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.
Happy writing!
Karen
