Sometimes authors need to be a part of a larger community, to support each other and share information. Self Publishing Australia is a worthy effort to create a venue where authors post frequently on a range of topics. To join the group, go here and apply
Ask Your Enemy: an AI's Opinion on Creating Content
With AI well on the way to global conquest, I find myself framing questions for our impending overlords. In this case, how human online content creators can hold their own against torrents of auto-generated filler.
My Question: If SEO is compromised and made ineffective by the explosion of AI content, how should content creators promote websites and have them rank well in search?
And ChatGPT helpfully suggested the following:
1. Focus on User Intent
AI has made search engines more adept at understanding the context and intent behind search queries. Instead of just targeting keywords, create content that answers the questions and needs of your audience in a natural, conversational tone1.
2. Optimize for Voice Search
With the rise of voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, optimizing for voice search is crucial. Use long-tail keywords and natural language phrases that people are likely to use when speaking rather than typing1.
3. Leverage AI Tools for Content Creation
AI tools can help generate and optimize content, but it's important to balance this with human creativity. Use AI to assist with tasks like keyword research, meta tag optimization, and content suggestions, but ensure the final content is high-quality and unique1.
4. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Instead of producing a large volume of content, focus on creating fewer, high-quality pieces that provide real value to your audience. This approach can help you stand out in search results and build a loyal readership.
5. Stay Updated with SEO Trends
SEO is constantly evolving, especially with the integration of AI. Keep up with the latest trends and algorithm updates to ensure your strategies remain effective1.
6. Build a Strong Backlink Profile
Backlinks from reputable websites continue to be a strong ranking factor. Focus on creating valuable content that others will want to link to and engage in outreach to build relationships with other content creators and influencers.
By adapting to these strategies, content creators can continue to promote their websites effectively and rank well in search results, even in the age of AI content.
SEO is Dead, So What Comes Next?
Online marketing firm Newfangled breaks down the current SEO situation, and it isn’t pretty.
“Even if you are an exemplary student, play exactly by the rules and do every single thing right and start publishing this week, it’ll take you at least 18 months (or longer) before you could have any hope of seeing real results from organic Google rankings.”
The writer argues that two of the main reasons are Google’s decision to index AI content (and there is a lot of it) and that users simply do not scroll anymore. If they do not get the result they want, they change the search term rather than scroll. Bottom line: content creators are going to have to find new routes to user engagement.
“The rules of great content have not really changed at all in the past 20 years — great content engages people, builds trust and credibility, and educates the specific masses. Those are the rules and what you should do to achieve your goal of lead generation. That’s what’s changed a lot over the years.”
All of this illustrates that authors setting up their websites should not rely on automatic engagement. They will only be found by someone searching very specifically, probably for their name, or the title of their book. It is good to have a website that showcases an author’s work, but it is important to have other strategies to garner attention.
Newfangled have another interesting article on the kind of content you should put on your site, and in social media posts, to rise above the generic.
Tips and Resources for Independent Authors, 2025
WorkingType Design’s resources booklet has been updated with more author advice and resources. The booklet can be downloaded here. If you’d like to add your own experiences, advice or warnings, please let us know. The case studies in the booklet show that there are many ways to promote a new or existing book, on or offline.
What is a Business Book For
Business coach , author and social media expert Andrew Ford gives his take on the purpose of a business book:
“A book is a great resource as it establishes the author as an expert on the topic and someone who has a lot of intellectual property. The books we create with clients are all to support their existing businesses and not to sell as a way to independently make revenue. The amount of book sales necessary to get a return on investment of your time, effort and money to create a book, isn’t worthwhile. We make the returns from speaking, consulting and coaching clients based on the materials in the book. “
Andrew’s latest book detailing his 12-step e-ttraction method is out now.
Ampersand Prize is open to Self Published Titles
If you write or publish in the YA or middle grade space, you might be interested in entering Hardie Grant’s Ampersand Prize. Details below. Dates are for 2024 — no doubt the 2025 dates will be similar.
Eligibility
We accept submissions from any person who has not previously had a young adult, middle-grade or graphic novel published by a trade publishing house anywhere in the world. If you have had a picture book, general fiction (for adults), educational or non-fiction title published, you are still eligible. Submissions must be entered at Submittable.com (link will become live July 1) and all required fields must be completed before submission. Writers will be required to submit a one-page synopsis with their manuscript, as well as a 100-word explanation of why they wrote the book (used only for context).
If you are a self-published author, you are eligible to submit a manuscript provided you follow submission guidelines, and note in your cover letter whether the submitted manuscript has been self-published already. If it has, please remove it from sale for the duration of the Ampersand Prize (from 1 July 2024 until the shortlist is announced). By entering your manuscript, you agree to contract all publishing rights, including print and digital, if selected as the winner. Note that we do not accept ePub or Mobi files as submissions.
Key dates:
Submissions open: 1-31 July 2024
Shortlist announced: November 2024
Winner announced: December 2024
Web Vision Solutions -- online marketing for Authors
Independent authors often lack a plan for promoting their books and author brand online. Vanity Press publishers and others charge exorbitant fees for very uncertain results in this space. We approached local online marketing expert Ilana van Geijn and asked her if she could put together some affordable marketing packages designed for authors. She obliged and the results were as follows, with the associated introduction:
At Web Vision Solutions, we’ve been assisting our clients for over 10 years to create and establish a strong online presence to enhance brand recognition, elevate business and personal profiles, and drive sales of services and/or products.
As authors, we understand your specific needs. Our Book Marketing Professional team member has over 15 years experience, and teamed with my passion of creating and enhancing clients' online businesses, we combine our knowledge to craft a tailored strategy for you as an author. With a proven track record of collaborating with self published, traditionally published, USA Today and New York Times Best-Selling Authors, as well as small publishers, we ensure that every project we undertake meets the highest standards.
Ilana van Geijn
Founder, Web Vision Solutions
Some of the packages available are:
Book Launch and Marketing Strategy Packages — full and half
Amazon Publishing Package
NetGalley Promotion
Information For Ingram Spark Users
Websites, Social Media & More...
The full document can be downloaded here.
To get in touch with Web Vision Solutions:
To book in for a Discovery Call with Ilana, please click here.
Alternatively, please email us at info@webvisionsolutions.com and we will
connect with you within 24-48 hours.