These Monday posts aren't for authors only because what I've said applies to any product if you have very little marketing money.
Of course, I want these posts to be helpful for authors because most of us aren't marketing professonals, but I've learned a few things along the way.
If you missed the other posts this year, here's the list:
5 Accessible Inexpensive Ways to Market a Product
With decreased sales, many authors are struggling to find ways to market their books on a non-existent budget. For many, it's a back to the beginning way of gaining exposure for a book. These ways still work, but in a small way. However, the more you do them, the more exposure.
You have a blog, right? If not, start one. The blog is not dead. At the very least, join a group blog so you get exposure but don't have to blog every day.
Most people don't leave comments on blogs. I guess they want to put their name out there, but statistics show that blog posts get read.
I get a report from Google every month that shows my reading audience, and I'm always amazed at the thousands of readers who read my older posts.
Choose aspects of your writing branding that you want to talk about on a consistent schedule in a way that entertains, not hammers home the message "buy my book" because that won't gain you blog readers.
Blog readers can become book readers if you go about it the right way.
2. Guest Blog
Again, the blog is not dead. Tap all the people you know who blog. Ask for a guest spot. The best way to guest blog is to find bloggers who draw a different audiences so your message gets seen by many people, not the same bunch over and over.
Also, create a different post and graphics for each guest blog spot. That way even if the same readers are in the audience, they'll look at your new graphic and read your new excerpt, ad copy, or whatever.
You do have a newsletter, right? If not, start one.
Your subscribers should become your devoted audience, and they will be the most likely readers to buy your books.
If you don't subscribe to my newsletter with news about new books, bargain books, and free books, sign up now. You'll get a free ebook when you opt-in or confirm your subscription.
3. Swap newsletter listings.
Exchange features with your friends who have newsletters. Create a different "ad" for each newsletter because most authors draw many of the same readers. Different content and graphics for the same reason as in #1 above.
4. Make a list of 2-5 things, at a minimum, to do each day to market yourself and your book.
The list may include: tweet 3 times a day, promote your book on 2 or more FB reader groups, post to your own FB fan page, make a new graphic each day for one of your books (retire any old ones that seem outdated or over-exposed), create a new tagline or review quote for your graphics and social media posts, mine your reviews for social media content.
My 5 suggestions may be the tip of the iceberg. You may have some wonderful ideas of your own so leave a comment about those so others can try your ideas.
Takeaway Truth
Most of all, write up a marketing plan that you work every day. Quit winging it.
Thanks, Joan. As I become less tech-savvy, it becomes more and more difficult to promote.
ReplyDeleteOh, Liz. I wasted hours today trying to solve a tech problem. I am at the point where I want to scream because every website changes their interface and/or their procedures far too often.
ReplyDelete