Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Social Networking Marketing Etiquette

CHECK ME OUT! CHECK OUT MY BOOK! ME! ME! ME!

Do you sense a little desperation?

If someone I know recommends an author or a book, it means something. That person and I presumably have a little history. They know me, what I enjoy reading and whether or not I'm in a financial position to buy something. Well, maybe not that last bit, but then there are always libraries.

But when I've just met you? Via Twitter or Facebook? And you slam me with a double-edged marketing sword?

Thank you for following me/friending me. I love you already even though I don't know you. And guess what? You will simply love my book, even though it's self-published, don't worry because it was edited by my sister-in-law. Here's the link: buy buy buy.

Gag.

I'm trying to become more active on Facebook. I adore the conciseness of Twitter, but occasionally there are bigger fish that need frying. Enter Facebook. Unfortunately, I've discovered where all the fish go no one has bought. It's like a reverse hook. Blick. And ouch. And P-U!

I know this takes time—and maybe you feel like you've run out—but let ME discover you. Let ME decide I want to find out a litte more. Let ME begin to hear what others are saying about you. After all, when it's my dollars, it really is all about ME.

Yeah. I know that in this day and age of instant gratification, of communication that is almost mind-reading, anything longer than two shakes is too long. But too bad. If you're on a social network, become my social friend first. Be interesting. Be supportive. Make me want to seek out more information about you.

I like the process of discovery. And I might even tell a person or two about it. And then, I could actually put out some money.

Just sayin'.



CR: Breathing Water by Timothy Hallinan on my Kindle. And who, btw, I have absolutely no hesitation in doling out my my hard-earned cash to read. Seriously. Getting ready to head to his backlist.

It's all better with friends.

6 comments:

  1. Musicians are getting just about as bad! I had to get away from Twitter, it was just becoming too much. It seemed like all 500 of my followers were people that kept harassing me about some book or music or some other product.

    Is there anyone on Earth that isn't selling something?!

    ~Tara

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  2. That's the wonderful thing about blogging and the internet. We meet so many wonderful authors, some published and some who aren't. I've added some books to my TBR lists because I liked the review.

    You're invited to a Halloween party. Hope you can stop by.
    Nancy
    N. R. Williams, fantasy author

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  3. I've never tried Twitter, and I have to admit I'm baffled about FaceBook. What on earth is it with all those games? Farms and hearts and flowers??? I'm as turned off by those as I am by the blatant sales pitches.

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  4. Peg, I absolutely agree with you about the wonderful Timothy Hallinan. He's one of my favorite writers (as I'm sure I've said before).

    You make a good point about the constant BSP on social networking sites. It's tough to get the balance right--to be interesting enough for people to want to know more without being overpowering or annoying about it. I've been accused of being a mouse when it comes to promotion. Not good. But I don't really want to be a lion, either. I think Hank Phillipi Ryan does a nice job with finding that nice balance.

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  5. I just got caught up on your blogs regarding the Writer's Police Academy and want to thank you for sharing some of the information you learned while there.

    Just want you to know I'm soooooo jealous!!!

    And I love Tim Hallinan's work, too.

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  6. Beth! How lovely of you--what a very heart-warming thing to read. You made my day.

    Fran, yes, I just ignore that stuff. And you can hide it, too, you know? So you'll never see it again..

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