The Web-Savvy Writer

Here are my 15 favorite ways to develop your author platform. Please use comments to add your own. And don’t forget to read my original post on author platforms below!

1. Get credentials related to your specialty
2. Join and participate in professional associations
3. Create a website that demonstrates your expertise
4. Publish a blog
5. Publish a podcast
6. Write and publish articles (online or in print publications)
7. Publish an ezine
8. Volunteer or do perform pro bono work
9. Serve on committees and panels
10. Teach — online and off
11. Get quoted in magazines and newspapers
12. Participate in social networks
13. Give speeches
14. Get on radio and TV
15. Create a PR campaign — both online and off

Creating and distributing a online press release is a great way to generate interest in your book. Today’s online press releases reach more than just the media, however. You also need to target potential readers who could find your release on online news sites or through a web search. Here are three tips for press release success:

# 1 Focus on the Needs of Your Audience

Don’t just issue a release announcing your new book and think it will automatically draw a lot of attention. Be creative and create a release that has meaning and value to your audience. For example, include expert tips, piggyback on another relevant news topic, or add a local twist to your release. If you want some tips from a publicity expert on how to write the type of release that generates results, visit The Publicity Hound, which offers lots of great content on attracting the press and customers with targeted press releases. The CD program The New Rules of Press Releases: How to Write Them for Buyers, Not Only Journalists is particularly relevant.

#2 Think Multimedia When Designing Your Release

Why issue a plain-text release when you could enliven it with pictures, sound, and interactivity? Consider adding photos, web links, and podcast files to your release for maximum impact. Connecting with your audience through audio and video not only differentiates your release from hundreds of other releases, it also encourages a one-to-one connection. This in turn can help capture the attention of a busy journalist or a potential reader. One of my favorite online press distribution services is PRWeb, which offers a lot of multimedia extras to its customers.

#3 Be Proactive in Seeking Media Attention

Rather than just waiting for the media to read your release and contact you, be proactive in seeking media attention. Look into publicity leads services such as PRLeads or Annie Jennings PR, which send you leads on journalists seeking experts to interview. For example, if you’re the author of a book on sports nutrition, you could receive a lead from a writer for a national magazine looking to interview an expert to provide nutritional tips for weekend athletes.

Want to see a sample online press release for a book? Take a look at the online release I created for The Web-Savvy Writer.

Do you have an online media room? If not, you should create one now. A solid online media room can help you generate more media attention and endear you to busy journalists who can find everything they need in one place.

For an example, take a look at my online media room for The Web-Savvy Writer. Also check out Joan Stewarts CD: Electronic Media Kits: How to Create Them, Deliver Them and See INSTANT Results.

Want some help on your online media room? Contact me about my consulting services.

Tags: online book promotion, online media room

Are you making the most of the latest technologies that can help take your writing career to new levels? What do you know about websites, blogs, RSS, ezines, podcasts, search engine optimization, online media kits, virtual book tours, multimedia brochures, and web marketing campaigns? Take the Web-Savvy Writer quiz and find out.