How to Promote Your Book for a Successful Launch

Over the past few weeks we’ve been talking about the three phases of a successful book launch. We’ve covered the first step, which is the Attraction Phase, and now we are going to move on to the second step, the Promotional Phase. 

I’ve talked to so many authors who say, “I hate marketing! I feel so uncomfortable pushing the sale of my book! It’s so slimy!” 

This reiterates why the Attraction Phase is so incredibly important. When you have taken the time to connect with and attract the right people who WANT to hear from you and know more about your book, telling them about your book won’t be a problem. It’s a lot easier to sell to people who are already interested in what you have to say. It removes the "icky factor" of marketing.

And here’s the most important element to the Promotional Phase: give them a reason to WANT to check out your book. What are your readers going to get out of it? What makes your book stand out from every other book in your genre? Give them an experience that demonstrates what they will get out of it. 

For example, if you’re a non-fiction writer with a book about healthy living and wellness, share posts on social media giving tips and advice on a specific problem your readers need solved. Let them see that what you’re talking about works and that what you share will make a difference in their life. 

For fiction writers, focus on how you can entice your readers and make them curious for more. I love how Patricia Cornwell shares pictures from her research trips that gives just a little hint of the storyline for her new books. 

Promotion does not mean blasting “Buy my book!” with a link to your Amazon page all over social media. In fact, that’s the best way to turn people off from buying it. Effective promotion is providing value to let people know WHY they should buy your book. You should be leading them down a designated path, sparking their interest along the way so they pay attention and get something valuable to them out of what you have to say. 

Here's a formula you can use to create a great promotional post: 

My ideal reader's interests

+

What my book is about

=

Great promotional post  

This formula shows your readers not only that your book is worth their money, but that it's also worth the time.

I know this might take some thinking to figure out. But when you can answer these questions, you will be able to effectively communicate with your readers in a way that actually draws them in instead of just giving them another sales pitch.

If you want to go a step further and get all of the tools, resources, and help that you need to market your book, grow on social media, and sell more books - join The Author Circle membership!