Did you know …
that Pinterest is the social media site that retains visitors the longest … did you know that Pinterest has a higher conversion rate –responses to subtle and not so subtle–calls to action … did you know that there at 47 million users on Pinterest and that 85 percent of them are women?
As an author and writer, how can you use that information … how about adding images and postings that women have an interest in? Is there anything in your book, your topic, your expertise, your _____, that women are talking talking about; buying; have questions about; or seeking solutions for?
Assuming you’re already on Pinterest or you’re going to join, here are some tips.
1. Feature your books, along with other things.
No doubt you’ll want to have a board that features your own books. But don’t have only your own books. Add other boards so that you’re not perceived as using Pinterest strictly for self-promotion, which isn’t its stated purpose.
2. Create a Board that has quotes pulled from you book and/or expertise.
Images is what Pinterest is all about.
Use Canva or PicMonkey and start making posters of any quotes from your books … quotes that you personal create or quotes from other writers and authors. Don’t be surprised at the level of repins that these create.
4. Create a Board that recommends other books.
Do a shout out of books that you love and recommend. And let others know that if they follow you, you will follow them.
5. Pay attention to where your pins lead if clicked.
If you pin a book cover, pin it from the buy page or a page where it’s reviewed. Don’t be shy–if you are sending them to Amazon, BN or your website to buy, get that link in there (use shorteners please). Make sure the pins of your own books link back to the page of your website/blog that includes “buy” buttons–or direct to the buy site.
6. Tag everyone you know.
Facebook started the tagging phenom–add to it on Pinterest. Whatever their Pinterest name if you are sharing a book they wrote, a quote, even their blog, ID them with their If you want to pin your “@TheirPinterestName” in your description–that is assuming they are on Pinterest. And don’t forget hashtags … they are hot and are considered the “norm” in posting now.
7. Share what inspires your writing.
Build some boards that feature things that inspire you in writing your books. I have Quote Boards and Books I Love. I also like to cook, so there’s a board for recipes. Create lots on your site. Fiction authors can create Boards around characters, plots, even places. Have fun here.
8. Pinterest is for guys, too.
To all the men out there: Pinterest may not be YOUR thing, but if you want women to buy your books, be there. ‘Nuff said.
9. Make it easy for others to pin from your site.
Have a “Pin It” button clearly visible on your author website and/or blog so people can pin your posts and your book covers. Don’t hide it… most likely, it should be in “the stream” of your other social media images, i.e., Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc.
10. Always include book descriptions.
In your pin descriptions with books, add a bit about them–just a line or two as to why you are recommending them. If they are your books–you can brag a bit more. Don’t just have the title and author name … help the potential buyer out.
11. Always follow other users … social media following is a must.
Search for boards you find interesting and useful.
12. Invite ALL your friends – cross over to your over platforms in Twitter, Facebook, etc.
If we’re going to commit to this, we may as well let people know about it! Once you’ve signed in to Pinterest, hover the mouse over your name in the top right, then click on “Invite Friends”–everyone … as Carolyn Howard-Johnson recommends that you tell others that if they follow you, you will follow them … and do it.
John Kremer, book marketing expert and author of 1001 Ways to Market Your Books will do a special show on Pinterest on August 27th. You can pick up the podcast post the show by clicking the On the Air image on the Home page. He’s done a terrific blog on Pinterest here. Read it.
Pinterest is a tribe you want to be on if you have ANYTHING to sell. Your images are golden … get to it.
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and is the Founder of Author.org, a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 33 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors & Writers was published in June 2015.
Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2015, the dates are August 27-29th. Join Judith live on several shows on AuthorsRadio.fm: Authors on Fire (one-on-one interviews with authors and their books with Judith asking the questions on Tuesdays at 1 EST), Author YOU (the journey begins, retstarts or ignites to set the author on the road to success on Fridays at 1 EST) and AuthorU – Your Guide to Book Publishing (book publishing today – over all strategies to your marketing and publishing success on Wednesdays at 1 EST).
You can also hear her on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow.
Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and Judith Briles – TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.
Author U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.
If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching … call in to Judith’s Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code 1239874444 … have your questions ready–there’s a full hour to ask and listen.
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