While attending Book Expo America’s blogging conference, I
realized a few things that we should all be aware of it.
First, few if any secrets will be revealed in terms of
meaningful strategies, lists, resources, or ways to really breakthrough, either
as a blogger or as an author or publicist to influence a blogger.
Second, the bloggers, even the popular ones, have their own
concerns, fears, obligations, and limitations.
They want to maintain their status and grow as well. They want to monetize their content, rise to
another level of influence, and figure out what else they should or could do to
grow as a writer.
Third, by gathering hundreds of likeminded people we feel a
room of energy and good will. Writers –
whether authors, bloggers, or news media - share a common skill and brain. It’s great when we can listen to each other
and recognize ourselves.
Fourth, the best part of these conferences are the networking
opportunities. It’s so easy to
connect with others and these interactions will only serve to expand our
careers.
The panels address, not surprisingly, typical issues that
have confronted bloggers for years, including:
·
How often should you blog?
Some do once a day, once a week or once a
month. One panelist said you should blog
as often as you feel compelled to do so, especially when you have something to
say.
· How long should your blog post be?
Some subscribe to the micro blogging approach. Others say 250-1200 words is the norm. One panelist said she experiments with 3,000-5,000-word posts.
· How do you grow your readership?
Vague answers circulated about using social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, and Pinterst. You grow readers by posting quality content frequently and then taking time to push it to influencers who will share it with others. Or so we hope!
· What’s the five to ten-year future of blogs?
The normally insightful, verbose panel really offered no
clues as to what will be, for admittedly, no one has a clue as to where things
are going. We know things change – and at a fast rate when it comes to
technology. Anticipate change will
happen. Some suggested building email
contact lists in case your followers suddenly disappear because FB shuts down a
page.
What obligations do book bloggers have to publishers? None, because they don’t work for them.
Bloggers are more like the news media but not quite. Most aren’t trained and educated on the
ethics, techniques, or perspectives the media embraces. Should bloggers post on every book they
request? No, but if they keep asking for
books and never do anything, the publisher could feel properly motivated to cut
that blogger off.
What trends are happening?
Is there a new hot site or a particular blog we all should follow? Nothing earth shattering came from the
morning panels that I sat in on, but each person can take in one idea that
resonates with them and feel they came away with a worthwhile tip or resource.
I came away with some good networking connections and the
happy conclusion that my four-year-old blog is doing many things a blog should
and could do. I thank you for reading and supporting it.
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