Social Media / Web 2.0 Services

Web 2.0 is any medium viewed, listened to, or read via the internet.  For example, blogs offer up-to-the-second commentary on anything from politics to current events, local news to pop culture.  Many people choose to get their news directly from news blogs, rather than read it in a newspaper or watch it on the nightly news.  Although Web 2.0 is still relatively new, it does provide many great opportunities for self-promotion and marketing.  Streaming video and audio allows authors to connect directly with their readers in new and exciting ways.  You can post a short message to your fans or premiere your book's new trailer.  Placing yourself in virtual communities such as Facebook connects your books and persona to readers who may have never heard of you, or are long-time fans wanting a chance to interact with you.  The sky is the limit when you use new media marketing wisely.

Marketing yourself through blogs is common, and you probably already publish one.  However, it is vital to take the next step of personal communication with your fans--virtual communities.  As you already know, the internet allows people to interact from all over the world.  Whereas we once talked in chat rooms and message boards, now we communicate through instant messages and profile comments.  Everyone has an opinion, and now many are voicing theirs online.  Buying ad space on websites helps share your name and book with new people, however to satisfy those readers, you must connect with them on a regular basis.

Maintaining a virtual relationship with your fans takes hours, the time you need to create and write new characters and books.  Because of the time involved, many authors contract individuals to create and manage web 2.0 profiles, and maintain an overall virtual community presence.  Everything from filling out the basic information, to maximizing the number of views and friends connected directly to the profile.  A media specialist creates a streamlined web 2.0 profile, updates it regularly, and keeps your name active within your network.  The most successful users have thousands of friends, hundreds of comments, and an active following who visits his/her profile regularly for updates.

The most popular web 2.0 site is Facebook, which features over 700 million profiles.  However, Facebook can be confusing and it's not the the only vital social network.  User-based sites such as del.icio.us,  Youtube.com, GoodReads, Shelfari, LibraryThing, Gather, BlogHer, Ning, and Flickr.com all offer authors networking opportunities.  With the right amount of attention paid to each site, one can create an online presence that not only increases your visibility, but also maximizes your book sales and your marketing budget.

If you are interested in creating and/or maintaining your Social Media marketing plan, check out our new web 2.0 packages that offer authors increased visibility away from Fresh Fiction.

Social Media Services

Web 2.0 Profile

• Create and/or maintain up to three (3) profiles or pages on up to three (3) social networking sites of your choice (3 profiles and 3 sites, choose from the list)
• During the contracted period we will increase your visibility, your profile views, and communicate directly with your current and new readers on their sites, blogs, and profiles.
• We will regularly update audio, video, and images on your profiles
• We will manage any technical difficulties experienced on your profile
• Prices begin at $99 per month for 10 hours
• Customization available

List of Vital Social Networks

Facebook.com--currently the biggest social network.

Twitter -- what can you say in 140 characters? You can create profiles for yourself, your characters and more!

YouTube.com-- post your new book trailers, author "shout-outs," and other video messages, maintain your profile and connect you to other users through channels

Flickr.com--post all your pictures from signings, events, and daily life so your fans can see them and link you to their sites. Add comments and post comments on other Flickr accounts.

MySpace.com--still relevant as a popular social network, offers: HTML profiles, blogs, pictures, "friend" connections, and videos

AIM / gTalk-- stay in touch with your readers through personalized profile, away messages

Vimeo.com--post your new book trailers, author "shout-outs," and other video messages, and maintain your profile

Del.icio.us--This bookmarking site acts as a informational search engine.  Highlights the top searched sites and categorizes them.

Digg.com--a listing of the top news stories of the day, determined by users

Reddit.com--Similar to digg.com

Amazon Connect--Author profiles for all authors who sell on Amazon

Other social networks that develop...