Tina Nocera, founder of the Parental Wisdom blog, and the author of Because Kids Don’t Come With Manuals: Contemporary Advice for Parents, recently shared her experience of using her blog to promote her book.
NH: Why did you start blogging?
TN: Interestingly, the book is a conversation on parenting; something I mention in the introduction. A blog seemed like a natural progression to continue that conversation and have a more interactive discussion with parents on current issues.
To listen to what people have to say. Example, in a post from yesterday – - very interesting situation. I have something in my book called a "Stupid Ticket" and a mom received one and was rather upset. I used the blog as a way to explain it from her point of view and also soften and explain the message. I would not have had any other opportunity to reach others if not for the blog.
NH: How did you build your readership?
TN: I connected it to my website and I also host a parents daily inspirational phone message where I often mention that they can visit the blog and write a comment as the blog and daily message are often the same.
I periodically offer free information which requires readers to sign up to my site. Once on my site, I offer a weekly email message – always with a very catchy title so it gets opened (running at nearly 50% opening the message). Shortly I plan to offer very unique content (I have 2 U.S. Patents on Child Development for my website and database) and will run EzineArticles on that as well.
NH: Have you submitted your blog to blog directories?
TN: I haven’t but it is something I should do. Like everything else – this is a constant learning process.
NH: Do you post on other blogs?
TN: Yes, I would recommend it, but haven’t done very much of it. It’s great exposure.
NH: Is there something about blogging to promote your book that you’d like to share with other authors?
TN: I suppose it’s the David vs. Goliath theory. You know the story about David and Goliath, right. Everyone said the little boy couldn’t possibly beat the giant. They told David, "Look at him and look at you, you can’t possibly win." David said, "Yeah, look at me and look at him. I can’t possibly miss!" I see blogging as evening up the odds for attention.
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Hi! what an interview! Tina is an inspiration for me. i, too, i do like writing some articles, creating short stories and the likes. but i am not aware of putting it into blogs. i just used to write it or simply type it. But i could say that her idea of posting her stories, articles, etc. on blog makes them more exposed and at the same time, she would be able to clarify the things that the readers might be confused to or the things they wanna ask to the author.
Nice idea. i am looking forward to your success.
I am thinking that if listen to what people have to say. Example, in a post from yesterday – – very interesting situation but Interview with a Mom-Author-Blogger interesting.