Establish a Social Media Strategy That Entices and Engages

Although initial thoughts of developing and implementing a successful social media strategy, may create strong feelings of fear and apprehension in some business owners, it is still regarded by most as another entrepreneurial obstacle; that must be quickly addressed and overcome. Like many other challenges facing today's entrepreneurs, the successful adoption of social media, requires immediate focus and long-term commitment; to enjoy meaningful and rewarding results.

A successful social media marketing strategy must become a close companion of a business' existing marketing methods and practices. Traditional advertising and marketing techniques, must make a smooth transition to the Web, and communicate the branded message just as effectively; to a business'/brand's growing Internet audience. Businesses and brands can accomplish this desired result, by implementing a personalized approach, that focuses on socializing; not selling. With that being said, businesses can achieve a balance of personable and promotion, that will build relationships with the consumer audience; and continuously encourage brand recognition and customer loyalty.

The fundamental principle of this social media marketing approach, is to establish, maintain and build upon genuine relationships with consumers, who closely relate to a business' principles and objectives. Businesses must recognize the importance of consistently engaging the audience, and also communicating with them, in a manner that is clearly understood; and well received. An effective approach uses well-written articles and blog posts, that are current and closely related to a business' product, service or brand, to entice consumers to interact in social communities; by commenting on and/or sharing the content. This type of engagement is used to initiate a light conversation, and thus is considered much more intimate and memorable, because of the mutual interest in the topic; and the non-intrusive nature of the interaction.

Be forewarned. The responsibility of consistently generating remarkable content takes enormous commitment, and has motivated some business owners to hire a freelance writer, to contribute a steady supply of subject matter; to be shared with friends, fans and followers. In doing so, businesses have more time to get to know their audience, and establish a credible persona, that appreciates the values and opinions; of the business'/brand's loyal supporters. A rewarding and beneficial result, is dependent upon businesses maintaining their focus on personable interactions, that are properly supported by meaningful and remarkable content; that entices and engages the audience.

10 Book Promotion Strategies You May Not Have Considered

As with the introduction of any new product or service, a book's promotional strategy should inform, persuade, and influence, a consumer's decision making. In most instances, persuading consumers to make a purchase, thus increasing the book's sales volume; is the primary objective of a book's promotional strategy. Nevertheless, regardless of your motive, you will have to go out and identify with your audience; and inspire them to talk about your book.

Although a digital public relations firm may employ various marketing methods to achieve your promotional objectives, strategies fundamentally consist of two elements: personal and non-personal selling.

• Personal selling is a promotional presentation, that is made on a one-on-one basis with a potential buyer. Although traditionally this approach would have been done in person, social media has allowed for targeted penetration of the consumer marketplace; through established communities like Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
• Non personal selling consists of advertising, sales promotion, and other such public relations strategies. Although traditionally these approaches would have included print, radio and television, digital alternatives like Google Adwords and search engine marketing strategies, offer targeted and measurable results; at a much more affordable price.

With that being said, the Internet provides authors with a method of communicating with their new and existing audience, that will establish more meaningful relationships, build personal brand and inspire more consumers; to purchase the new book. Here are 10 digital marketing methods, that you may not have seriously considered, but have consistently proven to deliver; dependable results.

1. Submit Your Book to Google eBooks. Given that Google is boasting the largest ebook library available, making your books available there seems to make sense. Of course it’s hard to tell how many sales will actually be generated as a result, but this is true for all of the book and eBook publishing platforms. Sign up for a free Google Partner account.
2. Make Your Website Remarkable. Add video, provide a sample chapter from your new book, offer an entertaining newsletter, and share plenty of interesting content. Not only will remarkable content entice readers, it will also improve your website's ranking; with Google and the other major search engines.
3. Commit to Blogging. Making a conscience effort to author a new post two to three times per week. This will increase website traffic, create brand awareness and attract new readers. As well, it is important to continue to promote your blog.
4. Improve Search Engine Rankings. Implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to boost website traffic. To begin with, this will include incorporating your keywords into each page, update your content frequently, and add incoming links from other websites.
5. Create a Press Release. Your press release needs to promote the best points of your book. It must clearly explain why it is a great deal and what it is intended to do.
6. Write Articles and Guest Blog Posts. Aggressively distribute your content to news groups and post links on related blogs. Take the time to focus on industry-specific print publications, trade association newsletters, small newspapers and magazines.
7. Take Advantage of Internet Media. Internet radio programs always need guests and online publications are constantly hunting for new topics.
8. Leverage Social Media. Find your audience on Twitter, Facebook, and/or LinkedIn and engage daily by sharing links to your blog posts, commenting on other people’s posts, and participating in forums where your target audience can be found.
9. Create a Google AdWords Account, and/or a similar account with other recognized PPC providers. Then, carefully author a keyword ad that promotes your book. You can expect that these ads will cost, between 10 cents and $1 per click through. Nevertheless, this is a very effective method of promoting your book online.
10. Include Added Value. special reports, audio recordings, online seminars, workbooks, and other information products that you can use; to help market your book.

A reputable digital PR firm will aim to develop a unique promotional mix, that will effectively and efficiently communicate the author's message, to a focused group of targeted customers. Ideally, the ingredients in the promotional mix, will include a delicate balance of personal selling and non personal selling approaches; that are used to inform, persuade, and influence the consumer audience. All things considered, it is important to understand that it requires the consistent effort of a lot of little things, to contribute to the over-all success; of a book's promotional campaign.

Hire Freelance Writers to Add Character to Your Content

With the recent algorithm updates from Google, both Panda and Penguin, it should have become clear to Internet marketers, that Google will not accept anything less than remarkable content; complimented and delicately promoted by white-hat SEO. Although the recipe for SERP success is as guarded as the Colonel's herbs and spices, some of the algorithm's ingredients, are easy to recognize.

The most obvious element in the elusive search equation, is unique and relevant webpage content. Although industry experts preach that "content is king," I say that a ruling king is only as strong, as his supporters and his kingdom. In this case, well written content is less effective, when showcased on a poorly optimized website; or broadcast to an inattentive consumer audience. As well, a link from a poorly maintained website, can be seen as equally damaging.

When we stop to consider the obvious, website owners should recognize that there is an urgency, to consistently maintain remarkable website content; showcasing current/relevant text, images and video. In most cases, website owners can easily become overwhelmed by their obligations, and quickly get discouraged; by search engine and audience demands. This can often be avoided, if website administrators want to hire freelance writers or a professional copywriter, to help carry the content burden.

The Internet is full of freelancers, who are very willing to commit their ongoing efforts, to maintaining and improving your Internet kingdom. In fact, most freelance writers, copywriters and authors offer their professionalism and years of writing experience, which can make a meaningful contribution to a website's character; and genuinely appeal to the audience.