Do you have a marketing plan for your book or blog?

I feel like I need some structure to my marketing efforts... I do it hit or miss (which usually means miss!).

Do you have, or have you seen, an outline or schedule that helps you stay on track with a consistent marketing plan?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark H Jones Jr on October 4, 2011 at 2:41pm

Hi Erin,

There is a ton of great advice here. I think I saw Dan taking notes for his next Write to the Bank seminar.

Two thoughts:

1. There's a hard work approach that I think can't be beat.

Every single day (or week) do something: send an email to one more person, call someone, etc. That's the same as the one I described in the Chicken Soup for the Soul marketing plan discussion in this forum. Those guys worked HARD, and it paid off. I also think that as we share our passion, individually, one-on-one, this way, our close friends and family and colleagues and eventually our acquaintances pick up on that passion and it moves them in ways we can't even imagine. Our message gets multiplied in ways we can't even imagine. Additionally, many a successful person has said that opportunity appears in work clothes.

2. There's the trail of breadcrumbs approach.

Let me explain what I mean. In some settings, a blog is a bunch of little pieces of the big loaf, breadcrumbs that we drop behind us as we make our way through life--stories, articles, etc., that are related to the "big thing" we are marketing. Someone's bound to wander across a "crumb" that makes them hungry for more. On a slightly larger scale, writing a white paper or manifesto, a summary or excerpt of a longer book, etc., gives our intended audience or market a piece that they can nibble on in a sort of curious, non-committal way. When they like what they taste, they can order a fresh loaf of bread at the bakery.

In both cases, we are repeating the same message over and over in slightly different ways. Many a great leader has taught us that the team needs to hear the message, the vision or mission, over and over again. And aren't we trying to lead others?

Thanks,
Mark

Permalink Reply by Erin Casey on October 4, 2011 at 3:54pm

Thanks, Mark. I appreciate your comments and I really like the breadcrumbs/bakery metaphor.

You know, it's so true that we're often repeating the same message. I forget sometimes that just because I'm tired of saying it doesn't meant that people have even heard me yet. There's so much noise out there... I guess that's what makes consistency essential.

Permalink Reply by Terry L Chandler on October 5, 2011 at 7:16am

Good Morning All!

There's so much I could say, but I believe y'all have it covered.

Love the attitude of those here. I've posted a message about the dangers of multi-tasking on FaceBook.

Focus is the key...do one thing at a time, and do it well.

Have a great day everyone!

Your sister in Christ,

Terry Chandler

Permalink Reply by Diane Krause on October 4, 2011 at 4:56pm

Erin -- I appreciate your honest statement about accountability. :) When I'm honest with myself, I could definitely use more accountability. Perhaps we need to form an accountability partnership!

Permalink Reply by Erin Casey on October 11, 2011 at 8:20am

I think that's a great idea! I offer accountability for my coaching clients... I need that for myself as well!

Permalink Reply by Robert Whiting on October 6, 2011 at 7:00pm

Erin, you mentioned earlier that consistency is an issue you're facing. I've started and killed several blogs over consistency, the self-enforced pressure of writing a blog entry once or three times a week always pushed me to kill it. One thing that's really helped me on my most recent blog is to automate my postings. I'll sit down and write two or three blog posts and then schedule them to come out once a week or every 4 days. I still write one or two a week, but I have a few saved up--which takes off the pressure and makes it all easier.

Permalink Reply by Erin Casey on October 11, 2011 at 8:22am

Such a great idea, Robert. I spent the past weekend at a seminar where we talked about marketing. Part of the weekend included a mastermind session where we brainstormed ideas for blogs and content-rich programs... I have about 30 weeks' worth of ideas. Yahoo! Now to start writing and stockpiling!

Permalink Reply by Farnoosh Brock on October 12, 2011 at 9:19am

Great question - I go back and forth on this. I am always learning new things but I do have a schedule of what I want to get done by when .... now that I work for myself, it's all my own choice. Recently, just a week ago, I found out about 48days.net and decided to join here and this was NOT on my schedule but I am making time for it because I know it's going to bring me to a community that is a huge asset and resource and one where I can be useful.
So it's a mix of schedule with some flexibility.
Hope this helps, Erin! But one thing is for sure: Spend at least 1-2 hours a day - at least - to create something new that did not exist before :)!

Permalink Reply by Connie M Williams on October 16, 2011 at 10:48am

ERIN: I love the variety of the comments and suggestions you are getting. I am about 6 weeks from finishing my first book. As far as the marketing plan, I found it most helpful to think of the book launch (or the specific date I have planned for the launch) and work backwards. Creating a"TO DO" list as to do what, when and calculating how much time it will take to get each task done. Working backwards made me aware that time is of the essence. I didn't want to find myself with book in hand and then say OK, how and what do I do to market this product?

Thanks for the question. I love reading everyone elses ideas!

Cheers,

Connie Williams

www.ConnieandSheilaTalk.com