Street Teams



Street teams.

Have you heard of them?

It sounds like a gang, huh?

Actually a street team is a group of people who helps market a product or event—hit the streets and promote, promote, promote.

It’s wonderful.

The people on an author’s street team helps her get the word out about her book(s) and in return the author will gift the members with free ebooks, swag, signed paperbacks, and sneak peeks into her up and coming projects.

But do street teams really work?

Are they worth an author’s time to have one?

I created one on Facebook months ago. The people on my team are great, but honestly as of right now, only just a handful of them are really involved in helping me spread the word about my books. I’m still learning on how to engage them and keep them motivated. I realize they have other priorities, and frankly with me working a f/t job, having to do the mundane things life requires out of us, and writing two books at the same time (yes, I’m attempting to write two books), I don’t have the time I need to run a street team like I should. The authors who have the good fortune to not have to work or are already established in their writing careers, can focus more on their team and hire someone to run it in their stead.

Good for them.

I’m happy for them, but I’m not at that point yet.

So then what?

What does an author do who wants to have a street team, but doesn't have the time to pump it every day and get the members motivated?

Hey, back up . . . what about the members who haven’t even read your books?

Yeah, I do have members who haven’t read my trilogy yet. The ones who have are the ones promoting all three of my books and are the most active. I’m seriously considering doing a sign-up sheet with some house rules, so we’re all on the same page.  

My street team is fun btw. We get into some silly, off-the-wall discussions. It’s closed to the public—only members can hop into our wacky conversations.

It’s great.

In fact, there are many nights when I should be writing, but I’m having too much fun with my girls to leave.

But back to not having the time to run it like it needs to be in order to be successful. What does an author like me do who is captive to the J.O.B. and doesn't have the luxury to focus on the team every day?

Get someone who can be an administrator for your team.

I had one, but she’s too busy to monitor it.

*sigh*

I understand.

Shit happens.

She’s wonderful and does help me promote my books. But now I’m back to finding an administrator.

Having a street team kinda sounds like a pain-in-the-ass, huh?

I've seriously considered closing mine down, but I’m not going to. Do you know why? Because I have fans on my team, and I adore them. They love my books and supports me as an author to the best of their abilities. They’re my cheering squad. So to me, as I write this post, it’s worth having a street team.



2 comments:

  1. Tell me what to do besides tell others about your book the first one i have read . I always tell people about it. And i can try my hardest to helo you.

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  2. Yeah, I know. You rock. :) Thank you! I'll pm you on Facebook later. I have to go to work now. Have a good day.

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