Lately I've been thinking about spamming. I've never spammed for attention, but it seems to be an issue amongst the writing community. Writers want to get their work out there; to be seen, known, read, but they do it in a Sheldon knock-knock way. Buy my book. Buy my book. Buy my book. Check out my book. Check out my book.
I've been weary of how much I should post about my book on social networks. I want people to know I'm a writer and my book has been published and if they're interested in sci/fi fantasy with a sub genre of romance, please check it out. I don't want to overstimulate potential readers to the point they disregard my book posts because it's nothing new. Plus I don't want people to think I'm obnoxious.
My last blog post highlighted some of the content in the book Secret Formulas of the Wizard Ads. The author, Roy Williams, writes about associative memory, and how powerful it can be when promoting yourself.
I dove deeper into the subject. Associative memory in psychology is classical conditioning. I studied this form of learning extensively while obtaining my BA in psychology. I didn't think much of it then, just another way organisms, whether human, canine, or any other creature can learn.
When making posts you want to produce an emotional response from readers, whether it's a blog post, social network post, or any other way you are attempting to share yourself. Repetition is also important, but not in a spammy way. Instead of making a post saying "buy my book" say something about writing, about yourself, about another book that you know will produce positive feelings from others. As time goes on others will associate you and your work with positive emotion, which could lead to more book sales.
Here's an example of classical conditioning that gets me every winter. It isn't about writing, but it's about selling. I am not a soda drinker, but occasionally I like to enjoy a fizzy beverage. Coke and their dang polar bears! I see a commercial and I HAVE to have a coke (This happened much worse when I was pregnant). The cute polar bears create a positive emotion which in turns creates positive emotion toward the coke product.
You can do this with your work. Instead of leaving a post with a link to your book, post something positive about the writing process, a funny quote, an experience you've had as a writer that other writers can identify with.
References
Williams H., Roy. Secret Formulas of the Wizard of Ads. Austin, TX. 1999
Lybarger, Matt. Classical Conditioning: It's Use in Marketing. (No Date) Online: http://teachers.sduhsd.k12.ca.us/jetheridge/Psychology/Classical%20Conditioning%20marketing.htm
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