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Author Archive for Jeanette – Page 2

Nov
20

CNN Live Broadcast

by Jeanette

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a television newscaster, you’ll enjoy this story.  You can watch the video at the end of this article.

I was visiting the CNN Center in Atlanta when I noticed the broadcast studio on the ground floor. For a mere $25 you can sit in the anchor chair, read the prepared script from the teleprompter and take home a DVD of your performance.

It was too great an opportunity to pass up!

After signing up, I got to choose the CNN anchor who would “throw” the lead to me. I chose Anderson Cooper, not having any idea what it would be.

Jason, the CNN employee who ran the teleprompter and recorded the DVD, took me into the studio. He explained the process and we did a practice run-through of the prepared script. Naturally they are protective of their brand, so I couldn’t stray from the script. While I stumbled over several of the phrases, I felt like I was “ready. (The biggest problem for me was the numbers – they type all of the numbers out. So instead of 1996 it’s nineteen ninety six. Jason explained that with larger numbers, it would cause a hesitation if they had to decided whether it’s 56 million or 56 thousand, then read all of the numbers. So standard practice is to type out all numbers.)

As we started the actual recording, I could hear Anderson Cooper’s intro, then Jason gave me the cue and we were off! Naturally, I stumbled over the same numbers I had had problems with in practice, but I smiled and kept reading. That’s where it was really helpful to have so many teleseminars and webinars under my belt – I am comfortable with not being perfect. It’s just part of life.

In 5 minutes we were totally finished. And I had gained a whole new respect for news broadcasters. It was hard enough, just reading the teleprompter. I can’t imagine also having an ear-piece in my ear, with people talking to me at the same time I’m trying to appear calm and make sense on the air! Talk about multi-tasking!

This was a very positive experience for me. If you ever have a chance to record a broadcast, I recommend you take advantage of it. You’ll learn a lot about your ability to handle new situations, quick surprises – and have fun at the same time!

And now – here’s the broadcast!

3 Categories : Podcast
Oct
28

Podcasts Revisited

by Jeanette

podcastPodcasts are a simple process. You record an audio. Others download and listen to it or listen to it online.

The key to a successful podcast, however, is the distribution of your audio.

While you can easily record an audio and post it on your blog (yes, this IS a podcast!), most people want to offer their podcast to a broader audience than just those reading their blog. That’s why they use distribution networks like iTunes and other podcast networks.

I’ve chased the podcast bug for many years. In May, 2006, I hosted an excellent program with Paul Colligan, an early pioneer in podcasting. Paul offered a good instructional program, but frankly, it was too complex to be practical for me at the time.

Then in 2012 I took an excellent course from Robert & Lance called Podcast crusher. I listened to all the lessons, followed all the directions, and completed all the steps. I even created my own step-by-step checklist, listing each step in the process.

But even then, it took 4 different pieces of software, including a monthly subscription to a service that “hosted” the files and gave me usage statistics.

I recorded 4 shows – then stopped. It was just “too much” for me at that time.

But here’s the thing. My shows have continued to get listeners, downloads – and generated business for me. Even after 2 years! Month after month I have new subscribers to my podcast and business coming in as a result.

In fact, recently I’ve been thinking about starting to record my podcast again.

That’s why I’m VERY excited about a new product that is being introduced to the marketplace today. It’s called Audello and is from the same people who created Easy Video Suite and Easy Video Player. They are rock solid when it comes to reputation and quality products.

Why do I think Audello is exactly the right tool to use for your podcast? Here are 10 reasons:

1. It’s easy to use.
2. You can record directly into the audello recorder. No extra software required.
3. You can record directly on your smart phone, making it easy to record in multiple places without carrying a separate recorder, microphones, etc.
4. You can upload directly from the recorder, whether it’s on your desktop or on your phone.
5. The desktop recorder also records Skype calls, saving yet another piece of software to purchase and learn.
6. No file conversion is necessary.
7. You have a choice of where to host your recordings, eliminating the need for a monthly service.
8. Audello publishes to multiple podcast outlets.
9. There is a help desk to answer your questions.
10. You get comprehensive statistics on your podcast.

Bottom line: All of the tools, bells & whistles are in one place. No more multiple software applications and how-to’s!

I recommend you look at Audello, whether you already have a podcast or are considering starting one. NOW is the time to look at Audello, as they will only have launch pricing for a few days.

It will never be easier or more affordable than it is with this system. Click Here for details.

10 Categories : Podcast
Oct
8

Your Website Blueprint

by Jeanette

I recently had a client ask this question: I was talking with a group of smart young techies about my upcoming website. They immediately asked if I had my “Systems Plan” (a 17-page in-depth blueprint) for my website finished already. I had never heard of this before, but I do want to be sure I am covering all my bases, especially when it comes to creating a good user experience. Do I need a Systems Plan before I go any further?

My response:  The type of Plan they were referring to is one that you would put together for a large corporate type of site. It involves a lot of “path analysis” (the different paths users could take through the site) and detailed descriptions. I’ve been involved in several of these. It’s a lot of work but necessary when you are turning over the programming of the site to multiple teams of people. If you were going to develop a site for a large multi-national corporation, you would use a Systems Plan.

You already have a plan (aka website blueprint) for your website, but it’s based on others’ experience and testing. In the typical one-person, one-product type of site we create for online marketing, there is generally only one path – optin page, sales page, payment page, delivery page. Naturally there are variations of this, but it’s all very simple.

If you are building an authority blog, then it takes a bit more planning, but even then it is very simple, with multiple branches based on keyword families.

Generally there is only one person directing the website development. There may be one or two other people involved. But it’s a simple process to outline and manage.

So no need for a Systems Plan. You already have the plan!

Would you like to ask me YOUR questions? Then join AskJeanetteCates.com today – and get personal answers to YOUR questions!

0 Categories : Blogs, Webmaster
Sep
19

How I wrote 1500 Words Before I Got Out Of Bed

by Jeanette

If you are a person who wakes up quickly and jumps out of bed raring to go, this is not a technique for you.
But if you are like me and wake up slowly and often have your best ideas before you’re fully awake, you’re going to love this technique.

I’m not a morning person. I don’t wake up quickly or easily. I like to wake up at my own pace, roll over and doze for a while. I often go over ideas and thoughts for the day in my semi-conscious state.

For years I have kept a notepad and pen next to the bed so that I could jot down ideas ss they occur to me. Sometimes I even write them down without opening my eyes because the ideas flow so easily.

This morning was just that kind of morning. I had no appointments. It was quiet. And I was content to doze with dozens of ideas flowing. But this morning was different. I didn’t reach for my notepad. I reached for my iPhone!

Recently I discovered that my iPhone has a tiny microphone next to the spacebar in most applications. I hadn’t paid much attention to it until I was talking to a friend who works at the Apple store, asking him for a solution for friend with palsy. He pointed out the microphone and told me that she could dictate her emails and text messages with the built-in mic. Likewise she could dictate notes in the notes application.

write on your phone

As I picked up my iPhone I went to Notes and hit the microphone button. Before I knew it I was dictating notes for an upcoming presentation. I could record phraseology and miscellaneous thoughts. I could get everything down with about 95% accuracy. And I didn’t even have to open my eyes!

Shortly thereafter I found ideas about an upcoming book winging across my mind. I again grabbed my iPhone hit the dictation button and began talking.

And just a few minutes after doing that I realized there was an article idea here. As I’m talking to you I’m actually dictating this entire article on my iPhone using the built-in microphone in the Notes application.

Of course there are other applications that you could use such as Dragon Naturally Speaking or other transcription-type software. Bbut what impressed me was that this was already there. It was a tool that has been sitting on my phone for years without my even noticing it. Now that I know it works so well I’m much more likely to invest in fancier dictation software. After all, this particular application only holds about 30 seconds of dictation before it needs to pause and actually type it out.

On the other hand that gives me an opportunity to catch my thoughts for a moment and then go forward. Overall in less than 30 minutes of waking up without even having to open my eyes, I’ve already written over 1500 words today.
If you hesitate in creating content or if you love creating content, this is a technique that may work for you. No longer do those of us who wake up slowly have to put off productivity until later in the day. What will you dictate today?

Productivity-Pointers250For more productivity ideas and tips pick up a copy of my One Hour Guide to Productivity Pointers, available at Amazon

7 Categories : eBooks
Sep
2

Book Launch Tips

by Jeanette

As a Kindle book author, you know that your primary job once the book is finished is marketing. Some people love the marketing aspect of being an author, but an equal number dread it. While you may understand intellectually that marketing is necessary, fun does not fit into your definition of marketing.

I had the same attitude until I started marketing my first Kindle book! Seeing daily results from my marketing efforts made it all a lot more fun. As the sales started to pour in, it turned into a game. It’s now become a daily obsession – what can I do to increase my sales?

Here are ten ways that you can start having more fun in marketing your Kindle book.

1. Track from day one. You don’t know what’s working unless you are tracking your sales. I make it a habit to log into my KDP account first thing every morning and jot down my total sales (and borrows) for the month. It was fun seeing which days of the week sold best, as well as seeing if I could track spikes in sales based on my marketing efforts.

You’ll also want to track borrows, which now include Kindle Unlimited “sales.” Likewise, it’s fun to track foreign sales to see how many countries your book is selling in!

2. Play the Amazon game. Based on the description of the various Amazon ranking factors found in Let’s Get Visible by David Gaughran, I watched my daily rankings. Immediately after checking my sales, I went to my book page and scrolled down to the ranking section.

In that way I could see how well I was doing in each category. I could also see which day Amazon added the page count and when they started adding my book to the “those who bought this also bought this” list on other books in related categories. Each step made it more fun!

3. Encourage reviews. Naturally we would all like all 5-star reviews, but often you can learn the most from those with 3 or 4 stars. Read every review. I did this each morning as I was checking my sales stats.

Respond to any reviews you need to, vote for your favorite reviews so they move up the list, and send thank you notes to the reviewers you know.

I also wrote and shared an article with my network on How to Write an Amazon Review, as well as one on Why Authors Need Your Reviews. Those helped take the mystery out of the review process for some of my readers.

4. Document the process. Each time I gained a new ranking, I took a screen shot. That included total sales rank in Amazon, as well as where I stood in each of my three major book categories. It turns out you can rank for both books and Kindle books – even if you only publish on Kindle. For example, this is a screen shot for my Membership Site Plan book, taken on 2/21/2014.

2-21-2014 12-44-52 PM

These screen shots can be used in articles, blog posts, and on social media. They also back up any of your claims in terms of best-seller status.

5. Go where the audience is. Since my Ecourse and Teleseminar Guest books offer additional distribution methods for authors, I found that advertising on sites where authors go can be valuable. Therefore it made sense to pay for ads on author marketing sites.

Consider your book’s target market. Where do they go online? Then buy ads on those sites so that you are right in front of them.

6. Use profitable links. Always use an affiliate link when sending people to your book. In the first month I made extra money over and above the sales of the book because those clicking on the link to my book also bought other items while they were on Amazon. From groceries to music to golf clubs – they sell it all. And when you send visitors with your link they are “cookied” for 24 hours. It’s extra money in your pocket.

7. Use tracking links for each source of traffic. Within your Amazon affiliate account, set up tracking links for each source of traffic. I use different links for my blog, email, Facebook, YouTube, and article sites, as well as other places where I post my links. By tracking these sources you not only see where your sales are coming from, but you also see how effective your marketing is to draw more traffic to your book page.

8. Create a book trailer. A video book trailer is an additional way to attract people to your book. By creating a movie-style short video, viewers can learn more about your book and why they want to buy it.

I took a course on creating book trailers, but that isn’t necessary if you just need a couple of short videos. You can try out the process and easily create your first book trailer with online tools like Animoto, WeVideo or PowToon. Each of those can help you create effective short videos that can be shared on Facebook, posted on your blog, and added to your Amazon author page.

9. Follow up with your readers. Naturally you have included bounce-back offers in your book. For my Book Marketing book I offered a simple invitation to get a Target Market Worksheet. That took them to an optin page, which added them to a special autoresponder.

Through the autoresponder sequence I encouraged them to

  •     Look at specific parts of the books
  •     Read articles I had written, particularly the two on writing book reviews on Amazon
  •     Write a review of the book
  •     Check out the full course I offer on Design Your Online Course
  •     Offer suggestions and questions they have on the content for my next book

With this dedicated autoresponder, I can stay in contact with my readers, building a long-term relationship.

10. Brag About Your Book! This is probably the hardest step, but keep in mind that people like to share in your success. Post awards, rankings, quotable reviews on your social media account – each time with that trackable link to the book.

Remind your subscribers about your book. It’s not enough to write them once telling them you have a book. Put it on your calendar at least twice a month to send an email dedicated to some aspect of your book.

None of these book launch tips are hard or time-consuming. The wonderful thing about having a Kindle book is that daily you can see the impact you are making with your marketing. And results make it all more FUN!

book launch tips

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1 Categories : eBooks
Aug
1

10 Tips To Overcome Writer’s Block

by Jeanette

Everyone who writes has had those moments when they either didn’t feel like writing or wanted to write and couldn’t think of what to say. We typically call this “Writer’s Block.”

In actuality it gets a lot more attention than it deserves. After all, it adds drama to an otherwise straight-forward process – writing. You are either writing or you are not. There is very little drama involved. But it plays well in print to create a problem like Writer’s Block.

There are several techniques you will find helpful if you do have brief periods of not writing.

1. Accept it. Relatx and do something unrelated for a while. When you are writing for yourself, you have no deadlines, other than the ones you have created for yourself. Whether you publish your book this week or next only matters to you. There isn’t an editor or publisher breathing down your neck. So relax. If you have a day when you don’t want to write, take the day off!

2. Talk it onto paper by talking aloud as you type. Some people talk better than they write. It’s a more natural communication mode for them. If that’s your preferred style, accept it and use it to your advantage.

3. Hire help to draft the sections that are challenging you. If you don’t want to hire someone, you can use existing materials, including public domain and PLR (private label rights) items. Just consider them first drafts, then edit them into your copy.

4. Record, then transcribe the parts that are difficult. You may even have that material sitting on your hard drive in the form of a presentation you have recorded in the past!

5. Use dictation software.

6. Use a text processor instead of a word proessor. You’ll stay in your creative writing brain, rather than your analytical editing side. Every time you have to argue with your word processor as to how to number or format something, you are losing creativity!

7. Skip around, writing the parts that seem easy today. Nothing says you have to write from beginning to end.

8. Work on standard pieces of your work that don’t require creativity. These include your resource box or bio page, your dedication and acknowledgements for a book, a list of resources, or bonus material you want to offer with the item you are writing.

9. Ask someone to interview you on the topic. It’s always easier to answer questions than to create from scratch.

10. Keep writing! Write about the blocks you have, how you are struggling, what you had for lunch. Write anything, but keep writing!

These tips excerpted from the 7-Day writing plan in One Hour Guide to Your First Kindle Book, available at BooksByJeanette.com.


overcome writer's block

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3 Categories : eBooks
Jul
18

Kindle Unlimited Impact On Authors

by Jeanette

Kindle UnlimitedAmazon announced Kindle Unlimited today for readers in the United States. While it sounds like a great deal for readers – unlimited books for $9.99 per month – what does it mean to you as an author?

First, if your book is already in KDP Select, it will automatically be included in the Kindle Unlimited program. So if you want to be included just be sure any titles you want to include are enrolled in the KDP Select program.

On the other hand, if you do NOT want to be included in the Kindle Unlimited program, you have the option to immediately remove your book(s) from Kindle Select. (Typically you have to fulfill the 90 days, but this seems to be an exception.) Just include your ASIN on the contact form here.

Second, you will be paid much as you are for titles that are loaned – that is, you will be paid a percentage of the “Global Fund” set aside for this purpose. I generally assume about $2 per book for a loan – and it will be the same for a book “bought” through the Kindle Unlimited program.

Will this help or hurt your book sales? It all depends…If your book is currently earning more than $2 per copy, then it could hurt your profits. However, initially you should anticipate seeing an increase in the number of people reading your books.

One important note: you are only paid for a book “sale” through the Kindle Unlimited program when the reader reads more than 10% of the book. This is the equivalent of reading the “Look Inside” portion – but they must do it after they “buy” the book.

As an author you want to look again at each of your titles and see how you can encourage them to read beyond that 10% mark. Otherwise you won’t get paid! Here are a couple of ideas…

1. Tell them to keep reading. It sounds simplistic, but many times they just need some encouragement. Particularly if you give them a reason to keep reading, such as “keep reading to discover the five secrets of…”

2. Put an incentive further into your book, then remind them about it early in the book. For example, “Be sure to download your checklist. Details are here (with link to later section of the book.)

What other ideas do YOU have for keeping them engaged for at least the first 20% of your book and profiting from the new Kindle Unlimited? Share your ideas in the comments.

10 Categories : eBooks
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Look Who's Talking

  • Connie Ragen Green: So much excellent and actionable information here, Jeanette! Thank you for sharing.
  • admin: Stacy I understand. It’s always easier to write in the way you are comfortable. So I would recommend...
  • Stacy: I am writing book which is my autobiography. My daughter think it would be better to write on my first...
  • Darrell Williams: What formatting company do you use for your ebooks? I love your books and the way it’s...
  • Janet Wahl: Hi Jeanette, Thanks for your response. My books are “textbooks” or books that will be used...

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