Marketing Expert | Marlive Harris

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I’m continuing the series, Monday Marketing Expert. Today, I’m so delighted to introduce to you online Book Promoter, Marlive Harris. I’ve known Marlive for almost ten years now. She was one of my first clients back during 2000 when I was still easing my way into the world of web design. Over the years, Marlive has become a mentor and where I’ve been slow to get on board, she’s been a motivator.

Marlive, it’s good to have you on NEXT! Tell our visitors about yourself.

I’m Marlive Harris and I’m fondly known among literary circles (online and offline) as -thegrits.com, an acronym for "the girl reading in the south.com!" I’m an online Book Promoter and it is my fascination with technology (the Internet in particular) and love of literature (with emphasis on African American books) that the TheGRITS.com was born!

What services do you offer?

There are numerous ways to use the Internet for book promotions not to mention this medium can actually provide authors and publishers a cheaper and more immediate way of waging successful book campaigns. So my service develops online campaigns tailored for books publishers and authors who hire me to work with them want promoted on the Internet. Lately, my skills with promoting books have parlayed into me coaching small business owners on how to market their products and services on the Internet as well.

What are your favorite social media platforms and why?

There are tons of social media platforms out there to use for promotion. Because of my fascination with technology and promotion work via the Internet, I use quite a few social platforms myself for promotion. But when I’m asked which social media platforms are my favorite or which ones I feel are the best for authors and businesses that I coach or work with to use, I must say that it depends on the book, product and service being promoted.

Some of the best social media platforms that I would recommend to “career” writers are Shelfari.com, GoodReads.com, LibraryThing.com and anobii.com (great for making reading connections Internationally). Why these particular social platforms and utilities? Each of them were developed just for avid readers. So if locating avid readers is what “career” writers are looking for, then any or all of these platforms are great places to join and develop relationships with readers.

Are there any online marketing tips you want to share with NEXT?

To all authors who decide to join one or all of the social media platforms that I mention, I want to offer 4 tips for you to listen to or read below.

1) Join these social networks with your “real” name or your pen name.

2) Please complete your profile by adding a professional photo and bio written in 1^st person

3) Add books of other successful writers in your genre that you’ve read to your shelf along with your book(s)

4) Remember to be “social”

Where can visitors find you online?

For more information about TheGRITS.com and what I do, visit me at www.thegrits.com. Everyone is invited to connect with me as I promote all things literary online via Twitter at www.twitter.com/gritsbookclub and on MySpace at www.myspace.com/thegritsdotcom.

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11 Responses to “Marketing Expert | Marlive Harris”

Marlive on April 27th, 2009 6:54 am

Ty, thank you so much for having me as today’s Marketing Expert! It is always an honor for me to contribute to your network and support all that you do! Your creativity and web expertise have been a HUGE blessing in my business and personal life, and I’m looking for us to share more in years to come. Again, THANK YOU!
Ty on April 27th, 2009 7:34 am

Thank you, Marlive! I appreciate your wisdom and willingness to share. I wanted others to know the fantastic knowledge and savvy you bring to book promotion and online marketing. You are the best!
LaShaunda on April 27th, 2009 8:32 am

One thing I’ve always loved about Marlive is she’s always willing to share information. Something I’ve appreciated over the years. Thanks for spotlighting a kindred spirit.
Wanda B. Campbell on April 27th, 2009 9:04 am

Thank you Marlive for the marketing tips.
Monica Carter Tagore on April 27th, 2009 9:17 am

Great interview. Marlive always has wonderful ideas to help authors grow their brands and touch new readers.
Alvin C. Romer on April 27th, 2009 2:07 pm

Thanks again for the insight and tips, Marlive. I’ve already shared them with my book clubs here in South Florida. Like Ty, I’ve over the years have learned quite a bit from you, and feel that the process continues! I’ve not forgotten the early days with you helping launch The Romer Review. Although, the site is in hiatus at the moment, it and all you’ve contributed is a testament to where I’m endeavoring to do in the industry. As always, keep up the good work!

ACR
Jackie Moore on April 27th, 2009 4:00 pm

Great interview. I have seen Marlive all over the place and that affirms just how far reaching her services are.
LaConnie on April 27th, 2009 4:30 pm

Hi Marlive:

Thanks for sharing your time and talent with the world. You not only provided a great interview, but some wonderful tips for authors to follow.
Marlive on April 27th, 2009 8:24 pm

From one kindred spirit to another — LaShaunda, it is always a pleasure to connect with you- be it online or offline. THANK YOU so much for stopping by and checking out my feature here today — smooches!

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Wanda you are very welcome! And it’s wonderful to connect with you online again; take care!

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Hey Monica sis! It is good to see you here and please stop by Tywebbin Creations NEXT LEVEL Markering Blog often. I promise you will find a lot of excellent information here to help with the promotion of your work!

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What’s all this talk about TRR being on hiatus? All right Jackal! What are you waiting on? I think it’s time for you to go to the NEXT LEVEL! Thank you so much for stopping by and for always supporting a sista!

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Hi Jackie Moore and thank you so much for the wonderful feedback and support; I appreciate you!

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LaConnie! LaConnie! LaConnie! Hey sis and thank you so much for stopping by and checking out one of my very favorite sites online. Smooches!
Michelle Larks on May 1st, 2009 10:59 am

Hi Marlive,

Good tips. Thank you for sharing!

Michelle
Marlive on May 1st, 2009 7:03 pm

Hi Michelle, thanks so much and it is wonderful to connect with you online again!