Market your book effectively before it’s even published!

It’s important to generate excitement for it before and after it’s published. Whether you’re already a published author or are starting to write a book, here are some ways to market your book online.

1. Do you (or did you) have beta readers? Ask them to write a review: It’s rare for people to buy any type of online product without reading reviews first. So, ask for honest and thoughtful reviews of your book. Reviews often have the biggest influence on book buyers. Be sure to include or email a review link to anyone who purchases your book. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Indigo.ca, and any retailer that sells your book often have a section for reviews.
2. Social Platforms: There are countless ways to promote your book on social media and if you want to schedule a coaching call with me, click here, because trying to list all the ways you can promote on social would take a crazy amount of time, but here are a few basic tips:
   1. Update your LinkedIn profile. If your book is business-oriented, write about it in a post or an article.
   2. Use Instagram. The likelihood of you gaining awareness and selling your book on IG is much more likely than using Facebook. Also, Instagram reels is an ideal place to record short videos about your book.
   3. Use Google Business Profile Manager. GBPM will boost your search engine optimization and make it more likely your book can be found online.
3. Book Clubs: Are you in a book club or do you know someone who is? Book club members are often looking for something good to read so consider recommending your book to them.
   • Several of my clients have used Nextdoor.com to alert neighbors about their book.
4. Gift the Book: Give several books away and ask for a review!
5. Library: Ask the reference librarian to order the book, or suggest that they have you come in and speak. Many libraries have a section dedicated to local authors’ books which is often a great way to get more eyes on your book.
6. Market your Book via Video: Create a video of you reading the book: People want to know who you are and they want a sense of what the book is about. You can create a simple and short video on your smartphone and upload it to a video platform and post it on your social platforms.
7. Word-of-Mouth! Talk your book up! Share your excitement with everyone! You don’t have to be overly promotional about it either; discuss the plot, the characters, your inspiration for writing it, your process.
8. Local Radio: Local radio stations are often looking for newsworthy items. Call them! Ask if you could be interviewed about your book. Make it a win-win for them by mentioning that you believe their listeners would be interested in knowing about the book.
9. Market your book with Press Releases: This is another very long topic. Please read my blog about creating press releases and do reach out to the media quarterly.
10. Website: Does your website have enough content/copy/words on each page? Google likes to see up to 300 words per page. Do pages and posts (blogs) have featured images? Does the site have SEO? Is there a newsletter signup? Is there a lead magnet (pop-up) on the site? Is there an e-commerce function so you can sell directly online?

Market your book by using these tips. Create a marketing strategy and be consistent–stick to it! And remember to engage with others online.

Jules Marie is a Social Media Marketing Specialist who loves hiking with her three golden retrievers!