How's that for SEO? In the quest to get my book out "there" and into the parental public eye, I have engaged in more social networking sites than ever before and I'm getting a headache. I look forward to the day when I'm selling so many books that I can actually hire a publicist and social media manager to do all of this vessel clogging activity for me and I can focus on the fun stuff: creation!
I love to write, especially in verse! I'm good at it, too (ask anyone who has read my picture book. Don't know anyone? The digital version is just $2.99 on NOOK or Kindle or right here! Perfect for spring break travel!) But it takes focus, concentration and time. Marketing takes time. A lot of time. When you have a budget of zero, it's also a challenge. I currently face many challenges, but none that can't be overcome.
Most recently, I've joined Pinterest. Oh, I know I'm a bit late hopping on that train, but I fear the time involved. Any parent knows that with little ones running around time is limited and interruptions are constant. However, after reading this post by Lisa Ladrido and one of the follow-ups listed at the end of the post. I have heard and read many wonderful things about Pinterest, but I'm a bit overwhelmed with the process of building a bunch of pin boards while knowing I should be spending that time more effectively. Or perhaps it actually is an effective use of my time.
Plus, I've been in the bloggy closet, that is, blogging anonymously for so long, that coming out feels strange and uncertain. Should I use my blog icon or a picture of my face? When and where should I use my real name? Should I keep DGMommy for everything or switch? Should I have two of everything? I want people to know my name. I've been signing autographs since high school! I told every friend, "Keep this! I'll be famous one day!" Of course, now my name has changed and they probably won't know it's me.
I digress. How have you found Pinterest valuable? Do you use your real name or a "pen" name? Have any advice for me as I tread these new waters? I appreciate your time.
I know exactly how you feel. I tell Lisa that I usually have 20 tabs open on Chrome at one time. Jumping from task to task. I am glad you are on Pinterest. Now you can pin your book directly from Amazon/Kindle and place it on your Book Board, with a price and it will also categorize on gifts on Pinterest too! So many options so little time! Thank you for including me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip! I'm guilty of multi-tabbing, as well! Perhaps that's why Chrome is always crashing on me...
DeleteThanks for your comment and inspiring me to join Pinterest!
Ohhh that sounds tough! I only find Pinterest valuable for my personal interests. But maybe I just don't know how to use it properly for anything else lol. And that would be tough not knowing where to use your real name or keep this one. If it's to help get you noticed with your writing, use your real name for sure. If Pinterest isn't going to help for promoting your name/image/writing....then I wouldn't bother with your real name. Try Pinterest under this name first and then if things progress or you're finding it resourceful, you can always switch it to your real name later :)
ReplyDeleteThe marketing world is rife with headache givers! It's so unfair. I completely agree. Navigating that world is for special, special people (of whom I respect greatly, but don't understand). On the other hand, I think pinterest is quite lovely and spend too much time getting sucked into that too. The beauty of it is I always walk away inspired.
ReplyDeletehappy seeing beautiful!
http://seeabeautifulworld.blogspot.com/
Thank you for your lovely reply. I feel happier after reading it!
DeleteI still haven't joined pinterest --- I still don't know enough about it! When leaving comments on blogs I always use a pen name.
ReplyDeleteOh, Pinterest! The best time suck I've found so far!
ReplyDeleteNew follower, by the way ;)
I'm starting to agree!!
DeleteI haven't joined Pinterest... Blogging, writing outside of the blog and business keeps me spread thin so I haven't branched out although it looks cool. I use my name in my writing but have not included my kids' names in content. It's up to your own choice. I give it my "gut check"... if it doesn't feel good or right, I don't do it. If I'm confused, I give it a couple days and then checkin with the gut again. Guess I should call it something a little prettier!? I do love connecting with all the fabulous mommy writers out there!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the thoughtful reply, Steph! I totally understand about being spread thin. I've never written my children's name online, but they're in the dedication of my book, so eventually someone will read them! I think I've just got to get used to the idea of putting my name out there!
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