The International Bookseller's Directory: An important free dealer tool
- By Bruce McKinney
An example of a completed form.
By Bruce McKinney
All the talk on the internet is about how powerful it is but the underlying reality has been kind of unpleasant. Yes you can increasingly become listed on the net and even develop a rudimentary website without too much trouble and expense BUT you can not be easily seen. Yes you can build a home, an office building or even a skyscraper on the net but there is no guarantee anyone is going to show up to use it. Getting visibility is the least understood aspect of site creation and one of the hardest jobs to accomplish. The International Booksellers Directory [IBSD] provides booksellers with an important tool for raising visibility. It is created to make you visible.
The IBSD is a complex free listing that becomes searchable by the various internet search engines as well as to visitors to AE as soon as you complete the registration. Using it searchers can quickly determine who does what where and when. With this tool you can be found. For both AE's Database and MatchMaker members and those who purchase an enhanced version of IBSD, their results pages have live links and an inquiry acquisition function. For all existing and new sellers signing up as free members there is a full free searchable page in which to describe your business and be identified by collectors. For $10 you can optionally enhance your listing page with live links: an exceptional value.
To begin to create your IBSD listing file is easy. To the left on AE pages is a menu of services. Listed near the top of the page under free services is the International Bookseller's Directory. Click on it! This is how visitors and members will access this directory on AE. It is easy to find.
To join, if you are already a free member [and you can remember your account ID and password] sign-in. If you are not yet an AE member, click "Become a Member" in the log in box to the left, sign up for a free membership, and log in. Now click again on the International Bookseller's Directory link. Once signed-in you have the option to select I want to join this directory! This will bring up a page in which to create a file about your bookselling activities.
You can create a complex file or a simple one but because we are going to offer complex search capabilities for these listings beginning October 1st the more information you provide the more likely you are to come up in searches. Attached is an image of my sign-up page so you can see how I have done it. It took less than ten minutes and it is quite complete.
After the first fields where you enter your basic information there is a link to your specialties. We permit you to select up to 15 fields to specify as areas of concentration. Members are going to look for dealers using these terms and they are going to learn that you have this material. Select carefully.
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The International Bookseller's Directory: An important free dealer tool
- By Bruce McKinney
An enhanced presentation with live links
Next we provide an opportunity for you to specify ways that book buyers can interact with you. Do you issue catalogues? List those that you have produced over the past two years. Do you exhibit at shows? List the upcoming shows. Include library fairs and other events. Book buyers love to travel to see books. Give them a chance to know where they can meet you. For those who have taken the giant step of issuing online catalogues there's a place here to list them too.
Now you get the chance to list the online sites where you sell your books. If you have your own web site and adequate search software you may want to list your own site as the first option. If you are listed on various sites you can then list the sites in a declining order of preference. Most sellers will list their less expensive options first. You can list up to 4 selling sites.
If you offer material on eBay there is a place for you to enter the link to your eBay home page. Selling by auction is an increasingly common bookseller option.
Next there is an ABOUT US section. Who are you, what is your expertise and background. What are your specialties? The net is very anonymous but doesn't have to be. People are much more likely to deal with you if they know you. Here is an opportunity to introduce yourself.
Next there is a section about what you are looking to buy. Many sellers only want to sell but lifers are also buying. If there is material you are looking to acquire this is the place to mention it.
Next you can select PREVIEW your free page. You can then click back to continue adding information or correct a typo. Next PREVIEW the enhanced version. Now you can see the difference between the two presentations. For database and matchmaker members this is your standard version. You can also click back to edit or add to your listing. If you signed-up as a free member and want your search page to be enhanced, when you move to the next screen by clicking SELECT you'll have the option to post your information free or enhanced. If enhanced, you'll have the option to sign up for a subscription service or simply to pay $10 for the enhanced page for the next year.
Keep your account ID and password handy because you can come back anytime you want to revise your page. If you select some shows to participate in, come back to list them. If you issue a catalogue, list it too. Keep this listing up to date. We'll take care of the bookkeeping by automatically eliminating any event in your listing that has passed.
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The International Bookseller's Directory: An important free dealer tool
- By Bruce McKinney
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Until now you felt it was kind of hopeless to get the word out about your business on the net. Well, you are about to take a positive step and it will bring buyers to you.
To proceed, if you are already a member and know your log-in information, sign-in and sign-up now. Select the International Bookseller's Directory link in the FREE Services section of the toolbar on the left.
If you are not yet a member, look just to your left. There is the Member- Log In box and just below BECOME A MEMBER. Click on it! Free membership is the first option. Higher level memberships are listed below. Once signed in select International Bookseller's Directory in the FREE services section.
Click here if you have a membership but can not remember your account information. We'll email you this information to you quickly.
If you have any other questions click here to ask.
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