I've submitted my book (or my publisher has) for inclusion in all the usual places: Amazon, iBookstore, The Top Shelf, etc. But did I really optimize my chances for being found, by say, a parent looking for a story his 11-year-old son might actually read and enjoy?
Proofread the 'long description' of your book. Be sure to include genre, for example, children's fiction, or adventure for kids. Mention any fitting topics and keywords as well, such as skateboarding, cruiseship and so forth.
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Video is obviously the hot way to market these days, but the thought of shooting some can be intimidating! Here are some great tips I stole from eTurboNews, which is a newsletter for travel and tour companies like eBoatCharters.com
Here are some tips to start with:
DO
• Try to have plenty of raw video work with. The general rule is the more stuff, the better. Make sure to have lots of extra material, in order to add depth and flow to your story.
• Always bring an extra battery. Don’t get caught with a dead battery in the middle of a great story. Other things to bring with you include extra tapes or memory cards, a notebook and pen.
• Try to use the rule of thirds. Frame your shots in a more natural and visually appealing method. You should visually divide the view into horizontal thirds and line the subject up a little bit off-center.
• Hold your shot for a minimum of 10 seconds. This way you can ensure that you get plenty of usable material.
• Always think about the lighting. Use daylight whenever possible. Avoid fluorescent lighting. And don't be afraid to move the shot – ask your subject to move outdoors or to a better-lit area.
• Even though it's a video, don't forget the sound! The more natural background sound you can tape, the better. Point your microphone at the ground to absorb natural sound
• Avoid pans, zooms and dissolves. You may feel like getting crazy with some of your shots, but every video expert we talked to said video clips are simply better when using static shots. If you must use a pan, it should be tight and quick. Static shots make a video look cleaner and more professional.
DON’T
• Don't shoot in LP mode.
• Don't exceed 3 minutes.
• Don't skimp on batteries.
• Don't use a built-in microphone. Do get an external microphone.
• Don't use special effects.
• Don’t use auto focus.
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A new video podcast is about to hit the internet. The Travel Treasures podcast is scheduled to begin in September 2006. The focus will be on water destinations where yachting, fishing, diving, sailing or any other kind of boating can be enjoyed. First season features will include footage from tropical destinations in the South Caribbean. Breathtaking underwater scenes from famous dive sites will introduce visitors to the world under the sea. Divers who know these spots will enjoy a virtual return trip to visit some of their favorite destinations.
Episodes will highlight popular and lesser known locations in St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands. Fans of ecotourism will enjoy podcasts featuring "the other side of Florida" where beautiful natural settings, some of which are only accessible by kayak, pontoon or air boat.
The new travel podcast is the creation of Two Fins Web Design owner, Serena Hoermann. Hoermann also runs the online yacht and boat charter company, eBoatCharters.com. The video scenes will be provided by talented producer and videographer, Gerhard Cernak. Cernak's production company, Big Sea Productions, is based in California, but the talented team is international.
For more information, or to submit your ideas and video, please contact Serena Hoermann or telephone 877-848-4195.
Learn more about
Podcasting | Big C Productions | eBoatCharters.com
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Increase the effectiveness of your web site (and your business) by making sure you have a narrow focus on the customers you are most hoping to attract. You can divide your prospects into smaller segments and target each directly with a message that really speaks to them.
Start with a domain name that really defines the niche market you are trying to attract, (like weddingflowers.com) This would be in addition to a domain name that names your company or product (like bensfloral.com) Then you can use more specific keywords in your pay-per-click advertising, images and a message that is more likely to convert visitors to buyers. This new domain name and your ads would link directly to a page on your web site highlighting only floral arrangements for weddings, as opposed to listing all your services, such as thank-you bouquets, funeral wreaths or whatever else you offer.
Use the Internet to its full advantage by targeting each market segment you serve.
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Buzzmarketing by Mark Hughes (Portfolio, July 2005, 242 pp., $23.95) is the latest book to address the phenomenon of letting your customers and good PR sell your product. Hughes' definition says: Capturing attention of consumers and the media to the point where talking about your brand becomes entertaining, fascinating, and newsworthy.
Previous entries in this category published in 2000 include Unleashing the Ideavirus by Seth Godin, The Anatomy of Buzz by Emanuel Rosen and The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.
One idea they share: Letting free media move your message. The average news article gets six times as many readers as the average advertisement. Write articles for journals in your industry. Publish a web log (blog) about your product category. Explore online press release resources which will let you spread the word.
Resources:
http://www.fastcompany.com/bookclub/
http://www.buzzmarketing.com/
http://www.prweb.com/
http://www.press-release-writing.com/
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Video blogs are blogs that primarily feature video shorts instead of text. Though it has not been promoted, the new Apple iTunes podcasting feature supports vlog subscriptions as well. Suddenly, any film producer, news show producer or marketer can produce and affordably distribute his or her films internationally. Read more in this 3 part series at wired.com
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Bluetooth is a wireless technology that is growing rapidly. The system allows devices such as headsets and cellphones, portable computers and other devices to communicate wirelessly. It was installed in 92 million such devices last year and that number is expected to double in 2005. A chink in its armor has been discovered and presented at a technology conference in Seattle. Israeli researchers found a way to eavesdrop on Bluetooth gear.
Security experts have found other problems in the past with this technology, which have been repaired by the manufacturer. At a time when concerns have generally increased about wireless security, the news about a new Bluetooth flaw is particularly disturbing, even appearing to be "sloppily designed", as one security expert expressed it.
At the heart of the problem is the use of 4-digit security codes by manufacturers of Bluetooth compatible devices, rather than the more secure 16-digit codes that Bluetooth suggests. Fred Zimbric, a product manager at Motorola, one maker of Bluetooth enabled devices, feels the eavesdropping risk is low and that forcing customers to type in a long security code will turn them off.
Bluetooth | WSJ Article Bluetooth Gear May Be Open To Snooping
ABC News coverage | Two Fins Web Design
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To be successful, an online marketing campaign should be one part of fully integrated marketing plan. At the Direct Marketing Association's June 16th luncheon, Dennis Edwards, Senior VP of Sales & Marketing for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitor's Bureau, explained how the redesign of their web site was part of an entire marketing makeover. The identical message, look & feel is present on the internet, in outdoor adverising, Powerpoint presentations made by the sales force, brochures, print ads, at trade shows, etc. He also stressed the need to time advertising to concur with PR events, using email blasts, the sales team, and any other channels in your budget to get the most "bang for your buck". One example was advertising on the Underground (subway) and buses in London during the Travel Mart trade show in London, in which the Bureau participated last November. In particular, routes to the show were chosen for maximum impact. Coordination and timing can go a long way to increase the effectiveness of your marketing campaign, no matter what your budget is.
If you don't believe me, go back and read the old fairy tale, Puss in Boots. The third son of the family inherits little more than the family pet, but what a clever kitty! Trust me, master, he says. I'll take care of everything. First the cat sends the king schwag (thrice), then he stages a dramatic PR event. Puss builds a strong word-of-mouth referral network for his client, and defeats a competitor (evil, magical giant) through sheer wit. In honor of the king, Puss in Boots then hosts the an event at the deceased giant's palace, which now vacant, is taken over by his master, the poor young man who inherited the clever cat. The young man is now a shoe-in candidate for his dream job: son-in-law to the king. With fabulous footwear, flawless timing and almost no budget to speak of, they end up living happily ever after! Visit twofins.com, where your internet marketing campaign and event planning are happy ever after!
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