Book Club Promotion Ideas
Why did you write your book or series? What personal experience inspired it? Human stories drive connection. Getting personal on BookTok goes a long way, like author Christina Bacilieri https://johnizzy.com/. Post about your pets, your writing schedule, tour of your favorite indie bookstore, favorite local coffee shop (then tag all of them in your video). A lot of authors struggle with this aspect, but TikTok users want to see the personal side of you as well!
Regularly posting helps the TikTok algorithm. You don’t have to be a pro by any means! Your videos will get more views if you put some effort in. Change camera angles, use a tripod if you need a steady hand, get some decent lighting. Competent editing will help you make your point, and slick editing can actually attract followers who are just impressed by the quality of your video. But ultimately, authenticity wins.
With the ever-changing world of social media, there’s a new platform on the rise that is capturing the attention of millions of users worldwide – TikTok. TikTok is a social media platform that has quickly become popular for its short-form videos that can range from silly dances to life hacks to book recommendations. In this blog post, we will discuss how authors can use TikTok to promote their books. We’ll cover everything from understanding the algorithm to creating engaging content and even share examples of successful TikTok marketing campaigns by authors. Here’s a rundown of what we’ll cover in this article:
Book Launch Promotion Ideas
Some authors love book signings, while others simply don’t have the stamina to sign hundreds of books in a row. Avoid straining your writing hand by using a custom signature stamp instead of an autograph. Add a creative image or design to your signature to make it truly one-of-a-kind. It’ll give you more time to engage with your readers face-to-face — and maybe more opportunities to take a few selfies.
No matter how carefully you’ve chosen your initial keywords and categories, you still need to update them every so often. Every few weeks or months, try switching out a keyword or two, maybe including a hot new comp title to capitalize on what’s trending. If your sales had been going strong but are starting to flag, that’s a clear sign to revisit and refresh your data.
Facebook ads have proven surprisingly effective for authors targeting specific audiences, and they’re also a staple method in digital marketing. While you may prefer to use ads to direct users to your Amazon page (more on that below), you can also use them to capture mailing list leads, as Mark Dawson describes here.
If you’ve published on other stores and platforms like Apple Books, it’s easy to generate links from within those apps as well. Don’t assume every reader will want to go through Amazon! Have store links ready from every platform you’ve published on so they can take their pick.
We’re not suggesting you physically stalk someone — only that you figure out where your proto-persona might hang out online, so you can ensure your marketing efforts reach them. Pore over Goodreads reviews, Reddit threads, and the social media accounts of authors similar to yours to find people like your proto-persona. Then adjust their profile accordingly!
To help you out, I’ve put together a comprehensive list of 101 book promotion ideas that will take your marketing game to the next level. From traditional methods to cutting-edge digital tactics, there’s something for everyone here. Let’s dive in!
Book Promotion Ideas
Finally, you’ll want to update your product info and even your book’s appearance from time to time. If your sales are faltering or you just haven’t refreshed things in awhile, try spicing up your book description with more keywords or quotes from reviews.
This falls under the umbrella of social media, but it’s so essential that it’s worth its own tip: in order to attract readers, you need to interact with them. Ask them questions, reply to their comments, and follow them back if they have strong accounts of their own (especially if that includes lots of followers). Build relationships and engage with them on a deep level.
Is this list long? Yep. Are you supposed to do all 41 things this week? Absolutely not. Pick a few ideas that excite you and start there. Consistency beats overwhelm every time. If you feel a little overwhelmed, check out Pagewheel’s tools, community and even weekly trainings/Q&As.
You can’t go wrong with BKnights for $5. I would also take the extra gig for $5 and get in on their daily newsletter. You won’t get a ton of downloads, but 12-25 on average depending on the book. No reviews needed.
All this networking is bound to lead to some impressive connections. Make the most of them by asking for testimonials from fellow authors and experts to use in your marketing materials. Again, this is extra-important for nonfiction authors, for whom credibility is everything; an endorsement from a well-known figure in your field is a golden ticket to book sales.