How to Add Personalized Social Media Buttons to a WordPress Site

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Today I'm excited to show you how to add personalized social media buttons to a free or paid WordPress site. You may notice this blog is sporting a new set of buttons right below my header. They were surprisingly easy to install and I couldn't wait to share how to do it. 

The screencast below contains step-by-step instructions for adding them to a WordPress site. You can also add them to a Blogger site, but the process is slightly different. I shared how to do that in a SEPARATE screencast this past Monday, on my other site, www.TheWriteConversation.com. So if you have a Blogger site, visit How to Add a Personalized Social Media Buttons to a Blogger Site.

Be sure to leave any questions or comments in the comments section below. 

TWEETABLES
How to Add Personalized #SocialMedia Buttons to a WordPress Site - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Add personalized #socialmedia buttons to your #blog with step-by-step instructions from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and the Social Media Mentor at My Book Therapy. She’s also the Military Family Blogger at Guideposts. Com, Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. Look for her newest book, While My Soldier Serves (Worthy Inspired), available at bookstores and online.

Why Should a Writer be a Part of Goodreads - 2?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Tweet this: Why Should a Writer be a Part of Goodreads - 2? 

On April 15, 2016,  I shared with you the basics of Goodreads and how to set up

an account. Today, we’ll talk about what Goodreads means to an author.

Let’s begin by pulling up the Author Program Page here - https://www.goodreads.com/author/program

Read through the 8 bullet point suggestions in Take Control of Your Profile. These tips enhance your followers’ experience with your page. Make sure you have the Goodreads Author Widget on your website or personal blog. My blog for readers is linked to my Goodreads page, so I can expand my readership and make it easy for followers within my community to see the books I've rated and the books I've written. Every item listed in this section draws others to you.

Goodreads.com is a writer's best friend!

Scroll down to Promote Your Books. The three bullet point suggestions have easy instructions. Simply click on the highlighted word or phrase. Goodreads makes it easy for users to navigate their site.

Under How Do I Join? I suggest searching for yourself. Now you can view what followers see. Is everything in order? Do you need to make any edits or additions?

Who can Join? Most of you have already registered with Goodreads, but if you haven’t given yourself this benefit, do so now.

The video Introducing the Goodreads Author Program is a short overview of your benefits.

On the right side of the Author Program Page, a highlighted list contains more  valuable information. Begin by clicking on Author Guidelines. This page is essential for your success.

The Author Program How-To Page gives more insight with tutorials to show writer
how to best utilize their profiles with how-to videos.

Studying the topics for authors gives you insight to Goodreads and how to broaden your visibility while providing followers with fresh material. 

I value quotes, and here I can add them from my books: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/new

These are just a few of the ways an author can reach readers through Goodreads.

Are you ready to dive into the many opportunities available for writers who subscribe to Goodreads? Let’s share experiences!



Tweet this: Why Should a Writer be a Part of Goodreads - 2?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an dventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

The Value of Klout on Social Media

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I’ve recently received a lot of questions about a relatively new Social Media Tool, KLOUT. Today I’d like to give the information you need to decide whether Klout is for you.

First, let me assure you Klout is a legitimate tool, and not spam. Responding to a Klout invitation will not get you hacked. But it's not technically a network, although they seem to be trying to go that direction. 

The value of Klout is the fact that it puts a number to our social media influence. 

This isn't without controversy. But as long as we don't obsess about it, it can be a good thing. 

Why should a Writer be a part of Goodreads?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
 

Goodreads - a writer's friend

Tweet this: Why should a Writer be a part of Goodreads?

The biggest reason for a writer to jump onboard Goodreads comes from their own words: “It’s the world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations.” I’m convinced this social media platform is essential to a novelist’s recognition by readers and publishers.

This post is the first of three blogs that will show the writer the value of having a Goodreads’ account.

Let’s unpack what that means:

1. If I’m looking for a book to read, I can explore reviews and see what others are reading.
2. I can read books, rate them, write an honest review, and make recommendations to others.
3. If I’m a new writer, I can search my genre and read the recommendations from other readers. I can also learn why some books do well and others don’t.
4. If I’m a seasoned writer, I can read reviews for my books to discover what readers appreciate or discount. Reading other reviews from my genre also helps me address reader needs.
   

Convinced? 
 
This is your invitation: https://www.goodreads.com/

This is your party page: https://www.goodreads.com/about/us

Take a look at the stats on the right hand side in bold font: 40 Million Members, 1.3 Billion Books Added, 47 Million Reviews.  

Now that you have your hat and balloons, I’ll reveal a few more goodies before showing you how to join. On the left side is a menu of all the tabs on the site. Oh, I bet you can spend hours, even days here.

So let’s get you signed up. Navigate back to the home page (www.goodreads.com).

And don’t forget to follow Goodreads on their social media platforms. In my next blog, on Friday, April, 29, we’ll explore what Goodreads means for you as an author.




DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Facebook Changes for Groups & Pages

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

One thing we can count on in social media is the fact that it's always changing. This is never more true than when we're dealing with Facebook. 

Click to Tweet: Stay current on Facebook changes 

for Groups & Pages - @EdieMelson 

We can whine and complain all we want, but the truth is this. Facebook is valuable to authors as a way to connect with our readers. Because of that, we need to stay current with all the changes. 

Today, I'm posting a screencast to help you do just that. It's only 12 minutes long and in it I'll cover

Book Promotion through Pinterest

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Tweet this: Book Promotion through Pinterest

Writers look for creativity in promoting their writing projects.

We ask ourselves: what can I do that thrills my romantic suspense readers?

Designing a Pinterest board with images and quotes from our books spark interest and excites others to investigate who we are and our books.

I recommend developing a secret Pinterest Board long before the book is released, so you can make the board “public” a few days before it hits the shelves.

Easy right?

Let me walk you through the process. It’s really fun.

1. Go to Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/ and click on your photo on the far right side. Then click on “my profile.” The page looks like this:
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Create a secret board.”
3. Complete the form. “Name” is your book’s title.
4. “Description” is your brief description of the pin.
5. “Category” is “Film, Music, and Books.”
6. Makes sure the “yes” is elected for secret.
7. If you have “collaborators” or you want to share the contents with a publicist, editor, or a friend, type in the person’s e-mail address.

Now, you’re ready to start pinning.

1. Your first pin is your book cover. This is the identifying image and the source of images for the entire board.
2. Other images to pin are bookmarks, postcards, banners, and some advertisements that focus on your book.
3. For novelists, select actors and actresses who would play leading roles in your book. An excellent source for finding legal images is to search other Pinterest boards. Pin from there to the secret board.
4. Memorable quotes allow the writer to create memes. Personalize these images to fit your book.
5. Where is the book set? Use your own images or find ones on free image sites to create a meme.
6. Search through your book for other means of creating images to pin on your board. Be original!
7. Post a photo(s) of you conducting research, writing, or just being you.

The following are two screen shots of a board I created for my novel Deadlock. You can also view the board here: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/deadlock-novel/




 Are you ready to create a Pinterest Board for your book?

Tweet this: Book Promotion through Pinterest

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an

adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Proactive Marketing and Promotion

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills


Tweet this: Proactive Marketing and Promotion
A writer builds her marketing and promotion platform long before a single word is written on the manuscript. When an idea hits the writer’s heart and mind, how the content will draw readers begins. This doesn’t mean the writer looks to the latest trends to mine book topics, but it means she actively seeks opportunities to share her passion.

The technique doesn’t divert from creating a quality project. Fresh writing enhances the ability to propel the project into the right hands. Consider all that drives a book: specific readers, needs, dreams, strengths, challenges, and desires. 

How can the contents meet those criteria? Use your readers' personality to develop blog themes, contests, memes, events, hashtags, giveaways, podcasts, Pinterest board(s), promotion, posting tips, videos, speaking topics, and whatever other social media platforms that will fit into the   writer’s brand.  

• Agents and editors are attracted to writers who embrace a green light to marketing and promotion.

• When a writer has a grasp on how to approach readers with a targeted topic or genre, every thought has value.
• Each scene or section of a book has potential. Look to the subject matter for distinct possibilities to draw attention to the writing project.
• Traditional and Independent publishing efforts become enjoyable and simplified.
• At the completion of the book, the writer is able to compose and calendar blogs, contests, hashtags, tweetables, giveaways, and events.
• The writer can request guest blogs months in advance, ensuring the exact date of the book release corresponds with the blog post.
• Events can be scheduled, planned, and perfected months ahead of the designated time.
• A successful writer who has mastered marketing and promotion is eager to begin the next project

For example: Bonnie Bestseller is writing a novel about a heroine who works as a coffee barista in Telluride, Colorado. The story takes place in January when the town is filled with skiing enthusiasts. Business is booming, and the coffee shop centers as a conversation spot. Bonnie has sworn off dating and refuses any of the male flirting tactics.

In the midst of keeping customers happy, the coffee shop is sold to a single man who knows nothing about roasting coffee beans, making delicious drinks, or keeping patrons happy. He’s shy, extremely good looking, knows nothing about snow or skiing, doesn’t like coffee, and requires the heroine's help to make the coffee shop a continued success. The thought of working for her boss is detestable, but she has no choice.
End of first chapter.

The writer creates a file titled: Marketing and Promotion. She lists the ideas that pop into her head with the understanding some will be tossed and others will be valuable. For example:

Blog:

Skiing Tips the First Day on the Slopes
Coffee Addicts are Fun
Memes:
A photo of someone reading your book and drinking coffee - “Common Grounds is the best romance ever!”

Facebook:
 
In my new novel Common Grounds, my heroine is a barista who works for a man who hates coffee or tea. What is your favorite go-to beverage when it’s cold outside? 

Tweet:
Love coffee and #romance? Common Grounds @BonnieBestseller will thrill you (click to tweet)

Videos:
A humorous video on grinding coffee
Coffee art

Contest Giveaways:
Coffee
Gift card to Starbucks

Speaking Topics:
Research
Where I find story ideas

Click here to find a spreadsheet titled Proactive Marketing and Promotion to assist in the process of marketing and promotion during the writing phase. This spreadsheet can be downloaded and saved.

Are you ready to accept the challenge?

Tweet this: Proactive Marketing and Promotion


 
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.