As I
discussed last time, nearly any author or publisher can promote a book to
bestseller status. All it takes is a little patience, a good plan, and a whole
lot of following up on the details.
Since every
book is different, and there are many market niches, it is impossible to use a
\"one size fits all\" approach to book promotion. However, there are
some strategies that work for most authors, most of the time. We’ve already
talked about focusing on one market, looking like you are in the business, and sharing
your story.
So, here
are the other two ways we\'ve used again and again to promote books.
1. Use direct marketing
Mark Victor
Hansen said \"In book marketing, 95% of the work comes after the book is
printed. Mark recommends that you build an information empire by treating the
book as a product that needs to be marketed.
Every book
should have a web site, and every author should have a mailing list. On the web
site, make sure that you offer bonus information or extra materials to everyone
that signs up for your newsletter.
Selling a
book may or may not make you rich. Building a mailing list of people interested
in your topic, can create ongoing wealth. We have authors who break even on
book sales, they are using the book as a lead generator, getting more people on
their mailing lists, because the list is so profitable on the back end.
Once you
understand that your book is a product, you realize you are open to whatever
works to sell a product, a \"bounce back\" coupons, premiums, direct
mail or even yellow page advertising. Build a list, and you\'re building an
empire.
2. Use Endorsements and Testimonials
A reader
should expect to get value from your book, but with all the hype in today\'s
market they\'ll have trouble believing you and your book cover description.
That\'s why endorsements and testimonials are so powerful.
Hopefully,
you have a foreword, along with endorsements for your book. Put them on the
inside and outside of your book. These can be repeated on your web site, and in
your other direct marketing.
But don\'t
stop there. Approach others to get endorsements, reviews and testimonials.
Encourage them to post a testimonial on Amazon, or another online service and
give you permission to reprint them.
You\'ll find
that most people are happy to recommend or write favorably about your book. And
once do, they tend to be more open to other things, like an announcement to
their own mailing list or joint venture.
Using all
five tips discussed in both articles will certainly create more buzz, increase
sales and build your reputation. Apply the five, repeat them often, and make
sure you keep each going.. adding more marketing as you go. When you do, you
will see results.