While having a conversation with Dr. Anthony Gantt, the author of 16 books, I mentioned that I was learning the art of marketing my book, 62 Blog Posts to Overcome Blogger’s Block, which is currently available on Kindle.
Our conversation went something like this:
Dr. Gantt: “How long do you intend to sell books?
Me: “As long as blogging is relevant. But, even if people don’t use my book to create content for their sites, it can be used to teach people how to write.”
Dr. Gantt: What’s your hurry in marketing your book if you plan to sell it for years?”
Me: ***** Crickets *****
I had to think. What was my hurry? Although bloggers are my primary target for my book, I do plan to pitch it to different audiences for many years to come. Besides, as long as content marketing remains a strategy for businesses, nonprofits and educational institutions, there will always be a need for my book.
After that conversation, I changed my mind and mode of operation. Following are some of the steps I’ve taken on the journey of book marketing, as well as strategies I’ll be implementing in months to come.
Book Marketing Strategies Today
Press Releases
I’ve been submitting press releases to different media outlets for radio and TV appearances, book reviews and personal interviews. I have not had any bites just yet due to inconsistent efforts, but I’m going to keep pitching.
Social Media
Reaching out to individual followers on Twitter, friends on Facebook and connections on LinkedIn informing them of my book has proven to be extremely effective. I have sold at least 10 books as a result of these efforts.
Word of Mouth
Mentioning my book in conversations, even if the other parties are not bloggers, builds awareness. Hopefully, people will remember my book in their conversations with other bloggers. If not, they will remember me because I have a published book.
E-mails
Reaching out to people whose e-mail lists I’m on have resulted in one write-ups about my book, which is scheduled for later this month.
Calls for Interviews
By responding to calls for authors interviews, I was blessed to be a guest on Toneal Jackson’s radio show, Inspirational Talk with Toneal. I have a couple more interviews lined up. I met Toneal through Facebook, which exemplifies the power of social networks.
Guest Blogging
To increase my visibility, to expand my knowledge, and to get in front of audiences other than my own, I wrote guest blog posts for BookBaby, We Blog Better and Grow Map.
Future Book Marketing Strategies
Crowdfunding
Within the next couple weeks, I’ll be launching a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to raise funds to publish my book. Watch out for more details.
Virtual Book Tour
I’ve been following D’vorah Lansky, the top expert on virtual blog tours. This is definitely on my list of strategies to implement in the near future.
Social Media Group Pages
I’m in at least 20 social media groups between Facebook and LinkedIn, but I’m not very active. As soon as I develop a system of consistency, my activity will increase .
Tell Us About Your Blog Marketing Journey
What are some of your book marketing strategies and challenges? Which method has been most effective for you?
Let us know in the comment box below.
Image: Moyan Brenn – Flicker