Blogging, Writing, and Publishing

While preparing to go on vacation I was concerned about how to handle my publishing and book selling business. Sure, I'm online and so are my book sales, but I will still have to advertise and fulfill sales while gone. I can't afford to hang a sign on my website saying, "Gone fishing, be back in two weeks". I don't think potential customers would understand. I don't think you can afford to do so either. So, what is a niche publisher to do? Use the tools available. Here are some tools that every niche publisher and author should have. They are affordable and will help returning customers build confidence in your products and services. First and foremost, make your primary point of sale at digital bookstores such as Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com. That way when customers buy, you are not in the middle of the sale. I use LightningSource.com and Createspace.com to upload digital and hardcopy books to myriad online stores. Once I set up titles, I don't h...

Chances are that you are already gainfully employed and are involved with other life matters. You are probably considering following both your dream of writing and owning your own business. You’ve probably explored both, but hesitate because it really doesn’t make sense to take on another job while spending 40 hours a week of your life being miserable. So, do something you love in your professional and personal lives. The same goes for the business you want to start. Passion is hard to define, so I’ll draw up a scene from what got me started: “I have a great idea that will help other people earn the certification!” I exclaimed to my wife, almost immediately after telling some great news. “Wait a minute, let’s get back to the certification,” my wife replied, redirecting the conversation. “You passed the exam?” Her smile demonstrated how happy she had been for me. “Thanks. Sorry about changing the subject,” I replied. “I know that you...

“We’ve done all we can. We’ll let the medicine and God do the rest. Why don’t we catch our breaths now?” said Marta. “I could use a breather.” John followed Marta to a cool spot in the shade of her hut. Business as usual, he thought as he watched a couple dig up sweet potatoes. “Steve is probably wondering what the blur was going through the middle of Tiom.” John laughed reflectively. “Waiting for you was painful,” said Marta. “I haven’t stopped rushing until just now. I radioed for the medicine, and Steve had it waiting. He handed it through my window right there on the runway. Next thing I knew I was flying back,” said John. “I think my heart has stopped pounding. You may just be a hero. Who knows what would have happened had you not been here.” “I’m sure everything would have been fine.” John looked at her approvingly. “Don’t sell yourself short. I’m glad you were here. I think you were right the first time,” said Marta. “When?” asked John. “When you came today. I think you were rig...

Guess what, niche marketers can command top search engine results for free. Many marketing tools are available for you at no cost. 1.  Article writing and interacting on social media networks can result in top search engine rankings. 2.  Add key words and phrases to your websites, blogs and newsletters that search engines pick up on really works. Your challenge is to find a possibly elusive market and send them the right message. My market is hard to find; many in the security niche do not have an online presence and mailing lists aren't always available. By nature, members of some small security niches do not participate in social network and limit internet behavior activity. However, what I have learned creates an advantage for niche marketers. 3.  All professionals have email addresses issued by their corporations, belong  to professional organizations and are hungry for education. I also know ...