Jul 7, 2016 |
After my peeps joined my campaign to bring Raven to Bedford Manor [Translation: When my family and friends supported my fundraiser to buy a new laptop], I was approached by several friends and associates who asked for advice on crowdfunding.
Now, before I get into all that, I need to let y’all in on a not-so-secret. I’ve been pursuing knowledge this year like never before. I’ve attended conferences, used Google like a best friend, and sought information from anyone willing to share it.
And I’ve learned that I’ve already learned a lot. It’s time to use my knowledge. It’s time to grow.
I’m a writer, right? So what’s This Girl to do with some of this wisdom, but, well, write it out? I know, bet ya didn’t see that one coming, did ya? [*insert snarky comment here*]
In a mutually beneficial effort to not only get my Social Media Ninja name out there, and to help others, I published a new Kindle booklet: Crowdfunding Your Way to Success.
I did this because my most recent crowdfunding campaign, Molly Needs A Mac, was so successful and I want to help others exceed their goals and needs. It’s also my second completed project on my new Mac (the first was setting up and producing last week’s Firsts In Fiction Podcast). See? I told y’all I’d continue to strive to be worthy of your investment.
So if you’re thinking of crowdfunding your next creative endeavor, you’ll find some helpful tips in my new Kindle booklet. Just click on the photo for the link.
Crowdfunding Your Way to Success by Molly Jo Realy
As always,
With a huge jar of pennies and quite a bit of sweet tea,
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Jul 5, 2016 |
Exciting news: NOLA is nearly fifty percent written!
Josie and her new friends are going through the wringer (it is a mystery, after all) but still finding moments to enjoy the Crescent City. Would you like to meet her friends? You would?
How about one in particular? One very special friend.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Rain.
Meet Rain, from NOLA
Rain and Toni are best friends. He lives on the plantation he inherited. I could tell you more, but I can’t give away any secrets.
Josie is immediately attracted to him, and relishes in learning more about him every chance she gets.
What does he do for a living? Let’s just say food is involved. He’s also a take-charge kind of guy.
New Experiences in NOLA
Josie soon discovers some of Rain’s imperfections and struggles to make sense of the chaos surrounding these revelations.
But New Orleans is a restless environment, throwing Voodoo, hurricanes and Rougarous into the mix.
How is Josie going to learn all Rain’s truths? And does she really want to?
Want more? I was hoping you would. Join the Facebook NOLA Swarm Group and be a part of the fun.
NOLA should be released later this year.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Jul 4, 2016 |
For realz. Who doesn’t love photos of cute kittens? (Which begs the question: Are there ever any ugly kittens? I think not.) And better ratings? And smart, helpful people? Those social bees will be swarming all over for a piece of this sweet pie.
Five Kittens
Just like with books on the bookstore shelf, a post on the blog is competing with many more like it. The reality is titles are the money-maker. You could have found the cure for the common cold, but unless your title gets the reader’s attention, no one else will benefit from your wisdom.
Hooking your readers feels a bit like putting together a jigsaw puzzle while blindfolded but like any puzzle, once you get the border established, the rest will fall into place.
Kitten Puzzle
Take a look at the title for this post. Got your attention, didn’t it? Let’s break it down into manageable morsels and get you some title honey to help attract your Swarm.
- The Popularity Contest. Social media is interactive. Become a Bee Ninja and learn from the masters. Then share and share alike. Cross links, reposts, and mentions are a great way to let others know you recognize their sweet social media savvy, and they may return the favor. At the very least, your readers will know you do your research.
- It’s a Numbers Game. “Five Easy Solutions” or “Ten Alternate Ways” gives your readers a selection to choose from. They may not agree with everything you say, but who doesn’t love counting the seconds when the Big Apple falls on New Year’s Eve? Give your Swarm a reason to see if their favorites made your list. And then ask them to leave a comment of what they would add.
The Numbers Game
- Keep it Simple. Notice how often the words “easy” and “simple” are used in countdown titles. Would you read a post that offered 25 Complicated Steps to Brushing Your Hair? How about 31 Ways to Confuse Yourself in the Kitchen? Remember your Swarm is made up of worker bees. You want them to have time to promote you, not get frustrated and fly away. A short list plus easy options equals a happy hive.
- Yes, I mean kittens. Cute, cuddly, attention-grabbing kittens. Do you have any idea how many posts generate kitten memes? I don’t either, but I hear it’s, well, a lot. Find something specific to your brand or subject matter that others will buzz about then stand back and watch them play.
- The End Goal. Imagine a large stadium or court with the clock ticking down. Tick. Tick. Tick. The ball snaps or bounces and you leap out of the impending rush of opponents. Your teammates cheer and buzz as you reach the goal, make the pass. Even the visitors have to admit, you have what it takes. And you sweetly take the win.
MoJo Says: Five Simple Ways Counting Kittens Can Boost Your Blog Traffic
Not every posts needs every element, but a good title will draw your Swarm in. A great post will keep them buzzing.
With some sweet tea and a spoonful of honey,
~ Happy writing.
Molly Jo
