This post, from Bob Baker, originally appeared on his Bob Baker’s Full-Time Author Blog in September, 2009.
If you think this is going to be about search engine optimization, a Google AdWords campaign, or Google Book Search … think again. Here are five things Google offers that you should consider using to connect with readers and promote your books:
1) Display your live event schedule with Google Calendar. Most people use this popular feature for personal appointments and scheduling. But you can also choose categories on your calendar to make public — and even embed them on your web site … AND make it easy for people to add your events to THEIR personal calendars. Visit this page for more details.
2) Help fans find your public appearances with Google Maps. This popular application is the next best thing to having a GPS system in your car. You can use it to find places you drive to, of course. But a really smart idea is to include Google Maps links to each event you speak at, not just the venue address.
Sure, fans can "map it" themselves. But why not save them a couple extra steps and provide a direct link? Learn more about Google Maps here.
Tip: Look up a venue address on Google Maps yourself first. Then click on "Link" just to the right of "Print" and "Send" to get the code.
Read the rest of the post, which includes three more Google Book Promotion ideas, on Bob Baker’s Full-Time Author Blog. Bob Baker is the author of 55 Ways to Promote & Sell Your Book on the Internet, among several other how-to books for indie authors and musicians. Learn more about Bob Baker by visiting his website.