When my first book was published, there was no such thing as online viral marketing, social media marketing or the Internet, as we know it today. It simply didn’t exist.
Getting the word out about your books was costly and, oftentimes, not very effective.
Authors often went unnoticed, simply because they didn’t have the knowledge or financial resources to do effective marketing campaigns.
Fast forward to today. The marketing playing field has been leveled. Now virtually anyone can gain massive visibility for his or her work.
Whether it be books, teleseminars, webinars or live events, opportunities for authors are limited merely by one’s desire to put the effort into spreading the word about what you have to offer.

Enter viral marketing

Viral marketing is a method of Internet marketing that attempts to make content so interesting that viewers will pass blog posts, videos, images and social media posts along to others.
More than ever, stars are born based on uniqueness of content posted online. A book can go from a virtual unknown to bestseller status in record time through the power of viral marketing.
However, it does take work. Lest you think no effort is involved with the process, think again.
The obvious work is in the writing and publishing of the book. Then there’s the actual marketing followed by consistent effort.

Community of Raving Fans

Consider what opportunities the book can create such as building a list of raving fans, opening doors for speaking gigs, consultation contracts and the obvious, the revenues to book can generate. Then there are the media opportunities.
The benefit to a viral marketing is unparalleled due to their work being viewed by potentially millions of eyeballs.
Many authors have not thought through the process of where their works can be viewed other than the obvious, Amazon.
Smart authors are well served to take the viral power of the internet into their own hands. This doesn’t mean the author must do all the work themselves.
There are countless choices of virtual assistants, support teams and other individuals who specialize in aspects of online marketing. Whether it be someone to post your information on social media, help with video marketing or secure interviews for you, the author, when done right, you can focus on your writing, while someone on your team does the push marketing.
Even one mention online has the potential to gain traction in many locations such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, YouTube and a raving fan’s blog.

Checklists Make The Process Easier

The best thing to do is have an actual checklist of what needs to be done every time you want to proactively market your work. Click the image of the Book Accelerator list for immediate, no opt-in access.
What you see below is a great place to start your viral marketing process. To have something this simple is better than having nothing. You can get more elaborate as you get more comfortable with the process of doing all you can to get on the viral train.

  • Blog post
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Slideshare
  • Google+
  • YouTube Video

In the past, authors had to depend on limited avenues to get their work out. Today, it’s merely a matter of focus, commitment and proudly saying to the world: “Hey, I’ve got some creative content here. Listen (look) up. You’re going to love this.”
Are you willing to put the effort into your content going viral? If so, it’s never been a better time to do so.