Much time and effort have gone into your book's research, writing, and self-publishing. Where do you begin?
To help you get started, here are five easy-to-follow suggestions.
1. Figure out your market.
Figure out who your target audience is before you begin marketing to them.
To paraphrase self-publishing pioneer Dan Poynter, bookstores are the wrong locations to sell books. Sell directly to your target audience by finding the venues where they congregate. When writing a novel on cats, visit a pet store to get inspiration.
Take the time to investigate your target audience before marketing your book. If people buy your book and pass it on to their friends, who do you think they'll be?
Once you've identified your target audience, it's time to look at their preferred shopping and entertainment venues. What types of media do they consume daily?
Use this list to find out about all the possibilities for your business or organization. This will give you a decent idea of where to focus your marketing efforts online and in real life.
2. Spread the word.
Don't be afraid to start selling when you're ready. Carry a copy of your book with you and mention it whenever possible. Also, be prepared to hand out documents to those who can help spread the word about your company.
Make an effort to talk to groups of people who share your target audience's interests. Various groups can work with you to market your image and increase word-of-mouth. Publishing a press release, giving away books in radio or television appearances, or participating in humanitarian endeavors are examples.
In the opinion of Melanie Rembrandt, owner of Rembrandt Communications and a small company PR specialist (www.rembrandtwrites.com), talking to local target audiences is a terrific approach to get the word out about your products and services. Without being overly promotional, credibility can only be established by providing relevant and valuable information about your book's subject. After your presentation, you may always hold a book signing to sell your books and meet new consumers.
There are several ways to get your book into the hands of potential readers. Visitors are more likely to request a copy of the book if they pick it up and read it. In this case, the counter clerk may reach out to you for a second or third copy.
3. Venture outside your target market.
Begin promoting your book to audiences other than those who fall under your first target market's purview once you've exhausted all possible outlets for reaching them.
A friend, coworker, or family member may be interested in purchasing your book as an anniversary or birthday present. Perhaps you might collaborate with a business, charity, or interest club that shares your book's subject matter?
Try to reach as many people as possible with your book by thinking outside the box. You may send out a press release, provide special discounts, or organize a newsworthy event to get the word out about your book. And they don't have to cost a lot of money to participate. Only a few creative ideas and extra planning, coordination, and follow-through are required to make your book stand out from the crowd.
4. Make the most of your professional connections.
Promote your book on the website of the online publisher you worked with to create it. Ask if you may leave a few copies at their front desk if you utilized a local printer.
Visit all of your local businesses and leave some promotional material about your book. Almost all of these establishments will be pleased to assist you if you are a frequent client and support the local economy at the same time.
These leave-behinds should be prepared with the benefit of the business and its consumers in mind. There are several ways to promote your book while providing something of value to potential readers.
With the help of other firms, you may be able to create collaborative coupons and discounts. Keep an eye on the customer's interests, yet be creative.
5. List your book online.
It may seem self-evident, but you should put it online if you want your book to be seen by as many people as possible and generate as much interest as possible. Make a list of the websites your target audience frequents and promote information about your book there.
You should also put together an essential website. And don't be concerned. Today, various firms offer cost-effective or free websites to self-published writers. To use these services and have an online presence, you do not have to be a technological prodigy or wealthy.
As a result, be sure to emphasize the unique advantages of your book and give client testimonials in your web content (for credibility). To set yourself apart from the competition, provide a little something about your background in your essay.
Search for free press release posting sites after your website is up and running. In addition, seek online groups that may be prepared to publish reciprocal links to your site to improve your search engine optimization.
Just a few easy pointers to get you started. The options for selling your self-published books are numerous. Start by concentrating on your target audience, utilizing your current business contacts, and your creative abilities as a starting point. You'll soon be on your road to being a best-selling novelist!