When self-publishing a book, marketing is a major component. After all, you want your book to reach the right target audience and receive sufficient attention. This is, of course, quite a broad concept, and it is not uncommon for writers to lose sight of the bigger picture when it comes to marketing. That is why we are happy to help you get started with a few tips!
Social media
It is perhaps no surprise that social media channels such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc., are still the primary way to promote your book and yourself as an author. Carefully consider which channels your target audience uses and ensure you are active on them. Post relevant content several times a week. Additionally, make sure you use the right hashtags (especially on Instagram). Think of keywords that relate to your book and allow your target audience to find you. Then, include these in the description of your post using a “#” sign. For example, if you are writing a novel and include #roman in the text, people can find your post via this keyword (hashtag).
A good way to generate a large reach is a giveaway. Because people respond, share, and participate in large numbers, your post (about your book) is spread and viewed by a large group.
Finally, it is highly relevant to join interesting private groups on Facebook. There are countless groups for writers and book lovers that you can join. A place where a relevant target audience for your book is likely present!
Own website
Your own website always comes in handy. Here you can not only make your book available for order, but also share fun articles, blogs, and news! You can link to this website from your social media channels.
Newsletter
Build a mailing list and write a fun weekly or monthly newsletter. You can include information about your book, but also some more general information about yourself as a writer. This way, you keep people engaged with your writing adventures! A great way to maintain a list and distribute newsletters is via Mailchimp.
Booksellers and book markets
Almost every major city hosts a book market or event where you can showcase your book. Make sure to attend. Here, you will meet completely different people than those you want to reach online. By personally engaging them in the right way, they might become interested in your book! Additionally, take the plunge and walk into bookstores in your neighborhood. You can always ask if you can place your book in their store! You never know unless you try, right?
Promotional material such as business cards
Business cards are still an ideal way to ensure people don’t forget who you are. If you speak to someone interested in you as a writer or in your book, leave a business card with your details and refer them to your website or social media channels. That way, they won’t forget you and can always find you!
Forums
There are countless forums to be found about writing and books. By posting messages here and responding to people, you bring yourself back into the spotlight. So do it!
Reviews
A fun way to convince people of the quality of your book is by collecting reviews. Whether it’s reviews on social media, your website, or via an external review aggregator, people always find this interesting! Good reviews build trust and are persuasive. So get started collecting right away!
What do you think is the best way to draw attention to your book? Let us know!