Basecamp
What is it good for?
We've been talking about getting everyone on Basecamp for the past few weeks--but what is Basecamp? How do we use it?
The short version: Basecamp is a project management tool.
The more complete version: Basecamp is a tool that we're using to communicate, in-house, about events, social media, and other projects. I'm also building it out to be a central location to house policies and procedures so that you don't have to do a deep dive into the Google Drive of Doom every time you need to add someone to the Fan Club. It comes in both app and browser editions, so it should be accessible to everyone.
I know what you're thinking: Why does this matter to me right now, Leah? Well, because, starting with May...
We're going to be using Basecamp to communicate about social media.
I've made a video to run you through the basics.
Does this mean I'm going to stop emailing you every week or so? Ideally, yes. But that largely depends on how this first month goes. So, we'll see!
Go forth and explore! As always, if you have any questions, I'm happy to help.
Hello Booksellers!
It's a Brand new year!
One of my personal goals for 2021 is to remain organized and communicate clearly. To that end, since I'm just one person and I can't work on the floor with every one of you, I wanted to make a drop-site for some tips, tricks, and reference points for our Bards Alley social media and web presence.
(Sorry to the "say no to vertical video" crowd. TikTok is a fantastic tool, but it does have its limitations--namely, you can effectively only film vertically.)
First of all, I want to address a myth.
Most of the time, I won't be requiring that you give me video content. (Video content is always appreciated, but, with a couple exceptions, not required.) But when I do, know this: It is more than okay to do a lot of takes! I spend hours, sometimes days, writing scripts and psyching myself up before I make a video. It's okay if you don't feel natural on camera.
This does not apply to those of you who are on TikTok. You are obviously very comfortable on camera, and I would love any video content you can throw at me.
Historically, we've treated deadlines and calls for content as polite requests. This method only works if all the slots get filled in a timely manner. I understand that our lives are busy, and I want to work with you and your schedule; there are seasons when you won't have time to contribute much. I'm okay with that, as long as you offset it by contributing more down the line.
Regardless, like I say in the video, my goal for 2021 is to feature each of us online at least three times a month, which factors out to less than once a week. I am confident in our ability to do this without a regimental system, but I can implement one if that becomes necessary.
Pro-Tip!
Set aside a block of time to make a whole bunch of content. This way, you can knock out a month's worth of work in half an hour, and it's easier to mark on your timesheet!
Creative fatigue is real. Sometimes, I can't think of a cute post idea to save my life. Do you ever feel this way? If so, here are some quick and dirty photo ideas for staff picks and beyond.
Notice something? These poses are far from perfect. Because, you know what? Perfection is boring. (As are the sexy poses in the second video. We're looking for more of a Jaysen vibe.) I could post a thousand perfectly staged and lit flat-lays, but nobody would care. (Trust me, I've tried it.) It all comes back to this basic business principle:
People Buy from people that they know, like, and trust.
Why are people shopping local? Why are people shopping with us specifically? Why are you buying nail wraps or LuLaRoe from that woman you go to church with? (This is in no way based on my real life, I don't know what you're insinuating.)
They know us. They like us. They trust our recommendations and taste. My goal for our online presence is that it reflects who we are: our tastes, our personalities, and--yes--our faces, too.
To amend that principle for our purposes:
It doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to be crazy. It just has to be you.
2021
I know, I know, this has been very social media-specific, and our online presence isn't limited to that.
Online storefronts are always important, but doubly so in light of the past year. For us, that means our Bookshop, Libro, and MyMustReads pages, which are looking... well, stale. I try to keep these up-to-date depending on major events in the publishing and wider world, but that's not necessarily reflective of who we are (see above). So, even if you've done it before, we're going to refresh our bookseller-specific lists. As I said in the video, send me the titles of 5-10 books you love that we can sell--bonus points if you make different lists for Bookshop/MyMustReads and Libro!
Pro-Tip!
Having trouble thinking of books? Think about what you've shelf-talkered recently!
Double Pro-Tip!
This also works in reverse: Write shelf talkers for the books on your list! We are always, always open to new shelf talkers.
Realistically, we're not planning a ton of author events for at least the next six months, but that doesn't mean I'm not thinking about them! Is there a local author you love? A friend of a friend who's being published with a Big 4 publishing house? (Look what 2020 hath wrought.) An author we've hosted in the past with a new book coming out? Let me know! I do my best to keep on top of these things, but, again, I'm one person with my own specific areas of interest. I may not be able to make any promises, but I am always, always open to your input. Think of it as an investment in future-you: there will always be opportunities for other events, especially if I know who and what you like!
TL;DR
Send Leah 5-10 titles for Bookshop list
You are expected to provide at least 3 pieces of content a month
It's okay to hate being on camera as long as that doesn't stop you from trying
You are expected to provide at least 3 pieces of content a month
It's okay to hate being on camera as long as that doesn't stop you from trying
Questions? Comments? Concerns?