And once again it has been some time since my last post, all due to other life commitments which should not keep me from doing something I just love to do - write, publish, post articles, review books and whatever else involves the writing world. But away with the small apologies and let me get down to the next article, mistakes we make when marketing books.
1] Marketing left, right and centre -
When one receives great reports or answers that open up your eyes, or when you hear someone say something which connects you to what you enjoy; writing that is, then you know you are on the right track. Marketing your books to every Tom, Dick and Harry doesn't work. Marketing your book in the authors' worlds, where readers and authors are "found", usually on Social Media pages and blogs, and fairs or author markets, that's when you are "seen". Someone once said, "If you market your book to everyone, you are marketing to no one." Very true. Unless you attract the right readers, and work via other authors, you are going no where. Therefore, make sure where you market your books. Seek out every place linked to authors and readers alike. This is where you will find success.
2] Robots, automation and easy marketing -
Online we find many tools that can assist us in marketing our books, whether it is via certain online bookstores, or automated links or certain software that does it for you, it is not always the best way to go. Yes, allowing automation software and certain online marketing tools to take over for you is at times ok, but never to be left on its own. When this happens, and no personal attention is offered along the way, bang goes your marketing. I do most of my marketing in a personal note. In this manner I'm sure that I'm up to date with the various blogs, online stores and whatever other social media channels I use; like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. There are others as well. Lead generation bots must never take over the personal touch between you and your readers. Stay in contact at least 80% of the time.
3] Social media and sales -
Using social media as tools to make sales is great, but don't stop there and do nothing else. Linking and "socialising" with your readers is very important too. As per the above pointers, "mixing" with your readers online is very important. Just saying that you have a book for sale is not good enough on its own. You need to create some groundwork, and created a following where people can trust you and wanting to purchase your books. Planning is needed with any marketing. Again I say it. You need interaction with your readers every where online or offline. First you start by attracting readers to your new book by placing/posting blurbs, revealing covers, etc. Secondly, start promoting your book - good pre-launch promos work and get readers interested and inquisitive. Thirdly, and of great importance too, you must start with some follow up work and draw your readers in like a fisherman draws a fish in after it gets hooked.
4] It's too late! -
This is something I have learned on my own journey. My first books went online and launched and no one really knew nothing about them because I did nothing or started with any campaigns too late. I have discovered that the more I "market" my new book being published in a month or two works better. I throw some blurbs out there, reveal the covers much earlier and get people interested, ready to pounce when my book becomes available. Marketing is basically connecting with people who want the same things you do. You love buying books that you will enjoy reading. This is the same with other readers out there. Authors purchase many books similar or in the same genre they are writing and publishing, in this way discovering more methods in improving their plot, making characters stand out more, etc. Don't start too late and be product focused only. Be more people focused as they are the folks who will increase your sales and offer you a greater income. Start your marketing journey at least 2 months before the launch. Get folks/readers excited!
5] Don't go it alone -
Trying to do everything on your own is actually crazy, but many still do this; like myself though, if you can handle it and have the time for it. As I have already published 5 books [all my books are in eBook format only, for now], I have found the correct route to follow when marketing, selling, attracting readers and hitting the roads online. If you find it difficult to go it alone, seek out a good marketing company, related to book sales of course, and discuss a contract with them. These usually are good to have and pay for when it comes to paper-style books [eBooks are slightly more different]. Getting your paperback out there is more difficult than getting an eBook out there. Seek professionals as they will market your book and bring in sales and income for you, although taking their cut as well. This doesn't mean you must not do anything. Approach physical bookstores, libraries, etc., and plan book signing sessions and meet up with readers in this way too.
6] And finally, don't focus on amounts -
Many authors have a bigger following than others on social media, via newsletters or even the printed media. Don't let this bother you. Don't go out and "seek numbers" only. Marketing your books to your smaller audience is just as important as the "famous" author has his/her audience. When we only focus on growing our numbers, we usually neglect or look past the audience/readers that is already paying attention to what we have to say. Stick with them! As you market using all the various channels available to you, your audience and readership will gradually grow. Therefore, keep your existing followers happy by feeding them with something that they like. Keep them attracted into the far future. Focusing on numbers may cause of your existing audience to start looking to other authors and places, diminishing your numbers you already have. Keep them happy!
That's it for now. I trust this will be of tremendous help in your marketing journey/journeys. These pointers have helped me and grown my audiences one reader at a time as the weeks, months and years go by. Enjoy your new journey ahead! Be blessed!
And here is my new and permanent logo as well, designed by myself...
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