So you have a book or a website but don’t know how to promote it. The key to promotion is getting media buzz. You could hire a PR agency to do this for you or you could do it yourself.

If you intend to do it yourself, then you need to know how to write a press release that won’t get tossed in file 13. The media is bombarded daily with press releases, so how do you make yours stand out, especially when you aren’t a PR agent?

Start with a story – everyone loves a good story. The key is it has to tie in to the book or website you are promoting. For example, let’s say your new website is about your nursery. Start your press release out with a story about your grandmother’s garden and how all the ladies from the garden club would ohh and ahh about her plants. Tell them how that encouraged your love of flowers from a young child on and eventually lead the way to you opening your own nursery. Then tell them about your nursery and why it is unique.

Now you have a press release that will get attention. Once you are in the paper as an expert other people will think of you that way to. Success is all about perception. The better people perceive you, the more people will consult you and the more success will come your way.

Sheri

A few months ago I decided to get a My Space page, http://www.myspace.com/sheriannricherson  So far, so good. It is a great way to meet and network with other writers. It is also a great way to promote your current project.

I also have a Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=730759296 I don’t do as much networking with it as I do with My Space but it is another great way to meet people.

I had some videos up on You Tube, http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=SheriAnnRicherson For some reason I could not get my email address confirmation to go through and had to have Jerry post the videos.

The newest social networking tool I am using is Entrecard. You can see my Entrecard here http://entrecard.com/details/6651 I have had quite a few people already sign up to advertise on my Exotic Gardening Thoughts Blog, http://www.exoticgardening.com/blog/ since posting the Entrecard. I have not advertised with anyone yet as I am still collecting points but so far, so good.

I allocate one hour per week day of my writing time to check messages on the social networking sites I belong to, wish people happy birthday or happy holidays, congratulate them on their latest acheivements and post my latest acheivements. I know these places bring traffic and get people to view your site. After all, the more people who see your site, the more likely you are going to be to sell the products or services you are offering.

What other places do you social network and how do you like them?

Sheri