5 Tips to Help You Promote Your Book
Online promotion, like traditional promotion (newspapers, radio, TV) is designed to help you deliver your message to the people it most affects. The most efficient way to achieve that goal is to develop solid relationships with members of the media (including social networkers) who can write, blog, or talk about what it is you have to offer in a way that draws the interest, and support, of your target audience.

Just like in the world of traditional PR, relationships with the online media are important because these are the people who can help place you, your service, and/or your product before literally millions of people all over the world. Because of that you want to make sure your approach is credible and professional.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when preparing your PR campaign:

1) Learn about your audience - Do your research for online and offline places where your key audience congregates and be sure to be there with them. That means checking out forums to find out what they are saying and visiting them where they hang out (bookstores and blogs) to find out how they like to spend their time.

2) Complete Profiles - When you sign onto a forum, membership groups or social networking sites, be sure to completely fill out your profile. People buy from people they can relate to.

3) Give it time - It takes time for people to get to know you.  Plan on allowing at least three months for people to learn about you, your interests, and what it is you have to offer. Realize you are building solid long lasting relationships not quick sales; so focus on consistency. Be sure you are visible in the social networking/media you are a part of.

4) Be helpful - Go into your online promotion campaign with a helping hand. Give suggestions, tips and ideas to others to help them. In this way you can become a valuable resource rather than someone just looking to promote his/herself.

5) Keep your integrity - If ever you feel an online promotional tool (such as particular networking sites) doesn't feel authentic to you or your goals, don't do it just because someone says "you really should do this...". Do it because it feels right for YOU.

I look forward to seeing you in cyberspace!