Just when you feel comfy-cozy with your platform efforts, something happens--like say Blogger goes offline for three days--and uneasiness sets in. Every new blog you head to seems to be powered by Wordpress. Someone mentions their site got tons of hits from StumbleUpon, and you don't even know what StumbleUpon is or how it's used.
Panic sets in.
All of your hard efforts now look shabby, worn, as out of date as pinafores. You wonder if you should switch to Wordpress even though you may lose many of your followers. You consider looking into StumbleUpon and Tumblr and a shiny new Facebook Page.
The panic morphs to stress.
Can I just say "Stop the Insanity!"? (Anyone else remember Susan Powter's work-out mantra?)
I realize we all want to do the right things--the smart things--to grow our platforms, and maybe switching to a different blog service or learning a few more social networks is the right thing to do. But I'm not going to, and here's why.
Jill Kemerer Opinion alert!!
Blogger has been good to me. It's free, simple to use, and terrific for networking. I've made countless connections through its use of Google Friend Connect, Blogrolls, and ease of subscribing. My pages load quickly, and I love how simple it is to post and update. It's a gem for non-technical bloggers. (Disclaimer: I've never used Wordpress, but it has terrific features also.)
As far as the slew of other promotional sites like DiggIt, StumbleUpon, Tumblr, and such--I'm sure they're fabulous. I, however, took a hard look at my schedule, realized I have too much on my plate right now, and won't be utilizing them. Will it hurt my platform? I don't think it will.
The bottom line?
It's easy to feel competitive with other authors, but jumping on every bandwagon doesn't necessarily help our platform or fit into our life. Does the average reader find our book if it's been Stumbled? Will the reader buy more books if our website looks more up-to-date? Will the reader find our blog quicker if we use Wordpress or Blogger? I can't answer these questions. I don't know.
I do know that search engines find my blog without any problem. My website and blog are the first things that pop up if you type my name into search engines. I'm easy to find on Facebook and Twitter. And that's good enough for me.
There isn't one best way to build a platform.
Do what you're comfortable with. Weigh the benefits and costs of any major decision, whether it's switching blog services or trying a new social media network. But most of all, sit back and chill. We're building name recognition, not saving the world! (My apologies to you if you are saving the world. I'm writing romance novels. Big difference. :)
Do you ever feel pressure to expand your platform? How do you react?
Enjoy your Friday!
Well said, Jill. I do what a non-techy can and blogger works for me! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is fab!
ReplyDeleteWell said, it's all too easy to panic and wonder if you're doing the right thing.
I've only just joined facebook after a lot of pushing and nagging, but hey, I did it in my own time. Glad to have done it now.
Trouble is there's always something new, something better, or not...
Keeping things in perspective and do what we're comfortable is the key.
Have a great weekend, Elle
Excellent advice, Jill. And I mostly agree. Blogger has been good to me, mostly, and I really don't have time to learn how to switch, but I just have a couple of issues with Blogger that are becoming deal breakers for me.
ReplyDeleteAlthough.... I did see a blog the other day that does what I want my Blogger to do. And I can't even remember which blog it was, but it was a Blogger blog, but it had Wordpress commenting. So, the author was able to reply to each commenter if she chose. I want that.
Amen, Jill! Great post.
ReplyDeleteBlogger's had its issues lately, but I think I've got the hang of it. At least enough to make me dangerous. And after recently joining Facebook-like Elle, after being nagged and poked-Google launches a beta version of facebook. Oye!
I thought about switching hosts for a bit ... until I realized that Wordpress users complain about issues there, too. Ultimately, all technology is going to have problems from time to time, and you just have to pick what works for you. Like you, I like the ease of Blogger! As for the rest of it ... I figure I can spend time frantically trying to improve my "platform," or trying to improve my actual writing. I think I prefer to work on the writing!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I do need to stop the insanity and that's not even social networking related. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat post. When I'm feeling pressured I usually need to step back and regain perspective.
(I love Goodreads...shameless plug.)
~ Wendy
Love your advice, Jill. What works for one person may not work for another. Each person needs to do what works for her schedule.
ReplyDeleteI've used both Wordpress and Blogger, but I feel Blogger is more user friendly, especially for a new blogger than WP. I like it and I'm staying with it.
Due to my schedule, I've decided to limit my social media to Twitter, Facebook, and blogging. When I have more time, I'll expand.
Yes, I sometimes do feel the pressure to increase my platform/ Thanks for this post reminding me that I should do what I can and let the rest go.
ReplyDeleteI like blogger (just recently gave my blog a face-lift) and I'm on twitter and facebook.
Have a happy 4th!
I switched from Blogger to Wordpress about six months ago. I did lose some followers in the move but I do like the additional features I find in WP. Blogger was good to me too though. Bottom line is I think it is less about the platform and more about the interactions with the people. I love your site and your personable touch.
ReplyDeleteHa, you know I have! Based on our recent conversations. I like your points.
ReplyDeleteYes, I feel pressure to do more with social media. And I do. But I remind myself that the best way to expand presence and platform is to write a really good book. If I don't deliver the goods, it won't matter how many people have heard of me. Or it will matter the wrong way!
ReplyDeleteHi Jill,
ReplyDeleteI can't even think about anything other than blogger. I'm just now learning how to use it correctly. :) Twitter is my next endeavor.
Have a great weekend!
I am so happy to read this post. I've had a website for a while. I've been blogging - on Blogger - for a couple of years. My website maker has only now convinced me to join Facebook - LOL - and I've been frazzled over that for a couple of weeks, but it's finally coming together. Next she's linking me to Linked-In and Twitter. She promises they'll all work together and I won't have to go here and there. We'll see. But one way or another, I will have a book to promote next year and I wanted to expand on my base. I hoping the trick is to always remember that writing comes first. Otherwise, I might yank the plug and return to basics only.
ReplyDeleteI love the last line of your post, Jill! Too funny :-) I'm learning more and more each day, and it works if I take my time. Right now, I'd rather stick with my current social media than overwhelm myself with all that's out there. Have a great 4th!
ReplyDeleteWhen I made the switch from Blogger to WordPress, I lost a lot of my followers. Those who actually follow and comment a lot made the switch with me. But I look at the measly number on my new site and groan. It's like starting all over again! Yeah, I panicked!
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon!
ReplyDeleteFirst, sorry I've been out of town for the last few days, so I'm just now getting to my social sites!
Second, Wow! Love these comments! You're all supportive, wonderful people and I appreciate your thoughts on Blogger, Wordpress, and the whole nine yards!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I have found you either love Blogger or love Wordpress. I tried a blogspot blog and found Wordpress easier for some odd reason. It works for me. One mantra I heard from pub Jacquie Rogers is, "Having the next product (book) ready to go is more important than anything else." I'm still trying to follow that. :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't like wordpress at all so I will stick with Blogger:) Happy fourth!!
ReplyDeleteI had heard from a friend in IT, and he knows that I'm no computer genius, to use Blogger - that Wordpress was a nightmare and difficult at times. But, my social media instructor recommended Wordpress, and since I was paying for her to help me, that's what I went with. And you know what? I was able to do everything on my own! I set the pages up, and launched my blog without any help from my IT guy (even though I had him nearby).
ReplyDeleteHi,Jill! I've never used Blogger, but I've been on Wordpress now for about four months and I do like it. Initially, it took me awhile to get the hang of it, probably because I'm not too techy you may remember:) I think it offers a lot at the freebie level, but Blogger may, too.
ReplyDeleteI think your present site looks great, and I really like your beachy theme! :)
(Oh, and I'm glad you're home...I feel a techy question coming on...)
Happy Fourth of July!
all about balance! You can soooo wear yourself out keeping up with everything. I use both wordpress and blogger and my twitter is linked to facebook. For now. It can be overkill for your own brain! The rest you can leave for options to expand your platform eventually. You just never know what will catch on;)
ReplyDeleteMore great input on Wordpress/Blogger and platforms! I store all this info away, so I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and tips!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
Nope, I definitely am not saving the world either! But hopefully may have made one person smile today and maybe even feel a little better about his/her life. I feel pressure just to keep up with what I am doing now, and focus on doing it well. I believe doing well on a few platforms is better than doing just average on many. Although, having a publicist who manages all platforms excellently would be a awesome! But I don't think that is going to happen to me!
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying this, sweetie. I so feel pressured to build my platform, since I'm a nf writer in Nowheresville, USA. Just this morning I was telling the Lord with tears, "I don't want to make myself known--I want to make YOU known." I think He knows each heart, and has a custom made plan for each life. He will show us what's best for us, if we ask and follow His leading, not try to squeeze into someone's predetermined mold for writers. So there.
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th and hugs for a freeing post,
Jen
You're blog is wonderful. I'm so glad I found it. But I do understand how you feel. I've often wondered if I'm spreading myself too thin. And then when Blogger has a hiccup it really causes stress. But for the most part I do like Blogger.
ReplyDeleteThanks, that's absolutely wonderful!! :D
ReplyDeleteI think you're exactly right, Jill... we have to discern what we are able to handle at any given time and put aside the pressure to do more. Although developing an online presence has definite value, how extensive it needs to be will change at different points in our careers, and writing is always the first priority.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had a single site problem in three years of blogging with Wordpress, so I'm a big fan, but I imagine every option has its strengths and weaknesses. I think your blog is very attractive! :)
Lynn: I would love that mystical publicist too! And your blog always makes me smile. :)
ReplyDeleteJeanette: Uggh--the dreaded nf platform! I feel for you, I truly do. I think you're doing exactly what you should be doing, and whenever I read one of your blogs or see you on a social media site, I feel happy. You have such a special touch.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
New follower here. I have been researching on switching and I am eager, then hesitant. I can't make up my mind. Blogger gets on my last nerve at times, especially when comments aren't working or staying logged in, which still hasn't be corrected and the biggest issue; you have no one to help you but the forums. I am sure WP has it headaches too, which is why I haven't switched, yet. Don't want to trade one headache for another. But I love blogging, so what's a girl to do, blog rehab doesn't work. :-) enjoying your blog, it's great.
ReplyDeleteTotally i agree with you in this point "simple to use, and terrific for networking. "
ReplyDelete