You would think that the hardest thing about being an author is the writing of books, but it’s far from it. Writing books is easy because it only involves you, your brain, and your characters. The hardest thing about being an author is marketing the damn book once it’s written and released.
Marketing as a self-published author is a relentless task. It isn’t just a matter of doing it when you release a book; you always have to be on your a-game, pushing your books and trying to get those elusive sales. Let me share a bit about my journey and the strategies I’ve employed to keep my books in the public eye.
Social Media Savvy: Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok
Social media has been my go-to for marketing. Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are indispensable tools in my arsenal.
Twitter: This platform is excellent for networking with other authors, engaging with readers, and sharing updates. I’m planning to use Twitter’s subscription service to offer exclusive content and updates, hoping to build a more dedicated reader base.
Instagram: It’s all about visuals here. I share aesthetically pleasing images related to my books, snippets of my writing process, and engaging stories that resonate with my followers. The key is consistency and using relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
TikTok: BookTok is a powerful community. Creating short, engaging videos about my books, character insights, and writing tips has helped me connect with a younger, vibrant audience.
The Amazon Experience
I also tried Amazon promotions, but to be honest, they didn’t yield significant results. It seems that with so many books on the platform, getting noticed is like finding a needle in a haystack. While it’s a good platform for hosting my books, relying on its promotional tools alone hasn’t been the most effective strategy.
Revamping the Website and Blogging
One of my goals is to get back into posting regular blogs and ensuring my website is up-to-date. A website is a central hub where readers can find all my books, learn more about me, and engage with my content. Blogging allows me to share more in-depth insights, updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at my writing process. This not only drives traffic to my site but also helps in building a loyal readership.
Publishing Short Stories
Another tactic I’m exploring is publishing short stories. This gives potential readers a taste of my writing style before they commit to buying my full-length books. It’s a great way to build interest and showcase my storytelling abilities. These shorts can be shared on my website, social media, or even as free giveaways to my email subscribers.
Final Thoughts
The journey of marketing as a self-published author is ongoing and ever-evolving. It requires constant effort and adaptation to new trends and tools. While it can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding to see your hard work pay off as readers discover and enjoy your books. If you’re in the same boat, don’t get discouraged. Keep experimenting, keep engaging, and most importantly, keep writing.
Gareth Ellis - Author 