In the first part of this series, I outlined simple ways to establish a presence online to promote yourself. Below, I offer tips to build upon the presence you’ve established online to begin networking with your followers and thought leaders in your industry.
Join the conversation
One of the most important things you can do online is to remain visible; you’ve put a lot of time and effort into establishing your presence online, so make sure to remain actively engaged with your followers and other members in your industry. There are several different ways you can stay active online – I’ve listed a few below:
- Posting consistently
- Sharing relevant information
- Interacting with your followers
- Joining discussions on other blogs/social media in your industry.
If you’re not quite sure how to jump in and join the conversation, you can start by sharing ideas from other bloggers; comment on other member’s posts; answer questions; offer your perspective on an issue; show support for other members – this will help you gain followers and build credibility.
Guest blogging
After you’ve been visible for a while, you’ll begin to make connections with other bloggers - you’ll begin to form a network. Take advantage of those connecting and invite other bloggers to guest post on your blog. This is great for two reasons: 1) you get a break from blogging, and 2) you can gain exposure from your guest blogger’s followers.
Be gracious and stay informed
In order to maintain your status as a credible source of information, you need to stay on top of trends in your industry. Sites like talkwalker.com and mention.net make this simple! They allow you to schedule alerts for your name, book title(s), and industry, so you can monitor what is being said about you online. This is not only a great way to stay on top of what’s happening in your industry, but also allows you to thank those who might have reviewed your book, shared your blog post, etc. Make sure to also share those posts about you or your book on your social media.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
One final tip as you being establishing your presence and networking online: consistent, simple and focused efforts are the best way to ensure success. As you implement the suggestions presented in this series, see what you are most comfortable with. Focus your energies on the suggestions that seem to work for you consistently, and you will grow your following – consistent effort is all it takes!
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Penny C. Sansevieri, Founder and CEO Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a best-selling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert. She is an Adjunct Professor teaching Self-Publishing for NYU.
Her company is one of the leaders in the publishing industry and has developed some of the most innovative Social Media/Internet book marketing campaigns. She is the author of twelve books, including How to Sell Your Books by the Truckload on Amazon and Red Hot Internet Publicity, which has been called the "leading guide to everything Internet."
To learn more about Penny’s books or her promotional services, you can visit her web site at www.amarketingexpert.com.
