John Colanzi of The Simple System, invites you to reprint this
article in your print publication, ezine, or on your website.
This is a Free-Reprint article. The only requirements for publishing this article
are:
You must leave the article and resource box unedited.
You are not allowed to change our recommendations, nor are
you allowed to change the context of the article.
You may not use this article in UCE (Unsolicited Commercial Email).
Email distribution of this article MUST be opt-in email only.
You must forward a copy of the ezine or newsletter that contains the
article inside to the author at:
darkduelist@yahoo.com.
If you post this article on a website, you MUST set any URL's
in the body of the article and most especially in the Author's
Resource Box as hyperlinks. You must also send us a copy of
the URL where you have posted this article.
If you find any of the rules to be unsavory or unacceptable, please
do not publish this article. While we are happy to make the content
available to you for your own use, we must insist on having our rules
and *Terms of Reprint* honored in full.
Thank you for adhering to these four very simple rules.
Why Authors Should Blog
Copyright 2004, John Colanzi
|
While watching the presidential conventions I was struck by
the fact that blogs had totally revolutionized the
publishing industry. Sitting right alongside the major news
agencies were the bloggers frantically typing on their
laptops. Even seasoned veterans who had covered past
conventions mentioned the power of this new media.
Due to the dynamic nature of blogs, the bloggers with their
laptops could report in real time, thus getting their
stories online long before the morning newspapers would hit
the streets. Commentators even mentioned that many of the
breaking news stories had been reported first by bloggers.
Think about this for a minute. Gutenberg revolutionized the
publishing industry by letting writers mass produce their
work.
The next phase of growth was the Internet. Finally anyone
could publish their work and have it sent around the globe
in seconds. When the digital publishing revolution hit, it
seemed too good to be true.
With the digital revolution anyone and everyone could now
spread their message. Writers could bypass the traditional
publishing industry and save time in getting their work to
the public.
They no longer had to fear that dreaded rejection slip.
They could succeed or fail on their own merit. No one had
control over how or what he or she could write.
The Internet was a writer’s paradise.
It seemed as good as it could get.
Well, we hadn’t seen anything. Web logs, or blogs as they
are called, have propelled publishing to the next level.
Not only could writers publish in real time, they could
have it online instantly.
As powerful as that may be, the real power lies in the
ability to syndicate your writing by plugging your content
into an RSS feed.
Imagine the possibilities. You can now become a part of a
targeted network of like-minded blogs and have your content
spread through the entire network in the twinkling of an
eye.
You’ve got the ability to tap into the ultimate in viral
marketing and branding. You can build an audience
overnight.
So, how can you get started?
The first thing you’ll need is a blog. Don’t let the
concept of a blog intimidate you. I’ve got a blog and trust
me; I’m not the sharpest axe in the shed when it comes to
technology.
To get started you’ll need a blog. Here are a few sites
you'll find helpful.
FactoSystem Weblog (ASP based)
http://sourceforge.net/projects/facto/
InstaBlog
http://instablog.hit.bg/
OpenJournal
http://www.grohol.com/downloads/oj/
GeekLog - The Ultimate Weblog System
http://sourceforge.net/projects/geeklog
Blogger
http://www.blogger.com
Your goal when creating content for you blog, is the same
as it would be when creating a website. Your content will
be designed to attract the audience that would be
interested in your books.
The same idea applies when adding your blog to an RSS feed.
You want to have your content syndicated to individuals
that have an interest in your writings and are willing to
buy your books.
Your content gives them a taste of your writing style and
expertise. The feed makes sure you get maximum exposure.
An added benefit is most blogs allow visitors to post
comments about your site. By posting their comments and
having you reply, they get to know you are a real person.
The ability to have a give and take with your visitors is
an extremely powerful tool. Your readers will feel
comfortable doing business with someone they know.
Your next step is to plug into an RSS feed. Your goal when
syndicating your content, is the same goal you would have
when building the traditional ezine list.
The feed will drive targeted traffic to your blog, but it’s
your ability to provide quality content that will keep them
coming back.
So where can you learn more about RSS feeds? An excellent
place to start is RSSTop55 - Best Blog Directory And RSS
Submission Sites.
http://www.johncolanzi.com/feed.html
This site is just what the name implies. The top 55 blog
directory and submission sites. You can find a feed for any
subject.
If you’re serious about you writing, grab your blog. Plug
into an RSS feed and become an expert overnight.
|
Copyright (c) John Colanzi.
John has been writing on the Internet for 5 years and has a
special gift for you. Sign up for your complementary e-Course
"How To Build Your Business With Free Advertising." Visit:
http://www.thesimplesystem.net/cashflow.html
|
|
The article on this page is Copyright © 2004, John Colanzi
You are not required to show the creative commons license
notice when you reprint this work.
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License.
|
|
Article Marketing Tips:
| |
|
- Stand out from the crowds. Educate your prospects and they will turn to you for more knowledge. When they turn to you for more, they will visit your website. It is up to your website copy to sell your products, NOT your article. Provide great information and at your website, address how the prospect will benefit from what you are offering. Using these things in conjuction will help your cash register to ring.
|
|
