The Power of Visibility

Could it be magic?

Hi there, marketeers!

Now that we’re making headway with 2024, have you mapped out your marketing goals for the year? Have you thought about the way you want to present yourself - as a brand - as an author brand?

I talked a bit about inventing (re-inventing?) yourself as a product way back here. Basically, you are a brand that should be recognisable and consistent (like a Lady Gaga, of sorts, or is that a bad example?). And I quoted Mr Steve Forbes:

“Your brand is the single most important investment you can make in your business.”

— Steve Forbes, Editor in Chief of Forbes Magazine

But today, I want to talk about the power of visibility. As a creator, we naturally have the power of words (and images), but we often also have the power of invisibility (much like a Sia, of sorts - she’s hiding, right?).

Enough with the singer references. (We could try Harry Potter, instead? No?)

Okay, so being visible can be hard. Especially in a crowded space. Especially when the way to stand out is to *not* fit in. I was watching an interview chat with the super awesome, best-selling author Adam Wallace the other day, and he spoke about this very topic. It was about thinking further than just the book - what other avenues and possibilities can be explored to complement your product. In Adam’s example, he mentioned that he has written TV scripts for his manuscripts as a way to entice publishers to consider the book’s marketing potential. Unique idea, right?!!

Well, remember, YOU are a product, too. So, what is your unique angle that you can share with the world? What more can you offer that goes beyond your book? How will you be visible?

I have to admit, I’m not great at being visible. I like my words on a page or a screen. Visibility is daunting. But it only needs small steps.

My small step was into the podcasting world. Yes, I spoke - with my own voice - on a podcast. This was me:

I’m cute, right?!

Appearing on podcasts may or may not be your thing. Fortunately, there are lots of other ways you can be visible and share your unique self with your audience.

It’s time to add some of these to your marketing plans:

• Other interviews. Podcasts are great but so are written interviews on blogs, video chats, through your local paper, radio and dare I say, on TV!

• Social media reels. People love reels, and especially if they can watch you speak (or read, or draw, or share other people’s books, or dance, or fall down slippery slopes…)

• Blogging and guest blogging. You get to write about your own journey! You can share your insights, special valuable content, your thoughts, your innermost secrets about how you stalked a publisher that time…..

• Virtual book tours and events. Engage your readers and potential collaborators by showcasing yourself and your work during an entertaining online live event. You could include a book reading, workshop lesson, Q&A session, behind-the-scenes or never-before-seen content - of your book - not you - your book! Ahem!

• Communicate and engage. Be a part of the industry. Jump into groups, follow your peers and interact. This goes for both online and offline pursuits.

  On a seriously soppy note, the kidlit community is honestly so supportive of championing each other’s aspirations and achievements. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of it! You’re all the best!

So, what does your visibility look like this year? (I hope it’s not an old, brown cloak). I do apologise to the celebrities reading this (feel free to ignore), but for those needing some additional ways to make a splash, I hope these ideas help. I’d love to see your self-introductions on the socials (think, ‘5 Things You Didn’t Know About Me’ kind of thing). And you’re always welcome to comment with your own suggestions.

#thanksfortouringwithus

Romi x

And don’t forget…

Soon it’s February 14 … that is, Library Lovers’ Day and International Book Giving Day, oh, and Valentine’s Day (only for expressions of love for your stack of books, of course!). What have you got planned?