Ten Steps to a successful virtual blog tour - guest post from Anne O'Connell

Here we are at the start of a new year and every blog I read is reflecting back on the year gone by. I have to say my biggest highlight was the launch of my new (and first) book, @Home in Dubai…Getting Connected Online and on the Ground. I’m still on the high that comes from seeing your name on the cover of a book!

As I was planning the launch and developing my marketing strategy I decided to do a virtual book tour.  In my previous life as a PR professional, very often I would include a media tour as part of the recommended PR strategies so I intuitively knew the nuts ‘n bolts of what should go into a ‘blog tour’ and went about making it happen.  Honestly, as I was going through the planning and implementation it was refreshing to see that all of the elements were really the same… they just took place in cyberspace instead of in person.

So, in a nutshell, here are the 10 steps to a successful virtual book tour:

1. When you first sit down to write your book (yes, the planning starts as early as that), really flesh out your target market.
2. Make a list of blogs and other online media that reach the same target audience you’ve identified for your book. These will be the ones you’ll approach for your virtual book tour.
3. Start following and subscribe to the blogs and online magazines on your list. Leave relevant comments and get involved in the conversation.
4. Once your book launches, develop your pitch. Why should they be interested in your book and promote it to their followers, readers, viewers and listeners?
5. Pick dates for your tour (usually simultaneous to your book launch since it should be a key element of your marketing plan).
6. Make sure you have a website, active blog, Facebook and Twitter account (essentially your online platform) for people to visit and interact with you once you start promoting your book.
7. Develop several different ideas or angles so you have fresh content for each stop on the tour.
8. Send an introductory email to all bloggers/editors/creators on your list announcing the launch of your book, keeping step #4 in mind, and inviting them to participate in the virtual book tour. Offer a review copy of the book and say you’re available for interviews and/or would be pleased to provide a guest post (typically 200-400 words).
9. Prioritize the list and send personalized emails with specific topic ideas to your top 10
10. Start scheduling and have fun with it. Tweet, blog and post on Facebook (giving reciprocal exposure) about anyone who joins the tour, before, during and after.  And, don’t forget to thank them.

Even though my ‘official’ virtual book tour was December 12-17, I am still receiving inquires and requests for review copies and guest blogs. I’m happily accepting any and all offers!  Something you really must keep in mind is that promoting your book is a never-ending process.  So, just put it in your diary and accept it as part of your daily life now.  Happy writing!