According to a recent survey more than 75 percent of businesses are now using social media to get the word out about what they do. Are you using it to promote your book yet?

If not, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. Social media is an especially effective way for authors and experts to expand their reach and develop relationships with potential customers, whether they live right next door or halfway around the world.

If you’re unfamiliar with this relatively new line of communication, here’s what you need to know. Social media is defined as any form of online publication or presence that allows end users to engage in multi-directional conversations in or around the content on the website. It can include a wide range of online activities, including participating on networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, blogging, leaving comments on message boards, etc.

A number of authors RMA Publicity works with do a good job of creating buzz for their books by keeping their fans informed about events they are participating in, topics they are interested in and feedback they are getting about their books.

A good example of an author-initiated social media campaign is the one launched for Still Standing The Story of SSG John Kriesel.  John’s story (mentioned earlier in this newsletter) has captivated Minnesotans ever since they heard about it on the news. Retired newspaper editor Jim Kosmo spent countless hours interviewing John, then they collaborated on the book which was published in 2010.

Before the book even came out, they launched a Facebook page to keep their friends aware of its progression, and to this day they regularly add updates. The book’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/stillstandingstory has more than 2,000 fans.

As important as social media is, it shouldn’t be your only means of promoting your book.  Activities such as appearing at book signings, speaking on your topic of expertise, securing book reviews, entering contests, and sharing your story through the news media should also be part of your overall book marketing strategy.