Hello, marketeers!
If you’re new here, welcome! I’m so glad you’ve joined us. If you’re not sure I’ve spelt ‘marketeers’ correctly, let me explain. I have been referring to this awesome group as the legends, the comrades, the noble and brave book marketing creators because it takes a heck of a lot of grit, patience and getting back-on-the-horse-when-you-fall moments to put yourselves at the forefront of what could sometimes seem like a battle - all the while having a good time! Right?! And so, the mighty marketeers we are!
Anyway, marketeers, let’s talk about some virtual marketing strategies, particularly for pre-launch or launch events. Here are 6 ideas to try …
An online Q&A session. They want to hear you speak!
Connect, engage, connect, engage. Interact with your audience and allow them the opportunity to ask you questions or hear more about your journey. Make it fun by spilling some secrets about the process or book creation (and whatever else you may have spilled during those late night/early morning/writing-through-crying-baby moments).
Sneak Peeks. I mean sneak peeks of your book … ahem …
Offer exclusive sneak peeks of certain illustrations or bonus chapters that could engage their curiosity or spark a discussion. This could include unpublished parts or other content not found in the book.
Engaging audiences with a contest or giveaway. Readers love free stuff! Yay!
Encourage your audience to participate and share in a fun contest to win a prize related to your book. They could answer a simple question or share a photo and in return receive an exclusive activity or resource, or even a physical gift.
Show Off! That’s right - work it, baby!
Maybe you’re not just an author or illustrator. Maybe you have some other hidden talent to show off (please make it relevant to your book. Fist-in-mouth tricks are not that impressive …). If your book is about cooking, gardening, music, art, animal rescue, diving with sharks, etc, we want to see you in action! And if your book was inspired by a special place, person or event, take us with you for a visit!
Virtual Goodies. Ooh, more free stuff!
Virtual merch is a great way to thank your audience for coming along the journey with you. This can include signed e-cards, downloads or other content. I’m trying out a kind of virtual advent calendar for the upcoming anthology with surprises to unlock each day for 16 days; consisting of video footage, animations, activities and downloads, and clues to unjumble at the end for a prize.
Link it back to your website. The last piece of the puzzle …
Make sure you have a landing page on your website with the all-important call to action! You could add interest to your book page with eye-catching and enticing content, such as games, puzzles, character profiles, slideshows or images, AND of course, a link to purchase!
So, marketeers.
“Never fear quarrels, but seek hazardous adventures.”
Map out your marketing plan, gauge what your audience wants and how you will engage, and hey presto! A successful virtual launch!
#thanksfortouringwithus
Romi x