How to Get Book Reviews on LinkedIn
Did you know you could get book reviews on LinkedIn? Joan Stewart, The Publicity Hound, takes you through some quick tips for getting reviews on LinkedIn.

Book marketing tip: Amazon lets you link to newer and older editions of your book.   
Have you ever wondered what happens when you publish a new, revised edition of your book (with a new ISBN) and make it available on Amazon? How will customers find the latest version? If someone finds the listing for the previous edition, how will they know a new one even exists?

Hashtags Gone Wrong: 6 Examples of Unfortunate Hashtag Choices
The implementation of the hashtag, which originated on IRC, is a big reason behind the popularity of Twitter. It is a useful way of both searching the site and tagging posts. On a more personal level, hashtags are used to emphasize points or even make jokes.Sometimes, they are even used in ways that make you fear for the future of humanity.

How to Boost Your Exposure on Goodreads
If you’re on Goodreads you really should be maximizing your exposure there. Not only will it help your book but could lead to more reviews.Here’s a short but helpful look at how to make the most of Goodreads.

10 very cool social media tools; Lots of uses for these in a PR and publicity campaign
It’s been a while since I’ve cobbled together a look at some of the newer social media tools making an impact.The aim is to highlight hidden gems that can ease your online life, as opposed to talking about mainstream tools that get big chunks of air time.

5 Proven Techniques to Drive Quality Traffic to Your Blog
Getting traffic to your blog is not the last thing. You should constantly keep working to increase the current levels of your site’s traffic.

Can You Measure Content Marketing & Social Media ROI?
Generating engaging content marketing media is already tough enough – we need tools and processes to know what’s working and what’s not in order to maximize ROI.

How to Sell Books by the Truckload on Amazon
Amazon is a great place to sell books, but most authors don’t realize that Amazon has an internal sales machine that will actually help you market your book, for free, if you trigger it? It’s called their internal algorithm and, not that dissimilar from ranking on Google, once Amazon’s algorithm kicks in, you could see a boatload of free promotion come your way from Amazon.

7 Steps for Writing Compelling Press Releases 
A well-formatted press release has 7 main components. These instructions will help you put together a useful press release for the media.

Long tail keywords are making a come-back
Amazon is a great place to sell books, but most authors don’t realize that Amazon has an internal sales machine that will actually help you market your book, for free, if you trigger it? It’s called their internal algorithm and, not that dissimilar from ranking on Google, once Amazon’s algorithm kicks in, you could see a boatload of free promotion come your way from Amazon.

With Author Marketing Expert Penny Sansevieri

Amazon is a great place to sell books, but most authors don’t realize that Amazon has an internal sales machine that will actually help you market your book, for free, if you trigger it? It’s called their internal algorithm and, not that dissimilar from ranking on Google, once Amazon’s algorithm kicks in, you could see a boatload of free promotion come your way from Amazon. Here’s what the session will cover:

• Optimize your Amazon page: what you must do to start showing up in more searches
• Understanding categories and why eBook and print categories are always different. More importantly, you’ll learn why this matters.
• How to optimize your book title, subtitle and keywords on Amazon.
• Making your Author Central page work for you.
• Amazon hacks: fun tricks you can to do spruce up your Amazon page.
• Amazon reviews: simple ways to find more reviewers for your book and get more reviews.
• and much, much more…..

Join us this Thursday, May 9th at 5PM ET for the last and final one-hour webinar from “Social Media KISS (Keep It Simple & Serene) for Authors.”

Click here to register.

Authors, did you make the list? Best Books For The Summer To Take To The Beach
Summer is almost here and going to the beach usually implies having some of the best books for the summer ready to go. Here is my personal list of summer beach reads for 2013. In my opinion they’re all great beach reads and I hope you find something you enjoy, something that you haven’t read yet.

Why is Your Content Boring? by Vertical Measures
Whether you’re pitching yourself, your product, or your ideas, with any form of communication, the conservative approach is generally the risky one. The middle of the road is a danger zone. It’s where you find road kill.

Three Reasons to Embrace Video Storytelling
Storytelling seems to be the buzzword right now in video. It’s not just the interview style of storytelling clients want. No matter how you tell the story, whether using interviews or a script, keep in mind, the components of storytelling such as emotional characters, a fun or dramatic plot, and engaging settings are more likely to land a great response and be shared online.

Why Google+ Matters to Your Business and How to Use it Wisely
Google+ profiles and content are now part of Google’s new search algorithm.

Facebook EdgeRank Explained [infographic]
Now, you probably think ALL your fans should see your posts, but considering the amount of posting on Facebook, that’s just not possible. So the EdgeRank algorithm determines which posts are seen by whom – assuming they’re online at or near the time Facebook places the posts in their news feeds.

3 High-Powered Reader Engagement Tactics
Here’s a quick tip – Before you publish your next post, read it out loud, and pretend you’re one of your readers. After you’ve read it from start to finish, if you can sit back and say, “So what?” then I hate to tell you this, but you’re not engaging your reader. Here are three high-powered reader engagement tactics to help you out.

3 Tips For Writing A Better Press Release
When writing a press release, break away from the stodgy old model built before people and businesses started communicating constantly through social media and mobile devices. Grab people’s attention, speak their language, and tell a story to prove why your press release is newsworthy – and worthy of their time and attention.

Hashtags Gone Wrong: 6 Examples of Unfortunate Hashtag Choices [WOW]
The implementation of the hashtag, which originated on IRC, is a big reason behind the popularity of Twitter. It is a useful way of both searching the site and tagging posts. On a more personal level, hashtags are used to emphasize points or even make jokes. Sometimes, they are even used in ways that make you fear for the future of humanity.

Want More Visibility for Your Blog on Twitter? by Nestivity May be the Answer
Nestivity turns your Twitter handle into a “Nest”, a place for you to connect with your followers in a more organized and structured way. 

How Content Marketing Saved this Brick-and-Mortar Business
Marcus Sheridan’s pool company was hit hard by the recession in 2008; He and his business partners discovered that in order to save their business, they had to get creative — fast. They decided to try blogging, and they started writing content for their site by simply answering their customers’ questions through their blog posts.

Penny promises to pull back the curtain and teach you how to:

–Choose the right categories for your books…and why they’re not the most obvious categories you’d think of first

–Target Amazon’s book reviewers and why the top reviewers might not be the best match for your books

–Use Amazon as a lead generator

–Make the most profit and build the most traction using inexpensive ebooks

–Understand why timing is everything on Amazon and how to know what to do, and when

–Know what you must do AFTER you capture the lead on Amazon

Join us this Thursday, May 9th at 5PM ET for the last and final one-hour webinar from “Social Media KISS (Keep It Simple & Serene) for Authors.”

Click here to register.

With Diana Ennens’ NEW PR Success Series you will learn how to get more PR or be able to make better decisions with working with a publicist or a publicity virtual assistant? Introducing the PR Success Series . Everything needed to get more out of all marketing efforts.

The PR Success series is intended to help entrepreneurs, authors, speakers, coaches and more master their PR.

Presented by Diana Ennen, President of Virtual Word Publishing, a PR and Marketing firm for over 27 years, it will take businesses step by step into PR methods that work. Insider secrets will be revealed on how to write effective articles and press releases, best ways to pitch the media, how to go full circle to get the most from all marketing efforts, mastering social media and more. The classes will be held weekly starting May 23rd and all classes are recorded.

Diana walks the walk and talks the talk getting clients in major media that have resulted in not only getting one of her clients #1 status on iBookstore, but major media mentions including USA Today, Woman’s World, Fox News, CNN Radio, Reader’s Digest, Entrepreneur, Forbes, and so many more.

A breakdown of the classes are as follows:

• Session #1 – Develop a marketing plan that works
• Session #2 – Discover the secrets to writing press releases and articles
• Session #3 – Pitching the Media
• Session #4 – Social Media Magic
• Session #5 – PR Secrets

Diana says, “I am thrilled to be offering this class again. No matter if you want to do your own PR or if you want to just be able to understand the PR process, these classes will help. Also, I know many virtual assistants who want to specialize in publicity and this is exactly the tools you need to be able to do that.

The Publicity Success Series got rave reviews when it was offered previously.

Need help with a PR campaigns and want to write a killer press release, article, blog, etc., then sign up now. Early bird rates apply.

It is the most popular document sharing site available, with over 50,000 uploads each day. Yes, that number is correct. This is key for those of us that use content marketing online to get found, get known and get clients. Pay attention to what I’m going to tell you…

Scribd clearly has established its authority and web presence. The high online activity makes Scribd ideal for content marketing purposes.

OK, here’s the question: why would you want to market through a site that is based on sharing documents? Document sharing is a great way to promote brand awareness, bring eyeballs to your content & marketing collateral and increase link building (and we love link building.)

Most of my clients have flyers, press releases, articles, etc. and why not share this content as I did with this Mother’s Day brunch menu and and for another client’s article on hospital safety for Alzheimer patients.

If you have all of your marketing materials just sitting on your computer and not getting out into internet land, then you are just wasting space. Today, most of us operate our business and personal life online. Using Scribd makes uploading all of your documents a simple task.

Reasons to love Scribd:

• IT’S FREE
• Gain exposure to search engines
• Track reads and downloads
• Build business relationships
• Document sharing available via direct link or embed
• Unlimited uploads of most file types
• Bulk upload tool for desktop
• Social networking with Twitter opportunity
• Page fragment caching

The point of Scribd is the ease of access to documents. Scribd allows us to simply browse and click opposed to download. Uploading is extremely manageable. When a document is uploaded, you have the option of choosing a category, a subcategory, and numerous tags in addition to title and description. One of my favorite features of Scribd is the bulk uploading tool for your desktop. It is free and downloads quickly. The desktop tool allows people to upload as many documents as necessary without ever having to go to the Scribd website.

Keep branding in mind when creating titles and description. Once you are done uploading and editing, the documents will become available for viewing on Scribd immediately. All documents can be saved for editing and published at a later date. You can also add file subsets for organizational purposes within Scribd.

Sharing is simple too. Take any document off of Scribd and insert it into any website without worrying about the file type. If you have a blog, embedding documents is something that could be very beneficial. When you are looking at a document in Scribd, you will notice the embed option in the upper left-hand corner.

After you click that, you will be given the embed code.

Copy the code provided and paste it into your website or blog or you can share it from within as well.

It will then be published and appear the same way it does on Scribd.

I created a new Scribd account for a client and it’s still too early to know the reads and downloads, but you can follow your stats very easily. Basic stats appear on the homepage but if you click on them, you will be provided with a more detailed description in both bar graph and line graph charts including favorites, downloads, comments, and reads.

It is important to comment on documents within your niche. The goal is to encourage people to review your documents and possibly respond back. Scribd is a great place to stay connected through networking with the intentions of increasing viewership and brand awareness. Scribd has recently gone social. Like Facebook, there is a section for updating your recent activity.

Recently, Scribd created an E-book store for those interested in selling their documents.

So, if you’re looking to share your documents, get noticed, I recommend Scribd. You can also use this on your business page on Facebook tabs to share content as well.

Let me know if you have any document sharing sites by commenting below.

How are people finding you and your book right now?

Whether you are an established author or rising leader, becoming a “person to know” is critical to your success.

LinkedIn is the #1 online network for professionals looking to do more business, expand their careers and develop the relationships that produce results.

With more the 200 million users and growing at 2 new members every second, if you’re not using LinkedIn to showcase your books, you are missing one of the greatest visibility platforms. Laura will show you how to position yourself as a “go to expert” that draws more readers to buy your books:

During this one-hour webinar you will discover:

• Keys to Growing Your Authority Status
• 5 Ways to Optimize your LinkedIn profile to Feature your book
• 6 Engagement Activities to grow your reputation and create buzz for your book

Join guest expert, Laura Rubenstein,  tomorrow, May 2,  from 4pm-5pm ET. Register today for Social Media Kiss (Keep it simple and serene) for Authors

About Laura:

Laura Rubinstein is a Certified Hypnotherapist, Master Leadership Coach, Author, and Social Media and Relationship Marketing Strategist. She is the creator of the Social Media Blast Off System as well as co-founder of the Social Buzz Club. With her 22+ years of marketing experience and focus on relationship building, Laura’s creative, innovative, and elegant strategies make her a highly sought after trainer and speaker. Laura has optimized marketing plans and developed branding strategies for more than 1,000 businesses across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. She is the author of several marketing, personal development, and social media books including, “Appreciation Marketing, Your Guide to Growing Profitable Business Relationships” and “10 Keys to Generating Facebook Buzz.” She is a contributing author to the Amazon bestselling Women Living Consciously. Her blogs are featured on genConnect.com, Viv Magazine, Social Media Mags, as well as her popular TransformToday.com blog.

Don’t Be Afraid To Go Silent on Social Media (Shh)
Contrary to popular belief, there are in fact times when you can–and should–pause your community management. The daily expectations from your fans set high standards in terms of response management and customer service. However, there are times when it is better to remain silent, times when controversy is present or events are unfolding offline that are beyond your control.

Facebook EdgeRank Explained [infographic]
Here’s Facebook EdgeRank explained in a fun infographic from PostRocket.

Nine Signs of an Effective Blog Post, Yes Nine!
An effective blog post moves the reader from Point A to Point B, whatever that may be, and here are nine signs you’ve written one.

How You Can Do Your Own Book-Giving Campaign
Why giving away your book may actually lead to more sales.

Authors, don’t do this! Book Making: 20 Big blunders of self-publishing authors
For example: Not having professional editing and design and Not budgeting for promoting your book to name a few

Authors, Bloggers, Wordsmiths: Did you know “there is” a way to avoid weakening your writing?
Never distort your writing into something that’s worse than using a common, go-to phrase. Don’t change “weak” style points on principle; change them when you can see a clear way to make your writing better by changing them: a way to be clearer, simpler, and less redundant.

Free Twitter bird icons (and hundreds more) for your blog
There’s nothing cuter—or more helpful—than a stash of Twitter icons to use at your website or blog, or in your newsletter. It’s even better if they’re free.

Do you know the 3 things you need for a successful book?
The key to platform is your target audience and what you are doing to reach them. It’s smart to begin building your platform well before you hope to be published—years, even.

YouTube Strategies: Making And Marketing Online Video
I love YouTube. Always have. Always will. She’s been very good to me, not just at my Colligan Channel, but through a number of partners and ventures online. With me and my “face for radio,” I’m confident in saying anyone can see success on YouTube with the right strategies.

25 social media influencers Forbes ignored, and why.
This list gets distributed far and wide and has become an important badge of “social proof” for those on the list.

You say, LinkedIn is only for professional? Well, isn’t that what you are? You see, you’re not just an author, you’re a writer as well. You have an area of expertise, whether it is romance, history or the sciences.

You will learn:

• How to set up and maximize your profile for maximum exposure
• How to get and receive recommendations
• How to write your summary
• How to research groups
• How to join groups
• LinkedIn’s proper etiquette for adding connections
• and so much more!

LinkedIn allows you to connect with other experts and authors in your field. Sell your products with really “selling” them.

So, if you’ve been waiting to join LinkedIn because you didn’t know how, now’s your chance….

Join Scott and me for the one-hour webinar, Social Media KISS, LinkedIn Basics for Authors, tomorrow, April 18th at 1:00 PM, PST, 4:00 PM EST.

Can’t make it? No worries, we’ll be recording the call and you will be sent the replay of the webinar.

5 Tricks to Keep Your Book Fans Coming Back to Your Facebook Page

How to Boost Engagement on Your LinkedIn Company Page
Here are five simple ways to boost engagement with your LinkedIn followers.

YouTube Verification Badges: So You Know That You’re You
Steps to a Verified YouTube Channel Page and Verification Badge

WordPress is under attack & your self-hosted site may be in crosshairs. Protect yourself now.
To further secure your site against attacks, you can use plugins to limit login attempts, enhance security on your site, add two-factor login authentication, and set up proper backup for your site. You can also add professional security through Sucuri. For a full breakdown of how to prevent brute-force attacks on your site, check out the WordPress Codex article on the topic.

3 Ways to Carve Out Time for Social Media
Finding the time for social media is one of the hardest things, I often hear business owners say. You know that you have to find the time for social media because it is important for your business, but you just want to find the simplest, smartest way to get it going, then be consistent and get it right.

Crisis Communication at it’s best? Caribou Coffee Brews Social Media Crisis
Social media policy without applied social media training is like a flashlight without batteries.

How to Keep Your Audience Reading
Use Internal Cliffhangers with complex ideas. You can also use dialogue too as an internal cliffhanger.

Stop Doing the Minimum and Start Sticking Out on LinkedIn [SEE ITEM 2]
Your first engagement with someone–whether it be on Twitter, email, or LinkedIn–should be personalized, be forward, and provide a value proposition. Don’t just ask for something without context!

Avoiding “there is” can make your writing clearer and more precise.
Never distort your writing into something that’s worse than using a common, go-to phrase. Don’t change “weak” style points on principle; change them when you can see a clear way to make your writing better by changing them: a way to be clearer, simpler, and less redundant.

Book Making: 20 Big blunders of self-publishing authors
Paying too much for a self-publishing package (If you pay $5,000 or $50,000 it will be nearly impossible to earn back your cost of publishing.) [#3]