I had a great time at the Florida Writers Association Conference this past weekend. Giving presentations, meeting new/old friends, attending workshops, and eating too much … it all made for a productive and meaningful event.
On Friday, I attended a talk on newsletters. I’ve already heard that drip campaigns can be effective, and I have been following what other authors do in this regard. This speaker gave some useful tips on content regarding these automated email sequences. Aside from a welcome letter, these included product launches, behind-the-scenes peeks, post-purchase follow up, bonus content, and sales discounts. Pop up newsletter signups are effective, too.
Segmented lists bring higher open rates and lower unsubs. And don’t forget to add at the end, Please Forward to a Friend. My takeaway? I need to work on a newsletter drip campaign and bolster my landing page. As for a popup sign-in form, I find these annoying and prefer where I have mine in the sidebar. What do you think?
I also gave a presentation on Self-Publishing Made Simple. This was a step-by-step guide on how to get started for original works or for reissued backlist titles. I posted some of this info in earlier blogs. The only snafu was that my computer wouldn’t open my PowerPoint file, and I had to borrow a laptop from the tech guy.
Disclaimer: These summaries are my interpretation of what I heard. Any errors are mine alone.
That night was a social mixer where I got to hang out with friends and meet new people. Networking is the best part of any writers conference.
 
Join me at my next appearance on Nov. 4, 2023, 10:30 am EDT, Indie Author Day, Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. I’m proud to be a panelist and keynote speaker at this event. Free registration: https://sjcpls.org/event/indie-author-showcase/
Oct. 1 – 31, Kobo Paranormal Romance BOGO
Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale at Kobo Oct. 1-31 – Buy One Get One Free! My book, Circle of Light, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app. Start reading now: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/circle-of-light-9
Oct. 16 – Nov. 1, BookSweeps Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romance Giveaway
Enter to win 45 exciting Paranormal, Scifi & Fantasy Romances from a great collection of authors AND a brand new eReader! My book, Warrior Prince, is included. Enter Here: https://bit.ly/paranormal-romance-oct23
2 thoughts on “Florida WritersCon 2023 – Day One”
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Hi Nancy,
What’s a drip campaign? I’ve heard the term before but don’t remember what it means.
Thanks.
Marilyn
In a drip campaign, you feed out automated emails to new sign-ups to your mailing list. So the first one would be a welcome email. The others can be about your books, your behind the scenes process, your inspiration or research notes, anything to engage the reader and foster a sense of connection. You can offer more free stories or a discount coupon. It takes a bit of work to set up. Usually you can do this through your mass email program.