Hot Off the Press? Here’s What Smart Authors Do Next
According to a survey conducted by the New York Times, nearly 81 percent of people say they want to write a book. Unfortunately, 97 percent of people who start writing their book never finish. In other words, lots of people want to write a book, but only a select few do. So if you’ve written and published a book, that’s a huge accomplishment and a definite credibility booster. Take a bow! You deserve it!
But now what? Sure, you’ve got those hot little books in your hands and you’re ready to start marketing. You know that simply having a book isn’t enough. Now you need to strategically highlight your book and your expertise at every opportunity. But how?
Use the following tips to showcase your book and start making it work for you. I realize that some of these tips may sound elementary, but you’d be amazed at how many people ignore the basics of foundational marketing. Therefore, make sure you can check off every one of these boxes as soon as your book is published. In future blogs, I’ll go into deeper strategies for using your book as a strategic marketing tool.
Day 1 Book Marketing
Add your book to everything. Start by prominently featuring your book title in your email signature, on your business cards, and in your professional bio. For any web or email based mentions, make the title a clickable link to your book’s web page (see next tips). This constant reminder reinforces your status as an author and an expert. It’s obvious, I know. Then why isn’t everyone doing it???
Create a dedicated book page on your website. This page should include information about your book, its key themes, and how it can benefit your target audience. Don't just mention your book in passing in your bio and or on your coaching, consulting, or speaking services pages. Give your book the spotlight it deserves.
Use your book as a content source. Share excerpts or key insights from your book on social media and in your blog. Pull out 30 key snippets and calendar them out in your promotion cycle. This content sharing not only demonstrates your expertise, but also engages your audience with valuable information. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when you have a wealth of information to pull from your book. By offering glimpses into your book’s content, people will be more inclined to purchase it and ultimately work with you.
Create eye-catching social media graphics. Take the previous tip a bit further and use tools like Canva to create attractive social media graphics that highlight your book and those content snippets you pulled out. Take a day to create a month’s worth of posts so you’re not scrambling each day wondering what to post. You can even use a social media scheduling tool so you don’t have to worry about posting daily.
Offer a free book chapter or excerpts as lead magnets. Decide on a longer snippet to use as a lead magnet. This longer piece of content allows potential clients to sample your work before committing to a purchase. It also helps to grow your email list, providing you with a direct line of communication to nurture these leads further.
Talk about your book. Mention your book in interviews, podcasts, webinars, and any other public speaking opportunities, including local networking groups, at your hair salon appointment, at you CPA meeting, etc. The more often you talk about your book, the more visibility your book gets and the more authority you gain.
Collaborate with others. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, and influencers in your niche and offer them a free copy of your book. Yes, free. Ask them to review it or feature it on their platforms. This is called leveraging other people’s networks and it can significantly expand your reach and credibility.
Organize a book-related event. Organize a webinar, workshop, or Q&A session centered around the themes of your book. Market it to your current clients as well as prospects who have not signed up yet. This not only promotes your book but also positions you as an expert willing to engage with your audience.
Send copies to relevant media outlets. Send copies of your book to local and industry-specific media outlets along with a press release. This can lead to book reviews, interviews, and other media coverage that can enhance your visibility and credibility.
Offer a special promotion or discount. To generate initial interest and sales, offer a limited-time promotion or discount on your book. This can incentivize early buyers and help spread the word about your new publication.
Embrace the Basics
Publishing a book is a significant milestone, but it's just the beginning of your marketing journey. These ten foundational tips are essential first steps that many new authors overlook. Make sure to implement these within the first couple of days after your book is out. They may seem elementary, but they are crucial for building your book's momentum. Please, don't skip any because you think they are too basic.
In future posts, we’ll dive into more detailed strategies to further leverage your book as a powerful marketing tool. For now, focus on these starting points and watch as your book begins to build your authority and credibility. Keep pushing forward, keep sharing your expertise, and keep marketing. Your book is a testament to your knowledge and hard work—now let the world see it.
Ready to Take Your Book Further?
These day-one marketing moves are just the beginning. If you want a book that builds your credibility, boosts your business, and gets into the hands of the right readers, let’s talk. Schedule a free consultation today. Your book deserves more than just a spot on the shelf. Let’s make it work for you.