Hello, marketeers!
Today, we’re going back. Back to the time before your book baby is born. I’m currently in the midst of the fog, it seems; that period of in between book-finality and book-publication. It’s feels like you’re waiting for the stork to arrive. I’m sure you’ve been there.
(I promise this isn’t a sales post. The above button is only if you’re interested in our project - no sales push intended.)
So, what do you do in the meantime?
Your publisher may have set up pre-orders for your book, or you may be doing this yourself if you’re self-publishing. I am (doing the latter), so I wanted to share a few little marketing ideas for creating that ‘buzz’ when it comes to pre-orders of your soon-to-be bundle of joy (which traditionally-published authors can do, too).
The cover was revealed! Lol! Everyone loves a cover reveal, right?! The book now looks like a tangible product that people can envisage holding, flipping through, placing on their desk/bookshelf/coffee table, carrying around in their handbag, reading on the ...!
We’ve created some sales incentives as a way to bribe, ahem, encourage buyers to make the purchase, and make it a worthwhile one. We’re including some cute promotional materials like stickers and postcards, plus a giveaway for a chance to win a free copy and a gorgeous matching tote bag! You could provide other cool incentives like offering bonus behind-the-scenes content or an exclusive invite to a Q&A session, for example.
I’ve used social media to get people talking about the book. Word-of-mouth is the best marketing tool, isn’t it? A few little sneak peeks inside the pages, an offering of some free downloads, tagging some friends … all these strategies encourage people to share, and this builds more awareness of your book.
We’ve acquired some early endorsements for the book, which I’m honestly so excited about! Imagine highly esteemed, famous people writing awesome recommendations for you! Nothing better! It’s great because then buyers feel invested in and part of the journey as well.
Through our newsletter, we will be sharing some interesting inside information and personal connections to the book (including reminders of our fundraising efforts for our charity of choice, as well as purchase links and bonus content). Include your loyal fans in your journey and make them feel special (because they are!).
Another good tip is to update your website and social media pages to include your cover image, pre-order dates, pricing and links. Keepin’ it fresh = Good promotion!
I’m in the process of gathering up a ‘street team’ (ie. my closest media associates: reviewers, bloggers, influencers) to give ARCs (and personal thanks) to. It’s a great way to start spreading the word.
Be prepared when it comes to a pre-order campaign. Once you know your publication date you will be armed and ready with creative ideas and strategies that can be planned out in advance, which will help get the sales balls rolling before the stork arrives.
Recommended reading:
Are you a plotter or a pantser? (with FREE book marketing planner).
Got any other great pre-order strategies? Feel free to share!
#thanksfortouringwithus
Romi x