Lately, when you read articles on marketing, social media and promotion for your self-published book you find a lot of advice that seems time consuming and complicated. But what it really boils down to is creating a voice that cuts through the clutter; a persona that people can relate to and want to follow.
That persona is you! The latest trend isn’t a fancy computer or complicated apps but it is all about being authentic and being the most honest real you that you can be.
People relate to honesty. And if they relate to you, they will want to follow you and will most likely share with their community what it is you have to say.
Of course, the opposite is also true. If you are honest and real but not someone to relate to – like Joe the Terrible on the most recent season of The Bachelor in Paradise, you can also be followed and shared.
Basically, the more honest – the more people will share your content.
So let’s look at Joe for just a moment. If you aren’t a fan of BIP (Bachelor in Paradise) you are missing out on some high drama, tears and steaming hot tub scenes. Basically the show is about throwing a bunch of hot 20/30-something singles into a beachside paradise and seeing what happens. At the end of each show, they pair up and the odd man or woman out gets sent home. It is like a sexy version of musical chairs.
So Joe made cow eyes at loveable single mom Juelia only so that he could stay on the beach long enough for his real crush to show up. It was a big conspiracy that all came to light over beer and suntan lotion this week.
It is honest and real and appalling and so of course everyone is talking about it.
Now, I don’t suggest you chose that sort of honesty to put out there but it is the honest story that hooks people, draws them in and inspires them to share.
As you examine the top chart in this article, you can see that it is authentic content (in your blog, on your website and with your social media status updates) that allows people to get to know you better.
If you are going to cut through the clutter you have to:
- Be vulnerable
- Be transparent
- Be authentic
- Be honest
- Be YOU
Gone are the days when entrepreneurs should hide behind their company name and post as an entity. Consumers want to hear from the real deal – you.
This is especially great for authors for two reasons:
- We typically are not an entity – we are the individual author
- We love to write
For once, marketing your self-published book is all about you rather than a big publishing house or famous company name. And with social media being free, except for your time, this levels the playing field. Anyone can create a blog, launch a marketing campaign, create and post a video and get their name out there.
Consumers want to connect with people, not businesses or brand names. And as an author – you are a person. Yea!
So embrace the fact that today the trend is all about YOU. Create your voice and use it.
ONE BIG EXCEPTION
A unique opportunity authors have is to give their characters a voice. Therefore, rather than having YOU be the focus, you may choose to have your character be the voice. Take for example adorable Invisible Jenny May, a lovely little girl created by author Dawn Aldrich. Jenny May just can’t seem to get noticed and a blog written from her perspective could be very cute and one that parents might like to share with their children.
However, You Choose Your Path by Crissy Butts is a true adventure story and lends itself perfectly as an opportunity for Crissy to share more stories and insights into her everyday life.
Bottom Line: The Internet craves authentic content, so be your own true self when writing blog articles or sharing social media status updates. The more of YOU, you share, the more readers will begin to follow and talk about you.