How to Promote Yourself:
Taking Baby Steps &
Starting Out Small
by A.E. Albert
“Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.”
-George Washington, George Washington's Farewell Address
However, I knew absolutely nothing about social media. I'm one of those people who could live without a cell phone. For heaven sake, I only write a Facebook status once a year and that's thanking everyone for their birthday wishes!
You Can Teach An Old Dog New Tricks!
Well, a lot has changed since then. About 5 years ago, I decided to write my first novel. Finally, I began to prepare myself to self publish. I had no idea what I was in for. Please, don't let this discourage you. I had no platform what so ever. Heck, I didn't know what Twitter was!
I quickly realized that I needed to inform myself. That was when the trouble started. One site would lead to another and another, until my head was filled with a million strategies I MUST implement NOW.
I soon felt inadequate. How dare I present myself to the world wide web? Everyone else has it together, looks Pro and well, I scream green. I would read these incredible articles and think, 'What do I have to offer the world?'
Well, An Old Dog Can Learn A Few New Tricks
Soon I began giving myself headaches. Then I just wanted to give up entirely. This all started out to promote my book. But through my writing and publishing journey, I've learned a lot.
I realized that maybe what I have to say is not for everyone, maybe just one. What I needed to do was stop overwhelming myself. I decided that if I wanted to succeed, I needed to focus on only a few strategies at a time.
Read: 71 Ways to Promote and Market Your Book
Daily tasks:
- Read three blogs a day and make comments when appropriate.
- Twitter at least one fresh comment or event. Then re-twitter when appropriate.
- Check Facebook notifications.
- Check email
- Read any blog comments and respond.
- Share a post on social media.
Weekly tasks:
- Find three new relevant blogs to add to my reading list.
- Write a blog and publish it
- Promote my book on social media.
Very important! Write this all down and put it where you can see it.
I know, I know, simple Right? But that's what I needed to do to stop getting myself overwhelmed and then discouraged. The way I figure it is, everything becomes automatic as you go.
Soon I'll be ready to take on more responsibility. If I've learned anything from writing my novel, it's that those who succeed are those who persevere.
It's all about baby steps.
What are some tips you have on promoting? Let me know.
Subscribe to our mailing list
You may be interested in the Following:
About A.E. Albert
If you would like an interview or guest post, let me know.
Do you have anything to add to this article? Leave a comment below and please, subscribe by email.
