Here we are, folks. Your book is finally published! After pouring your heart, soul and many strenuous work hours your book has finally hit the market. But the journey does not end here.
In a world filled with so much competition, one must have a strategy to get your book noticed. Here are 9 tips to boost the sale of your book.
Craft a Compelling Online Author Platform
Your author platform acts as your online headquarters. This encompasses your website, social media presence, and online engagement.
A website acts as your centre of activity and interest. At the minimum, it should include information about you and your book, excerpts, reviews, author interviews, and contact details. Don’t forget to make a mobile version of your web page and make sure it is well-designed and easy to navigate.
Social media presence is key for successful book sales in the twenty-first century. For maximum efficacy, choose platforms where you would commonly find your target audience and remember to be active on it.
Share engaging content related to your book’s genre, interact with potential readers and run contests and giveaways to generate excitement and get views.
Besides social media, you can write blog posts and guest articles, or participate in online discussions relevant to your book’s theme. This will not only make you better in your field, but also attract readers to your work organically.
Use the Power of Online Bookselling
The online marketplace is a goldmine for book sales! Mastering the power of online sales is a guaranteed way to become wealthy. Hire cover designers to make eye-catching book covers and write a captivating blurb to entice buyers.
Make sure to sell on Amazon and learn about SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) so that your book appears in relevant searches. Sell your book through other online retailers like Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books as well. This ensures that your book reaches the maximum number of possible customers.
Make sure that your book is available in multiple reading formats to cater to diverse reader preferences that lead to maximum potential sales.
Leverage Reviews and Endorsements
Positive reviews and endorsements from established authors, reviewers, or bloggers build credibility and social proof while increasing visibility and discoverability. This, in turn, builds trust and reader confidence in the product.
Reviews and endorsements also create buzz and excitement. Encourage readers to leave reviews on online retailers and book platforms. Reach out to reviewers and influencers whose audience aligns with your book’s genre.
Build Relationships with Bookstores and Libraries
Local brick-and-mortar stores and libraries are the backbone of hard-cover book sales and are crucial for author visibility. Contact local bookstores and offer book signings, author talks, or readings and reach out to librarians and recommend your book for their collection.
You can give presentations and hold book discussions to generate local interest and do not forget to list your book in online directories to increase searchability. Online directories like Indie-Bound or local library catalogues are a good place to start.
Master Public Relations
Having good public relations skills has so many benefits. Make a newsworthy press release about your book launch and target local newspapers, online publications or literary publications relevant to your genre, also reach out to journalists, bloggers, or podcast hosts interested in interviewing you or featuring your book.
Media coverage through press releases, interviews, or articles is more effective than paid advertising. Positive media mentions establish you as an expert and lend credibility to your book’s content, which can significantly expand your book’s reach.
Media placement puts your book in front of new audiences who might not have discovered it which translates to a wider potential customer base and increased sales. Positive media coverage often sparks organic conversations and recommendations.
Public relations also help to foster connections with journalists, reviewers, and bloggers. These relationships can lead to future collaborations, interviews, or features that keep your book relevant and generate ongoing interest while also building anticipation for future releases.
Run Engaging Book Promotions
Strategic book promotions can bring it to the forefront of the market. Offer discounts on your book for a limited time and host giveaways on social media to create a sense of urgency or provide a free chapter download to entice readers and give them a taste of the book.
One can also bundle your book with other merchandise related to your work, like signed copies or bookmarks, to incentivise purchases.
Utilise Paid Advertising Strategically
Advertising platforms like Facebook Ads, Amazon Ads, or Google Ads can be powerful tools to reach a wider targeted audience.
It’s crucial to use them strategically to maximise return on investment. While making an advertisement, clearly define your ideal reader and tailor your ad campaigns to reach them effectively.
Experiment with different ad formats, headlines, and visuals to see what resonates best with your audience and monitor your advertising performance closely to adjust your strategy based on data and analytics.
Embrace Continuous Learning
Sales is an ever-evolving landscape. Stay updated on industry trends, reader preferences, and marketing strategies to be on top of your game.
Subscribe to author blogs and podcasts for insights and inspiration from successful authors and invest in online courses or workshops on book marketing and social media marketing to stay up to par with the best.
Build a community
Creating a community around your book fosters a loyal reader base fuels word-of-mouth marketing and provides valuable feedback and engagement. Create or join online reader groups related to your genre and actively engage in discussions.
A great way to build a community list is by building an email list to keep readers informed about upcoming releases, special offers, and book-related news. Offer exclusive content to subscribers to enhance the experience.
Create a dedicated social media group for your readers to foster a sense of community and allow them to connect and discuss your work.
Patience and perseverance are key. Building a successful author career takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks; keep learning, keep marketing, and keep writing!
