Everyone agrees that writers needs an author website that reflects their brand but, if you want to encourage people to buy books, you also need to have a presence on social media sites, so your book can stand out in today’s crowded book market.

When you join a site, don't go hog wild sending out product offers to buy books before you establish a rapport with a few of the community members in the social network. Facebook, Twitter, forums, Ning and other social networks are bridges that allow people to reach you and be a part of what you are doing. If you leave them half done or do nothing to them at all, you may be missing opportunities to reach readers.

Why Social Networking Is Important

Savvy authors can learn how to use every aspect of the internet to sell more books by following the lead of other popular authors in the publishing industry. You don't have to rack your brain to come up with a bunch of new ideas. First master the existing marketing tools.

Posting in these networks and communities creates directional roadsigns that point people, the media and book buyers towards your website and places where they can purchase your books. If people can't find your website, you're wasting a lot of good effort.

How To Connect With Readers Online Who Buy Books

A new member to one of the communities I frequent, joined and sent a about a dozen spammy product offers that same day. The community moderator posted a curt demand on her profile, for her to curtail the behavior or risk being banned from the site.

Let authors be forewarned to not try this type of overt selling. It's important to complete your profile, regularly join in the discussions and post helpful tips and notes about your book events on your profile. Encourage members you meet, to join your network of friends, and give your friends sound reasons to sign-up for your newsletter.

Once they've requested your newsletter, you can control and influence your sales messages to convert your subscribers into book buyers.

Social Networking:Find Friends and Influence People To Buy Books

Identify like-minded people who are involved in similar activities, offer to share resources with them if you have something they might like or find useful. Make sure your email signature, links back to your website or where people can buy books.

Ask members and influencers in the groups you frequent for their opinion based on what you know about them. ("I’m heading to Atl next week, any good barbecue spots there?") If you make a promise, keep it.

Post pictures from book events on your home page. On sites where you are active send personal e-mails to networking site's administrator, group moderators and your top commenter (Let them know how much you appreciate their time).

How To Boost Your Book's Presence On Amazon

Once they've listed your book you can use a simple technique to get your book presented on the list frequently provided to Amazon customers when they search for their favorite books.

One of the keys to getting more exposure for your book, is to have your book on several of Amazon's list.

Once you know what other popular books in your genre are being searched for, you can add them to your listmania list, alongwith your book. Then every time someone trying to buy books, searches for one of the other books, there is a chance of having your book on the list that appears in the side panel too.