Things Authors Can Do Between Books - Marketing Ideas

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Marketing tends to be the all-encompassing focus right before and after a book launches, but there are lots of things you can do to build or maintain your platform or audience ahead of your next book. Here are some ideas.

  • Look for ways to add readers to your email list. Make sure you take signup sheets to events, have a place on your blog for readers to join, and post about your newsletters on your social media. People sign up when they think they’re missing out on something.

  • Set up a regular blogging schedule and try to stick to it. This will provide fresh content and drive traffic to your site.

  • Build a backlog of blog posts. It’s always helpful to have a library of content to pull from when you get busy.

  • Look for opportunities with other authors to be included in events, giveaways, and social media parties. This is a great way for readers to find you.

  • Find ways to celebrate other authors by featuring them on your blog or social media posts.

  • Build a list for your next launch. I have a really big spreadsheet that lists bloggers, reviewers, events, bookstores, podcasts, and anything else I can think of that will help me. I add to this every time, I come across something new or someone offers a recommendation.

  • Don’t forget the “social” part in social media. You shouldn’t just be active on your sites when you have a book to promote. You build an audience and relationships by sharing, commenting, and posting regularly. This also helps to build your following. Figure out what you want to share and create interesting posts about your pets, recipes, crafts, etc.

  • Set up a newsletter schedule. It’s a good idea to publish regularly and not just when you have a book for sale.

  • Find projects to participate in that give you opportunities to work with other authors (e.g. guest blogging on your site or theirs, anthologies, etc.). This is a good way to pick up new readers/followers. I’m involved with several anthology projects that give me opportunities to participate in events and interviews where I can talk about my novels.

  • Find a writers’ group. Many, like Sisters in Crime, have educational opportunities and ways to share information with other authors.

  • Create a plan to add to your social media following. I focus on one or two a month and look for ways to build my followers on Facebook, Instagram. Pinterest, Twitter, Goodreads, and BookBub.

What would you add to my list?