Why Authors Need to Create a Solid Marketing Plan

By Team Azuni

Writing a book can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, but getting it out into the world can be a daunting task. With millions of books being published every year, standing out from the crowd can be a challenge. This is where a solid marketing plan comes in. In this article, we’ll explore why authors need to create a solid marketing plan, and how it can help them achieve success.

  1. To reach your target audience

A solid marketing plan helps you identify your target audience and how to reach them. You need to know who your readers are, what they like, where they spend their time, and how they consume information. Without this information, your book may never reach its intended audience.

  1. To build a strong brand

A marketing plan helps you build a strong brand around your book. This includes creating a unique voice, designing a visually appealing cover, and creating a compelling message that resonates with your readers. A strong brand helps you stand out from the competition and builds trust with your readers.

  1. To create buzz and generate interest

Marketing generates buzz and generates interest in your book. It creates excitement and anticipation around your book’s launch and helps build momentum that can carry your book to success. Marketing strategies such as social media, email marketing, and book reviews can help create a buzz and generate interest in your book.

  1. To increase sales and revenue

Ultimately, a solid marketing plan helps you sell more books and generate more revenue. By reaching your target audience, building a strong brand, and creating buzz, you can increase the visibility of your book and attract more readers. This can translate into increased sales and revenue for you as an author.

  1. To establish yourself as an expert

Marketing can help establish you as an expert in your field. By sharing your knowledge and expertise through blog posts, podcasts, and social media, you can build a following of readers who trust and respect your opinion. This can lead to speaking engagements, consulting opportunities, and other income streams.

  1. To lay the groundwork for future success

A solid marketing plan lays the groundwork for future success. By building a strong brand and establishing yourself as an expert, you create a platform that can be leveraged for future books, products, and services. Your marketing efforts can help you build a loyal following of readers who will be eager to purchase your future offerings.

10 Tips for Growing a Wide Global Audience of Readers

by MARK LESLIE LEFEBVRE 

It’s one thing to decide to self-publish “wide” across retail and library platforms, versus being exclusive to a single retailer. It’s quite another to adopt a mindset that can help you grow a larger base of readers.

Pushing the right buttons to launch your book onto these platforms is only one step of the process. If you want to succeed in growing your sales and finding new readers globally, then you must not only embrace a more inclusive mindset, but you need to take definitive action to benefit from the many streams of income available to you.

Below are 10 tips to help you grow your global readership, including strategies that work for each platform and pitfalls to avoid.

Tip #1: Put in the time, love, and tenderness

One of the most fundamental things you can do to grow a global reader base is to recognize the value of nurturing something over time. Patience and persistence are among the most powerful traits when it comes to long-term author success. It usually takes multiple exposures of seeing an appealing book to turn a browser into a reader and a reader into a fan.

This takes time. Often much more time than the typical 90-day “tour of duty” in KDP Select, Amazon’s exclusivity program. It can take upwards of nine to 18 months for an author to gain traction on the average retail platform. So, an author who tries publishing wide beyond Amazon, hoping to see results within the first 90 days (the exclusivity period of KDP Select), will most often pull down their books before giving them a fighting chance.

But every time you unpublish a book from a platform, it not only resets that book to absolute zero — in terms of both ranking and the hidden algorithms retailers rely upon to present Also Bought items to new readers — but it disappoints customers. Think of a customer who downloaded your book on this platform but doesn’t start reading, or doesn’t finish that book until months or even years later. Imagine them loving your book and looking for the other books you mention in your end matter, only to find there’s nothing else for them on that retailer. That potential for a longer-term relationship with that reader was cut short.

Tip #2: Share broadly and inclusively

Be inclusive in your sharing and promotions — whether that’s in your end matter, on social media, in your author newsletter, or even on your author website.

Yes, Amazon is the world’s largest bookstore and is dominant in the US and UK. It’s easy to share a link to your book listed there and assume that’s where everyone shops. But Amazon is only available in about 50 of the 195 countries in the world. A customer in one of those 145 other countries can’t buy your book on Amazon. But they might be able to purchase it on Kobo, Apple Books, or Google Play.

An interested reader could be the owner of a Nook ereader who only reads ebooks purchased at Barnes & Noble. Maybe they only own a Kobo ereader. Or a Tolino ereader in Germany, or a Vivlio-branded ereader in France.

This is why leveraging a universal book link, inclusive of multiple retail and library platforms, is important. There are paid and free options available, including Books2Read (powered by Draft2Digital)Booklinker1Link, and StoryOrigin. These tools also often automatically incorporate geo-targeting. This means that if someone in the US clicks the link, they go to that store in the US. The same rules apply wherever. This gets the potential buyer more quickly to their preferred platform in their own country.

A single universal link for your book can also save you time when adding retailer links to your website. It removes the need to create several dozen buttons or brand icons linking to the many different global storefronts. And it can lead to a much cleaner look and design, thus less overwhelming for a potential reader.

Tip #3: Be inclusive and accessible in format and availability

In the same way that not all readers use the same platform, don’t forget that people also have their own preferred methods for reading. Some read only print. Others read only digital. Still others might prefer audio. In addition, some readers might do most of their discovering of new titles on a platform with a solid search engine like Amazon, but then go seek out those books at their local library. Perhaps they can’t afford to buy as many books as they’d like to consume.

Click here to read more https://insights.bookbub.com/tips-growing-wide-global-audience/?utm_source=pemail_blog_tips-growing-wide-global-audience&utm_medium=email

Why Self Publishing Authors need to Build Up a Solid Following Too.

By Team Azuni

Self-publishing has become an increasingly popular option for authors in recent years. With the rise of digital publishing platforms, it’s easier than ever to publish your own book and get it in front of readers. However, just publishing your book is not enough to guarantee success. To truly thrive as a self-publishing author, you need to build up a following. In this blog post, we’ll explore why building up a following is so important for self-publishing authors.

First and foremost, building up a following is important for getting your book in front of readers. With millions of books available on digital platforms, it can be challenging for readers to find your book without some promotion. By building up a following on social media, email lists, and other channels, you can reach more readers and promote your book effectively.

Secondly, building up a following can help you establish yourself as an authority in your genre. As you engage with readers and share your insights and expertise, you’ll gain credibility and recognition within your niche. This can lead to more opportunities for speaking engagements, collaborations, and other projects that can help you grow your author career.

Thirdly, building up a following can provide valuable feedback and insights into your audience. By engaging with your followers and getting their feedback on your book and marketing efforts, you can better understand what your audience is looking for and how to serve them better. This can help you refine your writing style, marketing strategies, and overall approach to building your author brand.

Finally, building up a following can provide a stable source of income for self-publishing authors. By building up a loyal fan base, you can create a reliable source of income through book sales, merchandise sales, and other channels. This can help you achieve financial stability and allow you to focus on your writing without worrying about financial pressures.

Why Authors Need to Constantly Promote their Books

By Team Azuni

For authors, writing a book is just one part of the process. The other crucial part is promoting it. Many writers make the mistake of assuming that their work will speak for itself and that readers will naturally find their books. However, the reality is quite different. With the proliferation of self-published books and the competition from traditionally published works, authors need to actively promote their books to reach their target audience. In this article, we will explore the reasons why authors need to constantly promote their books.

  1. Visibility

One of the most obvious reasons for authors to promote their books is to increase their visibility. Without promotion, it is unlikely that anyone beyond the author’s immediate circle will hear about their work. Even with a traditional publishing deal, authors need to be proactive in promoting their books. Publishers have limited resources and can only promote a handful of books at a time. Therefore, it’s up to the author to create buzz around their work and generate interest among potential readers.

  1. Establishing a Brand

Promoting a book is also an opportunity for authors to establish their brand. Readers are more likely to remember an author if they have seen their name and work promoted in various places. Consistent promotion helps authors to create a recognizable brand and establish themselves as a credible and trustworthy source of information or entertainment. This brand recognition can lead to increased sales and even opportunities for future projects.

  1. Building an Audience

Promoting a book is not just about generating immediate sales but also about building an audience. If readers enjoy an author’s work, they are likely to want to read more of their books. By promoting their work consistently, authors can build a loyal fan base who will eagerly anticipate their future projects. This can translate to increased sales and more opportunities for the author.

  1. Differentiation

With so many books available in the market, it can be challenging for authors to differentiate their work from the competition. Promoting a book helps authors to highlight the unique aspects of their work and stand out from the crowd. By promoting their work consistently, authors can highlight the unique features of their book and attract readers who are interested in those specific aspects.

  1. Engaging with Readers

Promoting a book is an excellent opportunity for authors to engage with their readers. Social media platforms and author websites allow authors to interact with their audience, answer questions, and provide additional information about their work. This engagement can help authors to build a strong relationship with their readers and foster a sense of community around their work.

  1. Staying Relevant

Promoting a book is not a one-time event. To stay relevant, authors need to promote their work consistently. By staying active on social media and other platforms, authors can remain in the public eye and generate ongoing interest in their work. This ongoing promotion can lead to increased sales and opportunities for the author.

How to Leverage Twitter Spaces as an Author

By Team Azuni

Twitter Spaces has become an increasingly popular platform for authors to promote their books. Twitter Spaces is a live audio chat room feature that allows users to have real-time conversations with their followers. Authors can use this feature to promote their books, connect with their readers, and gain exposure to new audiences. This article will explore how best authors can use Twitter Spaces to promote their books.

  1. Host a Q&A Session

One of the most effective ways for authors to promote their books is by hosting a Q&A session on Twitter Spaces. This session can be used to answer questions from readers, provide insights into the book, and give readers a chance to connect with the author. By hosting a Q&A session, authors can build relationships with their readers, increase engagement, and gain exposure to new audiences.

  1. Collaborate with other authors

Authors can also collaborate with other authors on Twitter Spaces to promote their books. This collaboration can take the form of a joint Q&A session, a panel discussion, or a book club discussion. By collaborating with other authors, authors can reach new audiences and gain exposure to different communities. Additionally, collaborations can help authors build relationships with other authors and create new opportunities for future promotions.

  1. Offer exclusive content

Another way for authors to promote their books on Twitter Spaces is by offering exclusive content. This can take the form of a behind-the-scenes look at the writing process, an exclusive chapter reading, or a sneak peek into the author’s next project. By offering exclusive content, authors can give readers a reason to tune in to their Twitter Spaces and engage with their content.

  1. Create a book club

Creating a book club on Twitter Spaces is another effective way for authors to promote their books. This book club can be used to discuss the author’s book and other related topics. By creating a book club, authors can build a community around their books and create a space for readers to connect with each other. This community can then be used to promote future projects and engage with readers on a more personal level.

  1. Host a launch party

Finally, authors can use Twitter Spaces to host a launch party for their book. This party can include readings from the book, discussions with other authors, and giveaways for attendees. By hosting a launch party, authors can generate excitement around their books and create a buzz on social media.

In conclusion, Twitter Spaces is an excellent platform for authors to promote their books. By hosting Q&A sessions, collaborating with other authors, offering exclusive content, creating a book club, and hosting a launch party, authors can reach new audiences, build relationships with readers, and generate excitement around their books. Using these strategies, authors can create a successful book promotion campaign on Twitter Spaces.

How Self-publishing Authors can Benefit from Podcasting

By Team Azuni

Self-publishing has opened up a world of opportunities for authors to get their work out into the world without having to go through the traditional gatekeepers of the publishing industry. However, with so many authors vying for attention, it can be challenging to get your book noticed. Podcasting is a medium that has grown in popularity over the past decade and can offer self-publishing authors an opportunity to reach a new audience and build a following. In this post, we’ll explore some of the ways that self-publishing authors can benefit from podcasting.

Build a following

Podcasting allows authors to create a loyal following of readers who are interested in their work. By producing regular episodes that cover topics related to their books, authors can create a community of listeners who are engaged and interested in what they have to say. This can be a great way to build an audience that is invested in your work and more likely to buy your books.

    Cross-promotion

    Podcasting is a great way to cross-promote your work. You can use your podcast to talk about your books and promote your latest releases, and in turn, mention your podcast in your books and on your website. This creates a cycle of promotion that can help you reach a wider audience and attract new readers.

      Reach a wider audience

      Podcasting allows authors to reach a wider audience than they might be able to through other channels. This is because podcasting is a growing medium with a large and diverse audience. By producing quality content and promoting your podcast, you can attract listeners from all over the world who might not have discovered your work otherwise.

        Establish authority

        Podcasting can also help authors establish authority in their niche. By sharing their expertise and knowledge, authors can position themselves as experts in their field and build a reputation as a trusted source of information. This can be a great way to attract new readers who are interested in the topics you cover in your books.

          Build relationships

          Finally, podcasting allows authors to build relationships with their readers and listeners. By engaging with listeners through social media and email, authors can create a dialogue that helps them better understand their audience and their needs. This can help authors create better content and tailor their books to the interests of their readers.

            In conclusion, podcasting can be a powerful tool for self-publishing authors who want to build an audience, promote their work, and establish themselves as experts in their field. By producing quality content and promoting their podcast, authors can reach a wider audience and build a community of loyal readers who are interested in their work. If you’re a self-publishing author looking to take your marketing to the next level, consider starting a podcast and see the benefits for yourself.

            Increase Your Email List as a Self-Publishing Author

            By Team Azuni

            As a self-publishing author, having an email list is essential to your success. An email list allows you to keep in touch with readers, inform them about new releases and promotions, and build an audience for your writing. But how do you increase your email list? This blog post will explore some of the best ways to grow your authorship email list.


            Facebook Ads


            One of the best ways to increase your email list is through Facebook ads. With Facebook Ads, you can target potential readers who are interested in similar topics or genres as yours. You can also target specific audiences based on age, location, interests, etc. It’s important to create engaging ad copy that will grab people’s attention. It should be clear why they should sign up for your mailing list. You can also offer incentives such as free ebooks or exclusive content for those who join your mailing list.

            Content Marketing


            Another great way to increase your mailing list is through content marketing. Content marketing is all about creating valuable content that appeals to your target audience and drives them to take action. It could be a blog post, video, podcast episode, eBook – anything that provides value for the reader and encourages them to join your mailing list. Make sure to include links or buttons in each piece of content that directs readers directly to your signup page so they can join easily and quickly.

            Social Media


            Using social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram is another great way to promote your mailing list and get more subscribers. Share links or images with information about why people should sign up for your newsletter. Try using hashtags relevant to the topic of the post so it reaches more people who may be interested in joining your mailing list. You can also use social media polls or contests as a way to entice people into joining by offering prizes for those who participate in these events.


            Conclusion


            Growing an email list takes time and effort but it’s worth it if you want to reach more readers and expand the reach of your work as an author. The strategies outlined above are just some of the many ways you can go about increasing your email list but there are plenty more! Get creative with different tactics such as influencer marketing or cross-promotion with other authors/brands in order to get more subscribers added onto your growing email list. With a little bit of effort, you’ll see results soon enough. Good luck.