How to Sell Books Online From Your Blog

As an author and publicist, I'm often asked for advice on how to sell books online. There are dozens of techniques, but the one I like best is blogging.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A blog
• A clear intent
• A blogging schedule
• Commitment

1. Set up a free blog at Blogger.com or Wordpress.com. Choose the template that best suits your book, your genre, your personality.
2. Decide on the focus of your blog. Will it be focused on you, the author, or on your book. If on you, just how personal will it be? Will your readers learn about your midnight Oreo snacking, or just the facts, m'am?
3. Set up a blogging schedule and stick to it. I recommend blogging daily; or at the least 3-5 times a week.
4. Encourage reader participation. Set up your blog to allow comments, and if you have the time, reply to your reader's comments. Engaging blog visitors is an easy way to begin building an avid reader base.
5. Introduce yourself to other bloggers in your genre, and offer to exchange links, or exchange articles.
6. Add your blog to blog directories. Don't know any? Search your favorite search engine for "blog directories".
7. Keep on keepin' on. Once you've started don't stop! Some bloggers get discouraged after two weeks and only blog once every six months. This will NOT get you an avid fan base.

Tips & Warnings

• Write compelling blog entries
• Craft sparkling blog headlines
• Interview other authors on your blog
• Treat the blogosphere like your neighborhood; be a good neighbor!