Surprise, Delight, Engage, And Fascinate Readers With Your Kick Ass Blog About Your Book

Start your blog before you publish your book. It’s a way for you to have a conversation with curious readers. It is the place where you can connect with your community. It is your marketing hub.

A Blog is Your Website

With WordPress it is easy to create a site that will showcase your book. I’m talking about a self-hosted site where you own your domain (url) and WordPress.org is installed. I strongly advise you to avoid setting up your website on WordPress.com  which is someone else’s digital property. You will encounter many restrictions, you won’t look professional and worst of all, it doesn’t allow you the freedom to use powerful tools that grow your email list.

Nonfiction Authors Are Experts

Nonfiction authors can position themselves as experts by telling stories about a problem they solved in their book. People with that same problem can discover you through a search. They are attracted to your blog because they want to know what you know.

Fiction Authors Tell Amazing Stories

Fiction authors can talk about their characters, how they developed the book, research they did, how they came up with the idea for the book, and they may even post parts of the book prior to publication to get feedback from their readers.

Start Your Blog Before Your Book Is Published

Start your blog as early as possible so it can help you grow your audience before you publish your book. It’s a way for people to get to know you and the value of your writing. Each blog post is a sample of your perspective and your writing.

Curiouser and Curiouser

Use your blog to arouse curiosity about your book. Post about your process. Invite guests bloggers to participate and bring their audience to you.

• Surprise your audience with value. Give them bonus information that may not appear in your book.
• Delight your audience with great content.
• Engage your audience by asking for their opinions. It is a way you can get feedback and improve your book before you go to publication.
• Fascinate readers by giving them insider knowledge. A sneak peak behind the scenes can pull them into your world.

Each Post is a Gift

A blog about your book is a tremendous way for you to build interest and connect with an eager audience hungry for the content you offer. Think of each post as a gift for your readers. It’s a genuine and reliable way for you to generate interest in your book. People want to connect with you, the author. Don’t skimp on revealing fascinating information about yourself.

Set-up Your Blog in Under an Hour

You can start a blog in under an hour using WordPress. I’ve done it countless times. Here is an overview of what you need to do:

Purchase a domain name

I use bluehost.com as my Internet service provider. I go to them to purchase and register domains too. I appreciate bluehost’s reliable 24/7 customer service. They are only a phone call away.  bluehost is my choice of providers because of their one button WordPress installation, easy to navigate user interface, security, safety and support.

A Rose by Any Other Name

Your domain name could be your name (if it is unique and available), the name of your book or the name of your publishing company. Just like the title of your book, shorter is better when it comes to a url, and if you can use key words in your domain name as in your book title, that is even better.

Technically Challenged?

Even if you’re technically challenged, it is easy to find WordPress experts who can help you set up your blog and show you how to add new content. You can also find a consultant who will post for you.

A Blog is Easy and Affordable

Launching and contributing to your blog is an affordable and easy way for you to unlock a flow of exciting, revealing, important and valuable conversations with your readers.

Make Them an Offer They Can’t Refuse

Creating a beautiful blog is an unparalleled opportunity for independent authors. It is your home in cyberspace. It can attract attention, grow your audience, showcase your work, and provide media with information about you.

Make an irresistible offer of something that your target audience values. In exchange, visitors to your website will give you their email address. Email is one of the most effective ways to convert visitors into customers. Building your email list is vital to reaching your goal to sell more books.

Passion Fuels Action and Attraction

Use your imagination and breakthrough your fear. The more you write from a place of passion, the more you will enjoy posting and sharing with your audience. Authentic emotion connects to readers in a very deep way.

Each time you blog you are adding to your inventory of stories. Offer exclusive information to your readers and encourage them to become part of your inner circle.

Gather metrics on what is working for you on your blog — Google Analytics is free. Discover what touches a nerve with readers and build on it. Your blog puts a spotlight on your book, your expertise, and your point of view. Feed your blog fresh content on a regular basis and improve your discoverability on Google.

Link to Your Social Accounts

Share your posts on other social channels and pull people back to your blog. Each time you write a new post on your blog, be sure to tell the world. Link to your other social channels such as:

• Amazon Author Page
• Goodreads Author Page
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Surprise, Delight, Engage and Fascinate

Use Your Blog to Surprise, Delight, Engage, and Fascinate Readers

Build your blog, post by post. Feed it regularly. Nurture your audience. Do this consistently and grow your audience. You will sell more books.

Tell me how you are using your blog to grow your audience. Post your comments below.