I’ve started taking an on-line marketing course. I’ve done similar things before—watching Nick Stephenson’s free videos and so on, but Stephenson’s course and those he recommends tend to cost in the many of hundreds of dollars—money I just don’t have to spend (I’d rather use the same money to get a fantastic cover or buy a few ads).

The course I’m taking now did cost money, but a much more reasonable $75. It’s still a hefty investment, but one which (I hope) will be well worth it. Actually, I think I’m already getting my money’s worth just because the teacher is so wonderfully responsive.

The course is Chris Syme’s SMART Social Media For Authors. It’s a series of videos which you go through at your own pace. There’s also a Facebook page where Chris is available to answer questions and comment on posts that you put up as you do the homework involved in the class.

For me, the most useful thing I’m getting out of this is how to use Facebook better. It’s the best form of social media for authors (Chris has stats to prove it) allowing you to really establish relationships with your readers, which makes them much more likely to not mind when you market directly to them and more likely to share news of your books with their friends (the ultimate, best form of marketing—word of mouth).

What’s great is that Chris and her Facebook page are the perfect example of how to do this right. She is there a lot of the time, responds to questions in a timely manner and provides a lot of great, free advice and information.

It makes me wish I could do the same thing with my formatting and self-publishing course. I just don’t know that I have the time to seek out so much information from other sources to post, as Chris does (I’m already trying to step up my author Facebook page posts, doing to both… and writing my books and formatting for people – it’s a serious time commitment! On the other hand, it might really be worth it.).

I have my knowledge, which I’m always happy to share, but I’ve put most of that into my new self-publishing book. It’s possible to share more information about Microsoft Word, which too few writers really use well, and tips on how to make the most out of Jutoh to format your book. The rest of it, though… it’s just something you’ve got to do, and play with, and see what works best for you.

I have to say, though, one thing which I appreciate more than Chris’ expertise is the fact that she says that she is trying new things all the time. She even asks for comments and thoughts on things that are new to her, but may have already been tried by the people taking her course. I really appreciate that honesty. She is saying that we’re all in this together, trying to figure it out, trying to hit this target that keeps moving and changing even as we aim for it.

So, what do you think? Should I create a self-publishing Facebook page to go along with my book and the course I teach twice a year? I don’t have the fancy course that Chris does where people can take it any time they want at their own pace (that, unfortunately, would cost me money so that I would have to charge a lot more than the $20 that I charge now for my course). But I could certainly start a Facebook page to help people as they work their way through my book or just for people who are trying to figure out this crazy business we’re all in.

As always, I value your thoughts and comments!

Oh, and if you prefer your marketing tips orally, Chris has a new podcast she’s started with her daughter, Becca. You can check it out here.