Part 2 of my Book Marketing blog series.
The media we consume changes in the blink of an eye. Within one or two short decades, information has become snippets on social media and brief pieces on news websites. The art of the newspaper is dying out to news websites who offer paid subscriptions for readers because few people read newspapers in their once beloved physical form. We catch information in videos and Tweets and Live Stories. Information is plentiful, condensed and oversaturated. The internet giving everyone the ability to express themselves creatively is both a blessing and a curse.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Social media has made everything short. Everything revolves around instant gratification. Twitter, dating sites, Facebook, Instagram, all of that. We have the world of information at our fingertips. Everyday it gets more condensed. Are blogs a lost art? Are blog writers really yelling into a void? Or simply catering to an audience that has lessened, yet still exists in small groups? I personally love reading blogs. I admire those who have the dedication to have a weekly blog, consistently pumping out new content.
My friend pointed out that while there are still those who read blogs, it simply doesn’t pull in a large number of readers anymore to warrant the effort it takes to maintain one. If the effort isn’t a mental or emotional or time strain, and a person enjoys blogging, then it can be worthwhile if for nothing more than personal reasons. What does this mean for authors trying to attract readers and be professionals?
Personally, I think the art of the blog still survives for those who keep it alive.
We can still build communities and readership around a blog, but it takes a lot more effort. We swim in an oceanic market of creative content. The theory on blogs is to draw readers in with relevant topics to your writing, so maybe they will check out your website and be drawn to your book. It can add a little boost to sales.
And let’s be real: podcasts have become the new blogs. The written word has turned into audio. It’s happening all over, with both podcasts and audiobooks. It’s like radio shows are the trendy thing all over again, except we access it all on our magical little devices and the internet instead of those old school radios. There is no avoiding the quick, startling changes the creative industries take. It’s overwhelming and hard to keep up with. I forever feel behind, and I am only 31. Like, really – what is TikTok??? Back in MY day, that was the sound the clock made!
And within one TikTok, be it clock or video, is how rapidly it changes. So, let’s pose this inquiry: Why bother? Why go through the trouble of doing a blog or podcast beyond personal enjoyment? I feel like it's all sharing information. Some people feel an obligation to get certain information out there they deem important. Back in college, one of my professors called bloggers "civilian journalists". At times, that's what they can be, though often they lack the training and insight legit journalists do. BUT the flip side is that with media being so monopolized now, blogs/podcasts can also serve the purpose of alternative media. It can be effective if people are reporting true, proven facts and do their research. TRUE, proven facts. Not come conspiracy theory bullshit off YouTube. (That’s a rant for another day – or post. It requires more whiskey.)
It made me question why I still blog. Honestly, with my multiple mental illnesses and low empathy, it gives me the feeling of connection I don’t have with much of the world. I want to connect with the writing community, and those who have been through trauma. I am by no means a poster girl for childhood abuse, nor do I want to be. Years ago, that was what my blog revolved around. It allowed me to vomit my trauma into something. After all, that’s what most of my writing is: a manifestation of my own traumas and struggles.
But it changed over time. I have focused more on my writing career and how my mental illnesses have improved. It’s by no means perfect and I still have bad days and breakdowns over trivial things – an indication of a bigger problem. But I’ve learned to let that reflect more in my fiction, and use my blog for writing related content and book reviews.
My point is: if you want to start and maintain a blog, it will inevitably change as you personally grow. And that’s okay. Be ready for an oversaturated internet. Allow yourself time to build up a readership, and more importantly, a community, because that’s what your readers will become. Consistently put out content. Make yourself a schedule that works for you that won’t strain you and still allows you to focus on your books. Decide what content is relevant to your books and bring readers into your world.
Also: if you don’t want a writer blog, you don’t have to. An author website with the basics will suffice. Blogging isn’t for everyone, and it leaves more time for writing books. I am not a video gal – I hate making them and the sound of my own voice. It’s not something I have any interest in doing, so I don’t even bother with TikTok or YouTube or Live Stories. I am not a public speaker.
The “good ol’ blogging” days aren’t what they used to be, but that doesn’t make it a completely irrelevant art. Book marketing is by no means a one-size-fits-all thing. What I want to offer are options and the information I have gained through research and discussions with my fellow writers. What it comes down to, is to do what you can manage, what you are comfortable with, allow yourself growing room, and know your limits. You don’t need to be on every site every second of every day.
You should still be writing books. After all, that’s what it all comes back to. The love of books.
Cheers until next time! Thanks for reading and feel free to subscribe!
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