Some authors wonder if “new marketing” avenues are for them. They shy away from the complex world of Internet marketing, claiming they are technophobes and don’t really see why digital marketing is necessary. They still read the newspaper and magazines. They even listen to the radio and watch a little TV. So do others. Why move beyond traditional marketing methods?
The main reason to consider looking at digital marketing is because of the higher return on the investment of your money and time. Digital marketing is an option that can be utilized for little or even no cost. It places your book into the global marketplace. People from all walks of life, all professions and of all ages use the Internet. According to Internet World Stats over 2 billion people are online worldwide. There is no media outlet with more reach than the web.
Digital marketing offers many ways to build grassroots social groups who can rally behind your book. Sites like Yahoo and Google offer groups that many authors use. These groups provide a place to converse with fans. Check out Yahoo’s author groups directory for examples of how authors can connect with readers.
Groups are also formed through social media sites. Facebook offers business pages. Twitter allows authors to gather “followers.” These groups offer you something more as well. All this Internet activity surrounding you and your book helps you achieve “search engine optimization.” The more activity, such as searches, posts, and visitors, the higher the rank you will achieve in the search engine’s process and thereby the more visible your content becomes on the web. Your tribe of followers will help your book to rise above the background noise and get noticed.
Another power value of digital marketing is the specialized ability to target potential readers. All the major social networks offer fee-based advertising. These advertising options are based on “click through results.” This means you only pay for advertising when a potential reader clicks on your advertisement that leads to your website and, there, the opportunity to buy your book. Advertisements don’t pop up for random users but are offered to users based on their searches. Hence, your advertisement will appear only to those who are interested in topics related to your book’s content. This kind of targeted marketing cuts out wasted advertising dollars.
The profitability of investigating and employing digital marketing is clear. This marketing paradigm presents a powerful business tool. Digital marketing can engage a worldwide stage. Get started today with this game-changing technology.