for as far as promo goes.
Okay, rambling.
PS. Maybe you're just not in the mood for a kissing scene? (refer previous post). Although what you've got isn't as bad as you seeme to think. Light a few candles and it might help :)
Hi Cait,
Mega thanks for answering my question. I've been reading your wonderful blog for a few months - discovered it through a comment on someone else's blog. I come back to it again and again because I love your voice.
I started off blogging for me and along the way I've made a few writing friends. Their support has been phenomenal. I do get worried when other writers tell me I have to use my blog to promote myself, so it was great to get your point of view (as well as Sami's).
Thanks again.
*ducking head in shame*
I'm one of those people who keeps apologising for not blogging. And then I'm the one who also promotes my books on my blog.
Argh. It's true, I'm a terrible blogger.
You on the other hand, Cait are an awesome blogger. I still wait for the day when you turn your blog into a bestselling book!
Hi Cait,
Mega thanks for answering my question. I've been reading your wonderful blog for a few months - discovered it through a comment on someone else's blog. I come back to it again and again because I love your voice.
I started off blogging for me and along the way I've made a few writing friends. Their support has been phenomenal. I do get worried when other writers tell me I have to use my blog to promote myself, so it was great to get your point of view (as well as Sami's).
Thanks again.
I agree with you on the blog thing Cait. You can tell when someone doesn't like to do it.
I think enjoying blogging is about discovering what you do and don't want to reveal, and posting with a regularity that suits you. Don't post every day if it's a chore. I post about once a week and that suits me. Others might only be comfortable writing one long post once a month. Whatever works for the person posting. After all it's their blog.
I do a little promo stuff on mine, about the same as you. The blog is to keep people, mostly my friends rather than readers who may or may not be reading the blog, updated on what I'm doing. Hubby takes care of the website (which means it only gets updated when I nag :)). And anyone who visits the blog can see I'm a romance writer and see my book list on the sidebar. They also get a sense of my personality, which tends to come out in my books so it gives an indication of what they'll get if they do buy something of mine. Thats about all I use it for as far as promo goes.
Okay, rambling.
PS. Maybe you're just not in the mood for a kissing scene? (refer previous post). Although what you've got isn't as bad as you seeme to think. Light a few candles and it might help :)
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