MARKETING VERSUS BADGERING

I’d Shout it out!

Many of you probably don’t even know what I’m talking about.

There used to be a commercial on TV back in the 80’s for a laundry detergent. Back in the day before remotes were reliable and people still had dial TVs, there were a few commercials that just badgered you on TV. That was one of them.

I absolutely despised that stuff. Even though I wasn’t usually the one that did the laundry, I still hated even the sight of that stuff. My wife did as well. We never bought it just because of the commercial every TV break. They were relentless.

SOCIAL MEDIA

While I try to do my part, I also try not to be annoying when I promote my books. That means that I keep my promotions on Facebook and Twitter to weekly posts. Not only that, but I also post something relevant to go along with them. I don’t just post the same ad over and over again. I give trivia, something about each story or the world my heroes live it. This is something to keep the fans engaged.

I’ve noticed lately, well actually for a long time, that quite a few authors just post the same ad over and over and over and over and over again, day in, day out. I will like it once, then ignore it the next hundred times.

REPETITION BREEDS ANNOYANCE

Like the old Shout commercial, repetition can breed more negative reaction than cement the brand into anyone’s memory.

A little moderation might be more the trick here.

It’s hard enough being out there begging for people to buy your book.

However, badgering them, day after day, with the same old crap isn’t going to do any good. It’s going to piss them off.

Think about it.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

We’re all on a budget. When it comes to marketing, many of us work for a living. That means we’re short on time and money.

Social media can be a great (well jury’s still out on that) tool to get the word out.

My best advice is to use it wisely, not as a weapon of annoyance.

Happy writing!