So, you’ve put in the hard work writing, and after countless drafts and edits, your title is ready to launch. Your book may entice readers, but your titles won’t garner the reach they deserve without a promotion strategy. Promoting your books will require a well-thought-out strategy.
Without a publisher, the onus of spreading the word about a self-published book falls upon the indie author. This is a benefit for a number of reasons. (read more about that here!:https://bookvault.app/why-sell-direct-as-an-indie-author/) A good promotion strategy for self-publishers involves utilising all the tools at your disposal to attract attention on all platforms. Maximising reach to your potential audience is the ultimate goal of your promotions.
Promotion
Blogging
First and foremost, the most important part of promoting your books is to have your website or blog. This pays dividends in all facets of your journey as a self-published author. A personal author site will allow you to sell your books direct through Bookvaults’ various eCommerce integrations. You will also be able to promote your work with teasers or excerpts and even collect email lists of customers. Making a personal site is easier than it has ever been. WordPress will allow you to host a site for as low as £3 per month, and explain how to set up the perfect site in 5 simple steps: https://wordpress.com/support/tutorials/five-step-website-setup/
If this doesn’t appeal to you numerous alternatives offer a similar simple-to-use service. Blogging is a great way to bring traffic to your website and harness a consistent audience. This can be done with regular content that people will want to read, you can build a loyal following on your website.
Mailing Lists
An email list of past or potential customers interested in your writing is a great tool to build up as an author. This list will allow you to receive feedback, build up anticipation for new titles and remain present in your readers’ minds.
To build your mailing list you can try allowing a free e-book download after signing up. This is a good trade-off as you will gain a marketing contact to add to your mailing list. This will expand the number of potential customers you can maintain consistent communication with.
Social Media
Social media is an unavoidable choice for a self-published author in the modern day. Building a social following can grant you an entirely free marketing tool that has the potential to reach virality. Engaging with your audience frequently will cement a bond, increasing the likelihood they will purchase upcoming titles. Via social media, you can run promotional discounts or bundle deals in line with your site to stimulate sales. Finding a place in the online author community would be beneficial as there are many groups across social media platforms.
Reviews
Reviews from happy readers are a priceless asset to an indie author. One of the first things a reader will look at when weighing up purchasing your work will be reviews by those who have read them. This is why it is pivotal to reach out to readers and ask them to write a review if possible. This is another area in which your email lists created will be handy.
Book Discovery Services
There are various websites online like Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/welcome) and Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/) that connect authors to potential readers, uploading your work to sites like these can assist in promoting your books. Both of these sites allow paid options with extra marketing features, and the ability to run giveaways to build a buzz for your work.
Word of Mouth
Word-of-mouth marketing is an underrated strategy for authors, talking about your book to friends and family will help expand your network. This is a great way to get the ball rolling with a first title where you do not have a predetermined audience.
