In marketing, you need to reach people where they are—and in today’s world, that means having an online presence. While you should certainly get to know all of the more popular online platforms, you have to start somewhere.
Here are five ways to develop an online presence.
1. Engage with Fellow Educators on Social Media
Routinely sharing content about your work on social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, etc.) can be an easy and fun way to connect with the community.
Hot Tips! When sharing on social media, remember to:
- Focus on delivering bite-size, helpful content
- Use related hashtags to further your reach
- Actively engage with followers and other authors
2. Build a Personal Website
Having your own website is a great way to build your online presence in a comprehensive way. Not only do you have more freedom to provide a robust profile of your life and experience, but you can also include a dedicated page for your published works.
Hot Tip! When including information about your book, be sure to link to the Solution Tree website for easy ordering.
3. Create Video Content
Video content can be challenging, but the upside is that it can pay out huge dividends if you’re willing to put in a little time. This popular way to deliver messaging and build a rapport with your audience is growing rapidly and shows no signs of slowing down. In a March 2021 survey by Lemonlight, 94 percent of respondents reported that watching a video had helped them make a purchase decision.
Hot Tip! Not a professional videographer? You don’t have to be! In fact, personal videos recorded on your phone can garner huge engagement. Take a look at this example from author and educator Luis F. Cruz. Video marketing, however, covers a wide range of topics, and each platform has different ways of sharing. Check out this helpful guide for video sharing tips.
4. Create an Author Page on Amazon
Amazon is still the go-to destination for book buyers and offers powerful ways to engage with shoppers through Amazon Author Central. On this platform, you can create an author page to share the most up-to-date information about yourself and your books with millions of readers.
Hot Tip! Amazon has easy-to-use resources that help you navigate the process and build your brand. Learn more here.
5. Share Your Online Platforms During Your Presentations
Your presentations, whether delivered virtually or in person, are great opportunities to promote your book. Additionally, you can show your audience how and where to buy the book and how to engage with you on the media platforms you’ve developed.
Hot Tip! Give your audience a short and memorable URL or QR code that directs them to a sales page where they can buy the book; then share your social media handles along with hashtags dedicated to your work.
In a way, developing an online presence is just like writing your book: the key is to start where you’re comfortable. Whether you boost your social media presence, build and maintain your own website, or maybe even start a YouTube channel, the most important thing to remember is to be consistent, deliberate, and, above all, patient.
