Think of the commercials you remember or may have even shared on social media. Why were they memorable or worth sharing? Were they funny, cute, touching? The best ads are ones that don’t feel like you’re being sold to, ones that make you want to share them. Remember the old Hallmark commercials? Super Bowl commercials?
The Key to Great Marketing
How do I do this? The secret is shockingly simple—be yourself. Find something about you or something you are passionate about and use that to start connecting with others.
For example, I started a blog and social media centered around my family and the geeky things we love (books, movies, crafts, etc.). I chose this topic because my books will, more than likely, fit in with this theme, and it's something I love to share. I love fantasy, sci-fi, a good love story, etc., and so do my followers. I haven’t finished writing my first book yet, but when I do, I have a network of more than 15,000 followers across various social platforms who are in my target market. These people choose to follow me because we have similar interests and enjoy interacting with each other. Do I sell to them? Absolutely! While I don’t sell my own book yet, I will occasionally promote my etsy shop, publishing company, or other people’s books/products that I enjoy.
How to Get Started
Remember, family and friends are the first people who will buy your book. Your followers will become online friends. Your goal is to connect with them in a way that you enjoy interacting with them, and they care about you. It sounds extremely manipulative, but if these connections are not genuine, your followers (or potential followers) will feel it, and you will fall short of your goals.
Once you’ve decided on a topic, invite your family and friends to follow your blog and/or social media (hopefully both). Then, start sharing things you enjoy and that others will as well. Don’t sell anything. Just start connecting. When others comment on your posts, respond to them. This could be a reply or even just “liking” their comment.
Before too long, if your posts are things people care about, they will be shared, and your following will grow.
The next post in this series will be coming soon. In the meantime, sign up for my email updates so you'll be in the loop! Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook!