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The Next Chapter: Marketing Tips & Tricks

Writer's picture: Pattie Harte-NausPattie Harte-Naus

CONGRATULATIONS on the publication of your first book! This is a remarkable achievement, and the real adventure is just beginning. As you step into the world of book marketing, imagine the thrill of connecting with readers through engaging author readings and signings. To help you launch your marketing efforts and cultivate a dedicated fan base, here are some key strategies to get you started:




WEBSITE

As you develop your website, begin with a “Coming Soon” landing page to generate excitement and engage your audience. Once your site is operational, design a polished author website that features a blog focused on topics related to your books and mission, encouraging readers to return for regular updates. Include detailed information about your

book, a contact section for reader interaction, and clear instructions on how to purchase your book. Ensure the design is clean, intuitive, and free of clutter, emphasizing your role as an author and showcasing your self-publishing company. Prominently display your self-publishing logo on the main page to bolster brand recognition. Additionally, request and feature testimonials, and incorporate a calendar or events tab to highlight upcoming signings and other engagements. Optimize your site with relevant keywords and book descriptions to enhance search engine visibility and attract potential readers.


SOCIAL MEDIA

Utilize platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to actively engage with your followers. Ensure your social media posts are consistent with your branding and align with your website to maintain a cohesive presence. Keep your personal life separate from your publishing activities; use these platforms as interactive spaces to connect with readers, share updates, and market your books. Regularly post about upcoming events, and share photos, videos, and reels to keep your audience engaged. Leverage popular book-related hashtags such as #books (75.5 million posts), #bookstagram (108 million posts), and #selfpublishing (1.1 million posts) to increase visibility. Additionally, create unique hashtags for your publishing company and book titles to build brand recognition. Establish a Goodreads account to upload your books and author profile, joining discussions and promoting your work to reach dedicated readers.


AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

Engaging with book groups offers a unique and interactive way to connect with your audience. Host virtual or in-person discussions, and consider live streaming these events on your social media platforms to reach a broader audience. Coordinate with local schools for author visits and connect with bookstores to arrange local book readings. Ensure these events are well-promoted online to maximize attendance. Expand your reach by creating podcasts or YouTube videos where you discuss your book and share insights into your writing process. Reach out to influencers to see if they will review your book or feature it on their platforms, leveraging their large followings for added exposure. Additionally, consider offering special promotions such as discounts, contests, or giveaways to attract attention and engage readers. Networking with other authors for collaborative projects or joint events can also be beneficial. Attend writer conferences and book fairs to connect with industry professionals and potential readers. Lastly, encourage your illustrators to share their work and shout out your book on their social media platforms to further enhance visibility.


BEHIND THE SCENES

Regularly track your sales to assess the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. By reviewing sales data, you can gauge how well your strategies are performing and make informed adjustments. Continuously solicit feedback from readers and use their insights to refine your approach to sales and marketing. Develop a comprehensive marketing plan with clear goals and a detailed timeline that outlines promotional activities before and after your book’s release. Establish a budget to ensure your promotional strategy is well-funded and effective. This structured approach will help you manage your resources efficiently and optimize your marketing efforts for better results.


BRAND CREATION

Enhance your branding with a variety of customized promotional materials such as bookmarks, workbooks, coloring books, business cards, and rack cards. Consider converting your novel into an eBook to reach a broader audience and provide additional formats for readers. For book signings, ensure your table setup is both professional and visually appealing. Research table decoration ideas on Pinterest to create an inviting display. Include props that align with your branding and ensure your table is well-stocked with marketing materials. Avoid an empty table; instead, showcase your promotional items prominently and make them easily accessible for attendees. Dress professionally for all book signings to reinforce your author brand. Having your additional marketing materials displayed effectively will help attract and engage potential readers, making a

strong impression at every event.


BRICK & MORTAR | SALES

Reach out to local bookstores to explore opportunities for stocking your book and hosting book signing events. Negotiate wholesale terms, such as a 60%/40% split, to ensure favorable conditions for stocking your books. Additionally, build relationships with a variety of local venues such as coffee shops, farmer’s markets, maker’s markets, book fairs, libraries, and schools. These diverse locations can offer unexpected opportunities to promote and sell your books. Expanding your reach beyond traditional book retailers can help you tap into new audiences and increase your book’s visibility in the community.


AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Submit your book for prestigious awards such as the Eric Hoffer Award, Indie Book Awards, Self-Publishing Book Awards, Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, National Book Award, and Mom’s Choice Award, among others. Please note that submission usually involves a fee. If your book is honored with an award, you may receive a sticker for your cover or a digital award graphic to add to your cover design for future printings. These accolades can enhance your publicity through their websites and social media platforms, and provide you with an opportunity to share the news on your own channels. Be sure to include relevant hashtags and profile tags when posting about your awards to maximize visibility and engagement! Announce your books as award-winning!


Most importantly, enjoy the journey of self-publishing and marketing your book. Approach the process with confidence, both in-person and online. Embrace the digital age by becoming familiar with various online platforms and using them to your advantage. Have fun at author signings and actively engage with your followers; these interactions can be incredibly inspiring and rewarding. Your enthusiasm and genuine connection with readers will not only enhance your marketing efforts but also enrich your personal experience as an author.

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