Authors spend years working on a book. It is often a passion project that has a special place in their heart. Naturally, it can be soul-crushing if the book isn’t a success. If you want to avoid this soul-crushing feeling, do book marketing.
You cannot sell anything without marketing it properly. If you don’t know much about book marketing, then consider hiring a book marketing company. There are companies that specialise in book marketing alone. They will help you turn that book into a success.
Don’t let your story go unnoticed; hire a book marketing company and watch your dreams come true.
How to find a book marketing company?
1. Goal Setting:
The first thing to set a direction for yourself and for the book marketing company you will hire is to define the goals. Figure out what you want from the company. Ask yourself what marketing services you would like to use and set a criteria to shortlist companies.
2. Research
Roll up your sleeves and start researching book marketing companies to find the best pick. Create a list of companies that fit your criteria. You need to search through websites, directories, and publications to find the right criteria. Moreover, you can also ask around to get recommendations. You could consult existing authors and writing communities for assistance.
3. Set Your Budget
You could hire a book marketing company for a wide price range. Define your budget so you can create a shortlist of companies. Remember, your budget and the price you are willing to pay will determine the marketing services.
4. Experienced Companies:
An experienced company will have more resources and connections that you can leverage. They have tried and tested methods for successful marketing campaigns. However, experienced companies are often expensive and may exceed your budget. You can verify their track record by looking at reviews and testimonials. After making the first contact, you should get to know the team that you will work with.
6. Ask Questions
As you narrow down to the company you want to work with, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Send an email or contact them via call to get your answers. Get all the information you need to make your decision.
7. Negotiate
Once you have selected the company, you should use negotiations to get the best deal in the final stage of the process. Look into the fine print before signing any official documentation.
The Different Strategies Used by a Book Marketing
If you are on the fence about book marketing, consider the following benefits that you would get from marketing the book:
- An appealing book cover that is your first impression on the reader.
- Social media marketing
- Creating a website page dedicated to your personal brand as an author.
- Paid reviewers and bloggers
- SEO marketing
- Promotional campaigns
Book marketing companies will help you out in the following ways:
- Targeting the right customer base
- Setting the best price for your book
- Leverage their network to spread the word
DIY marketing vs. Hiring a book marketing company
Doing It Yourself (DIY):
Pros:
- Cost-effective: You save money by avoiding the upfront costs associated with hiring a marketing company.
- Creative control: You have complete control over your marketing strategy and brand messaging.
- Learning experience: You gain valuable skills and knowledge about book marketing, which can benefit your future endeavours.
Cons:
- Time-consuming: Marketing requires significant time and effort, which can be challenging alongside writing or other commitments.
- Limited reach: Without industry connections or expertise, it can be difficult to reach your target audience effectively.
- Steep learning curve: Learning the intricacies of book marketing takes time and research, and mistakes can lead to wasted effort.
Hiring a Book Marketing Company:
Pros:
- Expertise and experience: They bring relevant experience and established strategies to the table, maximizing your reach and effectiveness.
- Time-saving: They handle the time-consuming aspects of marketing, allowing you to focus on writing and other aspects of your author career.
- Industry connections: They often have established relationships with reviewers, bloggers, and media outlets, increasing your book’s visibility.
- Measurable results: They provide reports and data to track your campaign’s performance and adjust strategies as needed.
Cons:
- Cost: Hiring a company requires an investment, which may not be feasible for all authors.
- Less control: You relinquish some control over your marketing message and strategy, though collaboration with the right company is key.
- Finding the right fit: Finding a company that aligns with your budget, goals, and communication style requires research and effort.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to do it yourself or hire a professional depends on your individual circumstances. Consider:
- Your budget: Can you comfortably afford the services of a book marketing company?
- Your time constraints: Do you have the time needed to commit to DIY marketing effectively?
- Your marketing knowledge: Are you confident in your ability to navigate the complexities of book marketing?
- Your goals: What are your specific goals for your book’s success?
Conclusion
In conclusion, you will need a book marketing company to turn your book into the next best seller. You have a better chance of gaining recognition with a book marketing team. Looking back, you can go through our guide to find a book marketing company that is right for you.
Set the goals you need, define the criteria, determine your budget, and more. There are a number of ways you can market a book, ranging from paid promotions to social media advertising.
FAQ
Q1. How do I market my book?
There are a number of ways to market the book. You can start social media marketing, which means creating posts that drive engagement and attract potential readers to your book. Common social media platforms you can market on are Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Amazon, Instagram, etc.
Q2. Do books sell good online?
Yes and no. There is a good chance of selling your book online, but that doesn’t guarantee sales. A book will only sell well if you have good marketing. Even if you have a good story to tell, it will go unnoticed by a book that has effective marketing.
Q3. Why does marketing increase sales?
Marketing increases awareness of your book. Imagine if you were standing in the bookstore, would you pick the unknown author or the one you just heard about because of marketing? Effective marketing tactics can drive up sales by using promotional campaigns.
Q4. How effective is online marketing?
The efficacy of online marketing is rooted in its capacity to target audiences and enhance brand promotion. Through the smart application of diverse online marketing techniques, firms can yield substantial returns on their investment, thereby promoting expansion and prosperity.
Q5. Why is marketing your book important?
Successful marketing creates a connection between the book and the reader by increasing awareness and sparking curiosity in prospective readers. An effective marketing plan can raise book sales and income dramatically, which will increase authors’ royalties and publishers’ profits.
Article and permission to publish here provided by David Jones. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on April 2, 2024.
Cover image provided by David Jones.