I’m starting something new, and this post is simply the beginning. After “what should I write about?” or “what’s another word I can use for ‘cock’?”, one of the most common questions bloggers and authors ask is “how can I get anyone to pay attention to me online?”
I don’t know everything, and I learn something new every day. But I thought I’d share what I do know with anyone who may need online marketing help.
Why? Because a lot of what I see people do is based off of bad advice or the (mistaken) belief that constantly promoting yourself or your book is the only possible way to get (and keep) the attention of readers…or because they have no idea how to market themselves and so try a little bit of everything without getting anywhere.
Self-promotion is only one piece of the puzzle, and it comes in many forms.
I’ve worked in marketing (in various forms) since 2010. I’ve made my share of mistakes, and I’ve seen some really shitty things.
I have my own philosophy when it comes to finding and keeping the attention of an online world inundated with news, content, and viral videos of babies and cats.
I’m not as successful as I one day hope to be, but I have seen plenty of growth since I started my blog back in 2012.
Why not share what I know with people who might need the information?
Every week (unless I skip a week, but I hope not to do that), I’ll write a post about marketing yourself as a sex blogger or erotic author. Why both? Because I’m this weird hybrid that seems to be more and more common these days.
What kind of topics will I cover?
- Creating, hosting, and setting up your blog. Some best practices to help your blog look better, run smoother, and get found a little easier through search engines.
- Using Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc.
- Why blogging on a consistent basis works better than random posts
- Building an audience
- Authenticity
- Joining the sex blogging/erotic author community
And so much freaking more.
A few things for you, dear sex blogging, erotic writing friends:
Subscribe to the weekly newsletter so you never miss a post.
Word the wise, if you follow my blog on WordPress or if you subscribe to my weekly digest, you’re already going to get this post in your email. Click the link if you don’t already subscribe to me in those two ways.
Send me your questions, topic suggestions, or things you’re dying to know:
I know what I do, and what I see, but we all know there’s so much more. I want this to help other writers and knowing your questions about marketing your blog/writing helps me help you.
Help me with something!
We’re all writers here, right? I suck at headlines and titles (marketing (and life) 101 – know your weaknesses). I’d love a catchy phrase/title (not too short, not too long, but juuuuuust right) that I can use for these tips and as a hashtag online. It’ll help people find the tips, follow along, and join in the conversation.
Sex Writing is the first that came to mind, and it’s a tag I’ll use on my blog, but I think there’s something better to be used. “Marketing Tips for Sex Bloggers and Erotic Authors” is just too damn long.
I’ll even incentivize it for you. Everyone who shares their ideas for what to call this thing I’m about to do will be entered in to win either a cup of coffee or a book (gift cards to Starbucks or Amazon) on me. If your idea is used, I’ll send you a gift card (you can choose which one you want). So that means you also have to be willing to share your email address with me. Sound good?
Enter by leaving your idea in the comments OR contacting me directly. The winner will be announced next Tuesday (February 9, 2016)!
Have I overwhelmed you with all of this? Are you excited? (Gosh, I hope so…I am!) I refuse to be one of those people who guarantees you a million followers or that you’ll become a best selling author, but hopefully I can help take some of the fear out of marketing yourself, give you some ideas of new things to try, and help you do what you love to do (write about sex!).
Okay, so here we go! Next week will be the first official post!!!
I’m interested in your tips. I have no title suggestions however.
That’s ok. I still can’t come up with anything better. 🙂
Kayla, I’m so glad you’re doing this. I can’t wait to learn from you! Thank you!
Brainstorming here …
#EroticaMarket (has been used a few times at Twitter by the awesome Rose Caraway).
#SexAuthorTips (looks like this one would be all yours for now).
I’ll come back if I think of more.
xM
Melina, thanks so much for your ideas! 🙂
#SexAuthorHints
#MarkoftheSexAuthor
#helpforsexauthors
#TipsforEroticaAuths
Thank you for the ideas!