Writing your book is a major accomplishment, but, as you know, the work doesn’t stop there. Too often we see authors who have published a polished manuscript with a beautiful cover at the right price point—and no one to read it. As a publisher, it’s heart-wrenching to watch a new author finish their book, have a successful launch, and then low to no sales. Whether you are traditionally published, or self-published, you need to treat your book like a business. That means you need to create a marketing plan for your book business to thrive. How can you get more book sales and have fun doing it? Spend time falling in love with marketing with these three tips:
1 - Preparation is key.
You know the old (D)adage: If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail. This is true for your book business too. What are some of your marketing plans for your book?
Your Inspiration: “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.” ― Abe Lincoln
Your mantra: I easily overcome my fears around digital technology.
Your action steps:
Make a marketing/sales spreadsheet with three tabs: stores, events, and media. Research what stores in your area might be a good fit to carry your book, discover local events where you could offer a book signing, define which press/podcaster outlets you want to talk about your book.
Create marketing materials to help you sell your book: posters, postcards, bookmarks, press kits, business cards, etc.
Use crisp, hi-res photography on your website and all social media accounts that are in alignment with your book’s brand colors.
Block time off in your calendar for marketing daily.
2 - Build relationships with people you admire.
Reach forward and backwards with your peers: It’s equally important to spend time with your mentors, as well as to help those behind you.
Your Inspiration: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” ― Jim Rohn
Your mantra: I spend time with quality, like-minded people.
Your action steps:
Make a list of all your colleagues and influencers: follow their accounts on social media, attend their events, market their products, quote them.
Have coffee with your mastermind group regularly.
Create/attend a book club at your local library.
3- Learn where, when, and how your readers hang out online.
If you’re going fishing, it’s important to know where the fish are swimming. Spending a little time researching how readers interact with books like yours will go a long way.
Your Inspiration: “Be genuinely interested in everyone you meet, and everyone you meet will be genuinely interested in you.” ― Rasheed Ogunlaru
Your mantra: I’m sharing out of authentic excitement, not out of obligation.
Your action steps:
Poll your current audience on their social media habits and communication preferences.
Learn about the platforms where your customers are spending the most amount of their time online.
Share out of excitement, not out of obligation.