I recently returned from a writers’ conference where I learned a great many valuable tips from fellow writers. One of the ways by which writers can get their work “out there,” is to use social media and blogs. That said, my friend and fellow author, Marilyn Meredith*, shared her insights on blogging.
- Keep it short, use keywords and photos
- Add links (particularly those that direct readers to buy your books)
- If you’re a guest on another’s blog, follow their directions, and include your bio, book blurb and links in the post, rather than sending them separately
- If you are a guest blogger, invite the host to be a guest on your blog
- If you have a blog, follow some type of schedule for posting, e.g., every Tuesday. That way your followers know when to expect a post from you
- If you have a book coming out soon, set up a blog tour. Find authors who write what you write
- Captcha codes are a hindrance and keep people from commenting
- Remind the host blog they can post ahead of time, and email them the day before
- Promote each blog frequently on social media on the day your post appears
- Thank the host in the comment box and check periodically for readers’ comments and respond to them
*Marylyn Meredith, is the author of the Rocky Bluff P.D. series under the name F.M. Meredith, and the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series. Visit her at: http://fictionforyou.com/
John M. Wills 