Book authors need to build a marketing campaign that would fall under the duties of a publishing house. To market themselves writers must generate an author platform.
In this article get to know the marketing tips for books and the importance of building an author platform.
A writer's platform includes reaching their social media accounts and connections with media outlets. The strength of ghostwriting services uses the influence of writing platforms to boost the writing career of authors.
We will be discussing increasing the potential readership of books and building a platform.
What Is An Author Platform
An author platform is the writer’s ability to market their work by reaching a target audience. It includes social media accounts, connections with literary influencers, and the writer's relationship with media outlets.
Now, a question rises why is it important to have a platform for authors? Well, an author’s platform plays a critical part in publishers' decision to entertain a book deal.
A good author platform increases the chances of producing a bestseller.
Steps For Creating An Author Platform
Building an author platform will increase the potential readership of your book. We have listed some tips to help you build your platform.
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Creating a website
The most basic step for a writer to build a platform is to create an author website. The website must contain your photo, bio, and links along with the writing samples.
The website can also help you build an email list that will help you with your future book marketing efforts. Bloggers can publish short stories or insights for their writing process.
It will provide a helpful landing page since it will pop up if someone intends to find you through search engines.
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Publishing articles online
Reach out to online outlets that specialize in your area of expertise. If it is your first experience as a writer then, you can try self-publishing.
When you publish your articles it gets exposed to new readers which is helpful in the outreach of your next book.
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Maintain social media accounts
An active social media presence improves your outreach. Successful authors use social media channels to stay in touch with fans.
They use social media for microblogging, promotional materials, and writing snippets and updates to potential ideal readers. Modern marketing strategies require maintaining Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook presence for writers.
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Exploring other media ventures
Exploring other media ventures includes starting a podcast or discussing the craft. You can also host webinars according to your expertise and it will surely stick with your audience.
Reasons for Building an author platform
Through an author platform, you can connect with potential readers and strengthen your author brand. With the mentioned reasons advertise your book to a wide audience and establish yourself.
The following are the reasons for developing an author platform.
- You own your readership, unlike other social media platforms where you can lose your followers.
- It has no algorithms to decode. Email marketing provides you with direct access to your readership.
- There is a high ROI so, you do not need to spend lots to earn lots.
- It clearly shows that you have an engaged readership. Past sales can help you land a book deal.
- You can use your print-on-demand books to promote your writing.
Marketing Tips For Books
Whether you are working with a traditional publisher or going with the self-publishing route its marketing is necessary.
Most of the time authors do not have access to marketing tactics. So, instead of working with a small publisher, get to know these tips and promote your book.
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Create your brand
Potential readers appreciate a cultivated brand persona. Creating a brand becomes essential when you are about to release a book.
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Building a website
Your website is where you establish your brand persona. It becomes like your home where people want to follow you. It turns visitors into customers.
An author's website contains the following information
- Bio
- Photo
- Excerpts from book
- Link to buy the book
- A way to contact
- Links to social media
- A downloadable media kit
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An email list
It is highly impossible that people will keep checking your site for new updates. So, to keep in touch with people you can send out an email to give them updates.
Creating and maintaining an email list secure the sales of your current and future books. It develops a real relationship with your email subscribers.
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Choosing the right audience
Go beyond what your book is about.
You must know your target audience and ask yourself questions if the genre of your book targets the right people.
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Reach out to book reviewers
Getting book reviews increases the book’s visibility.
If you find a specific book's genre, not your type then go for reading book reviews. Look for book reviews and then get your hands on a book.
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The right book cover
Choose a book cover that stands out from the crowd.
The right book cover will surely stop potential readers from scrolling down the page.
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Using ads to boost sales
You can promote your books on Amazon or choose the sponsored product ads option. This way you will enjoy better book visibility.
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Using Facebook marketing to build awareness
If you are planning to market your book you need a business account to do that.
Follow these practices to market your book on Facebook
- Choose a custom audience of readers
- Make an ad that is targeted specifically to readers
- Link your ad on the website
- Control costs by running ads on Facebook
- Use ads to push click-throughs to your website
Conclusion
Every person who visits your website becomes a potential reader. You can build your audiences by sending them personalized content or short stories.
It is a fact that for writing pieces, publishing, or even for marketing literary agents are interested in their author platform.
The author's website is worth the investment. It acts like a raised surface for authors to develop a relationship with their readers.
Along with the author's platforms, healthy marketing strategies require consistency and determination to generate sales.
The best part is you do not need thousands of subscribers to sell your books. You can mark your importance even with a small list or by implementing the mentioned tips.
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