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Keeping your book at the fingertips of readers can be a challenge, particularly throughout a lengthy writing career. I’ve tried various strategies, and I’m still to test as the publishing industry develops. It’s important to be aware that what worked last year may not work this time around. Don’t be apathetic!
When I think of marketing, I’m thinking of two distinct groups of people:
- Current followers. These are my readers whom I currently have — the ones who have sent me emails or joined me on my various social networks or are on my mailing list. This is a very warm group of people, and it’s vital not to forget to market to these people. Sometimes, when we try to attract a larger number of readers, we forget about the ones who already exist.
- New readers. They are the ones who I would like to see reading my books, but who haven’t yet discovered. It’s a cold market and reaching out to them requires different strategies.
I’ll show my readers some tried and true book marketing strategies I use that have proven to produce positive results when it comes to getting in touch with both the right and appropriate audiences.
1. Create unique content for users to read via a “Members Only” page
Making a “Members Only” webpage on my site has allowed me to not just increase my list of newsletter subscribers as well as to provide my subscribers with a bonus. It’s a win-win situation for the warm and cold crowds.
On the “Members Only” page, I present:
- A free book that I have featured from my backlist
- Longer sneak peeks at my next book
- Exclusive videos
- Quizzes, puzzles, and games
- Other content that is only able to be located on this page
I try to alter the information on the page as frequently as possible to keep visitors returning. To “unlock” the content on this page visitors must send an email to:
Book Writing Group also have calls to action to sign up on my site:
2. Create clickable and engaging newsletter content.
Making sure I include the correct content in my email newsletter is vital to my marketing plan. I strive to create a mix of professional and personal. I hope that my readers feel that they’re receiving information from the newsletter that isn’t available anywhere elsewhere. This could be an excerpt from my book, an insider’s look at my research and writing process, a photo of me personally, or a glimpse into the ideas of my book. I always include links to purchase from all the retailers I use and make it simple for my readers to buy my books.
3. Make the list and do the BookBub featured deals
When you’ve got at least four books in your library You need to consider using the books to increase the sales of new books. If you’re a novice author and four books sound like a bit much, be aware that it’s much simpler to sell books when there are more books to offer. Each book introduces new readers to your book and helps you get momentum — and every book provides you with additional marketing materials when you’re ready to launch your next novel. One of the most effective methods to build your backlist is to conduct an offer for the price of one book before submitting it to a Featured Deal through BookBub. This can result in a large number of sales to new customers who may then decide to purchase the latest book.
I generally make the initial book in my collection for free (for a short period) to attract the maximum number of readers to join the book series. For standalone or mid-series books I usually offer an $0.99 offer. Always ensure that the back page of the book that I’m promoting has an excerpt and a hyperlink to the book I’d like customers to purchase (the next in-series book or new book). What I like about BookBub Deals is the fact that it can connect with readers across every platform. This allows me to be on bestseller lists with more than one store.
4. Giveaways of excerpts are everywhere!
The best method to advertise your book is to put your books or a portion of your books in the hands of readers at all times you can. This applies to both backlist titles and new books.
For new releases, I will use excerpts to announce the possibility of preorders. For books from the past, I share extracts from my books in newsletters whenever I’m Between new book releases. I do the same thing on social media. While books can seem old to you, they’re always fresh to a reader who hasn’t had the pleasure of reading them. A good teaser will convince readers to take a look at your book and, hopefully, they’ll become intrigued. Excerpts can be utilized as giveaways or turned into a teaser book and distributed at book launches and conferences.
5. Make personal connections by joining an online reader group
I’ve found that the most effective interaction on social media is with my reader group, which I manage by using Facebook groups. There is a chance to interact directly with the readers. I enjoy incorporating them into the writing process. I’ll seek their input as Book Writing Group write my next book, for instance, to mention the dog, a location, or whatever else I require. Anything I can do to engage them in the book I’m writing will help me increase sales. In addition, I get to meet my readers. It’s a two-way exchange that you can’t get when you send out ads or newsletters. Establishing a readership right from the starting point of your business is among the most beneficial things you can do.
I hope you’ll find a few of my suggestions useful. What’s one book marketing strategy that you believe all authors should consider?
