Monday, May 17, 2010

Marketing for Writers & Business Card Giveaway

What's Your Marketing Strategy?      

Do you cringe when you think of marketing? I must admit, it isn't one of my favorite parts of the writer's life. But it comes with the territory, whether sending a query or promoting copywriting services to local businesses. In order to be successful, we must market ourselves. How do we do this? Well, I'm no expert, (my name hasn't reached household word status yet), but I can offer a few tips.

Build a platform. What's a platform? It's as simple as a following or fan base, as Jennifer Brown Banks shares in her Writing for Dollars article, Five Ways to Start Building a Platform. Banks includes tips such as boosting your online presence and teaching workshops to get your name and talents out there.


Connect with other writers. Christina Katz elaborates on the importance of this in her writersdigest.com article, How to Build a Marketing Platform. Blogging and social networks like Facebook and Twitter are other great connectors.

Write, write, and write some more. Makes sense, after all, we are writers, aren't we? Both Katz and Banks tell you that this is a wise move. It gets your name out there and polishes those writing skills.

Attend a writer's conference. It doesn't have to be a big one; regional groups often sponsor workshops that provide wonderful info, great speakers, and opportunities to meet other writers.

Promote yourself professionally. Having business cards, a logo, and a clean letterhead go a long way. Meet another writer? Stopping at local business to offer writing services? Hand them a business card. Now people have a tangible way to get a hold of you. Don't forget to include your contact info, such as phone number, email address, website or blog address.

Thoughts? Tips? Share your marketing strategies with us!

Business Card Giveaway!

Speaking of business cards, the nice folks at Uprinting.com have offered to give away 500 Business Cards to one of my readers. What a great way to start your marketing plan! Uprinting.com offers Business Cards Online and other Print Online products such as letterheads, calendars, greeting cards and more.

      The Giveaway Details:
  • 500 Business Cards for One (1) Winner
  • Sizes:  2 x 3.5”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (skinny card)
  • Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock
  • Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing
  • Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping 
  • Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only 

      Entry Instructions:

  • Leave a comment to this post, include your email address like so: karenelange(at)gmail(dot)com. Entries without email address are not eligible.
  • Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you already follow.
  • Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on your Facebook page. Please leave a comment telling me so.
  • Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on your blog. Please leave a comment with the link.
  • Remember, this is only open to US residents. For those of you who follow outside the US, I apologize!
  • Deadline to enter is noon eastern standard time, Monday, May 24. Winner will be announced here, and notified via email, and have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.                          
Don't forget to leave a comment sharing your marketing tips and thoughts, and to enter this fabulous giveaway. Many thanks to the people at Uprinting.com!

Happy writing!
Karen




10 comments :

  1. Good info, Karen. I've read both Jennifer and Christina's stuff and they both have it right-on about platform.
    I go annually to a small writer's conference hosted by a Christian publishing company, but would love to get to a bigger one. Problem is, I'm so rural it would involve travel and overnight stay in hotel and lots of $$$!
    I have my blog,read and link to others, and my husband tells everyone he meets I'm a writer so I don't have to, and I have made business cards on my Publisher program but would love to enter your drawing.
    I'm already a follower so count me for two entries.
    Have a great week!
    cjalex44(at)gmail(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think I would be too nervous to have and hand out business cards. I guess I am still in the denial stage of what my occupation is.... :O)

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Super info, my friend. I would love to enter, but these days I'm way too sick. And no energy, at all.

    Marketing does make me cringe, but I will be up to the task, because of friends like you.

    I have missed you bunches. *hugs* ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  4. Carol,
    I've added your entries to the list! I know what you mean, distance can be a factor in getting to a conference. Online workshops and conferences pop up occasionally, so maybe that would be one way to go.

    Robyn,
    Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well, my friend. Have missed you
    too! Will be praying for you. Take it easy:)

    Diane,
    You underestimate your wonderful talents as a writer. Love your writer's voice. It's friendly and real.

    Blessings to each of you,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for mentioning my work at your blog. I enjoyed reading the information and editorials here.

    Best,

    Jennifer Brown Banks

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello Karen...I'd love some business cards! As you know, I'm one of your Followers. My e-mail address is www.writingstraightfromtheheart@gmail.com

    I need to do a LOT more marketing of my writing. I want to learn more about submitting things online. I do get ideas from other online writers, like yourself, and for that I'm very grateful.

    I would also like to find a writers conference sometime this summer, within driving distance. Will have to check it out.

    Take care and have a great day! Sincerely, Susan

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello friends,
    Blogger seems to be acting up a bit today. These two comments below ended up on last Thursday's post for some reason. So I copied and pasted them here. The same happened to Susan W.'s post, so it appears in my comment above. Thanks to all for coming by!
    Blessings, Karen

    Jessica Nelson said...

    I don't think I have any marketing tips, really, but you seemed to have covered it well. :-)

    Monday, May 17, 2010
    Jen said...

    This is always great to keep in mind. I'm not to the marketing portion, however I have to say I guess there is now really time to get down to it, you should always start early. I think you've just inspired me to check out a local conference or to enter a writing contest! I think it would be nice to get my name out there!!
    Monday, May 17, 2010

    ReplyDelete
  8. I need to create some business cards. Please enter me in the giveaway!

    sanctifiedtogether(at)gmail(dot)com

    Great tips on marketing! I am off to check out these other blogs!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Monday, May 17, 2010
    Lynn said...
    Lynn said,
    Karen, thank you for these tips. I have a friend marketing her current book (not a blogger unfortunately) and I will pass this link along to her. I met her while she was marketing her book at Chapters-Canada's version of Barnes & Noble.
    Monday, May 17, 2010

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jennifer,
    Thanks for coming by! I enjoy your articles so much so am happy to pass the info along.

    Susan W.,
    Yes, we worked around things and you are now entered!

    Jessica,
    Thanks:) If you come across any fabulous ones, be sure and let me know!

    Jen,
    A contest? Go for it! Let me know how you make out!

    Alisa,
    Got your name down. Thanks for coming over:)

    Lynn,
    You are welcome. Hope maybe that they help your friend.

    Thanks and blessings to you all,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!