Boost Your Nonfiction Book's Sales Online

Whether you’re getting ready to publish your book or it has been in print for a year, use these simple steps using online tools to help boost your book sales.

1. HOST A BLOG: A blog can be a creative outlet for a writer, not to mention a powerful promotion tool for your book. Update it frequently (three times per week) and over time, your traffic is bound to increase. To start yours, check out www.Typepad.com or www.Wordpress.com.

2. LAUNCH AND OPTIMIZE YOUR WEBSITE: No matter where you are in the process, a website is essential to build an audience, share samples of your work, showcase your accomplishments, and attract media. Build a simple, clean site that mirrors your brand, tells visitors where to buy your book and how to schedule you for appearances, and gives contact info for media to get in touch with you.

3. UPDATE ONLINE PROFILES: Many sites allow you to post a bio with your public profile. Make sure you have several versions of your bio readily available in short, medium, and long formats. Showcase your expertise in your subject matter, mention your book(s), and always include a link to your site and/or blog.

4. LEVERAGE E-MAIL MARKETING: Build loyal fans for life by publishing an interesting electronic newsletter with content related to your book(s) or by sharing periodic announcements. Include a sign-up box on every page of your site. Get started with www.ConstantContact.com, www.EasyContact.com, or www.iContact.com.

5. FORM ONLINE PARTNERSHIPS: Find people who reach a similar target audience and look for ways to team up and promote each other. You can publish articles on each other’s websites or newsletters, host an event or contest together, or cross-promote with social media.

6. PROMOTE WITH ARTICLES: Write for industry publications and related websites to build your credibility. You can also make your articles available for reprint through sites like www.ezinearticles.com, www.ideamarketers.com, and www.goarticles.com.

7. CONTACT BLOGGERS: Search blog directories such as www.Technorati.com to locate blogs that cover subjects related to yours. Contact bloggers to inquire about book reviews, guest posts, interviews, and other ways you can work together.

8. BE A GUEST ON INTERNET RADIO PROGRAMS: Unlike traditional radio where you might be interviewed for 10 minutes, online radio shows, podcasts, and teleseminars typically have guests on for up to an hour. An added bonus: listeners are often at their computers ready to buy! To find relevant shows, search Google for keywords and investigate shows archived on iTunes. Also check out sites like www.blogtalkradio.com, www.alltalkradio.net, www.wsradio.com, and www.womensradio.com.

9. LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA: Sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are ripe for finding and building an audience. Create an interesting profile and get active in social networking communities. Invest a little time each day, be engaging, share great content, and watch your fan base grow!

10. BE SEEN AND HEARD EVERYWHERE: Marketing is all about repeat exposure. Build your brand by getting known for your expertise. Participate in all of the above suggestions and more. Contact the media, go out and speak, write articles for trade publications, and find new ways to reach your target audience.

Stephanie Chandler is the author of several books including The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan: The Professional Guide to Profitable Self-Publishing and The Nonfiction Book Marketing Plan: Online and Offline Promotion Strategies to Build Your Audience and Sell More Books. Stephanie is also founder and CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association, a vibrant community for writers, and the Nonfiction Writers Conference, a traditional writers’ conference experience conducted entirely online. A frequent speaker at business events and on the radio, she has been featured in Entrepreneur, BusinessWeek, and Wired magazine. See also: @steph__chandler and @NonfictionAssoc on Twitter and Facebook.com/NonfictionAuthorsAssociation.