Effective and Easy Book Marketing Strategies for Writers
Authors sometimes approach the book marketing process with feelings of reluctance…maybe even dread. As a writer, you’re perhaps used to working quietly, behind the scenes, slowly bringing your story to life.
The thought of bearing your soul for the world to critique can be a scary prospect, indeed, the very idea of ‘book marketing’ is to entice others to view your work – However, there is something scarier than searching for the spotlight…that is having no spotlight at all!
Whether you are working with a publisher, or self-publishing, author led marketing is vital to a book’s success – it should not be left to chance or conducted half-heartedly.
Here are some of the most effective and easy book marketing strategies for writers (that don’t cost the earth):
Maximise your Author Platform
We’ve spoken before at Scribbles about the importance of having an author platform – this is simply a home for your writing work, publishing information, social media, it is a place for readers to connect with you.
If you are starting from scratch, don’t be overwhelmed by the options.
The best author websites are simple. Focus on a user-friendly design that is easy to navigate (one-page websites are popular and cheap), with clear pictures of both yourself and your book. By having an author website, you establish a space online where your book is easily located, can be presented in the best possible light, and doesn’t have to compete with other titles.
Other marketing activity can signpost potential readers to your website.
Here are some marketing ideas for your author website:
· Blog posts about your new book, publicity activity, or research process.
· Writing tips.
· Behind the scenes – life as a writer.
· Interview other writers.
· Create a newsletter connected to your book/genre.
· Give away copies of your book/ebooks/merchandise through competitions.
· Announce new titles.
Social Media
Some writers easily embrace the chaos of social media – while others struggle to connect; sometimes it can feel like you’re talking to everybody, and yet nobody.
If this is you, don’t be put off. Social media (at it’s best) is about connection, the joy of finding ‘your people’ in a global market.
It offers authors the chance to showcase their work, and organically increase readership through sharing and creating content that appeals to your potential readers.
The big four social media channels are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. However, we would urge caution before jumping on them all at once – it is better to be master of one than struggle to juggle several accounts.
Twitter – Twitter enjoys a lively and engaged writing community. Authors are well received and supported through various hashtags such as #writingcommunity, #Writers, #amwriting, #author, #amediting, #readingcommunity, #booklovers, #KindleUnlimited – hashtags are constantly being developed, search through niches and authors to find ones relevant to your genre and readers.
As with all social media – follow others as a means to introduce yourself.
Facebook – Join relevant groups by searching within your genre, look for friendly book groups, get involved or offer free copies of your book for review (check individual group guidelines). Host Facebook Lives to showcase your work, introduce yourself/your work or show the ‘behind the scenes’ life of a writer.
Instagram – Instagram is a visual platform, perfect for writers who enjoy crafting images that reflect their genre. Post aesthetic book images, quotes or writing tips using hashtags such as #bookstagram, #authorsofinstagram, #writerslife.
Pinterest – Create pins to drive traffic to your author website by designing quotes using Canva, or your book cover images. Spend time crafting captions and images that will encourage potential readers to click through and explore further. Authors can create entire mood boards for their books which can be filled with location images, quotes, book images and background research elements.
The online world offers authors exciting and constantly developing ways to market their books to a global audience – it is essential to harness this power in order to put your book in front of a modern readership.
Focus on the most relatable and enjoyable platforms for you personally, do not involve yourself in political or personal drama, and surround yourself with a kind and respectful community!