Even if you have built your business
mainly online and that’s where you uncover the bulk of your clients, local
marketing should not be overlooked. In addition to your online marketing
strategy, promoting your new book in the local area can bring you “local celebrity” status
while boosting your following.
Bear in mind, these tips may not bring in
boatloads of book sales but they’ll go a long way to growing your name recognition within
your local community. As well as book sales, you might attract some new clients and
you’ll definitely gain more social media fans.
1.
Hold local book signings at libraries or book stores. Don’t forget your hometown roots! Publishing a book is quite an
achievement not everyone can claim, so blow your own trumpet to the people who
know you best. Meet and greets at any location allow you to promote your book
while also building your fan base.
2. Appear at Community events. Many local communities or towns hold Community events and
festivals during the summer and autumn months. Review those calendars well in
advance and be prepared to invest a small fee to set up a table with your
book available for purchase. Print out bookmarks or other handouts that include
your social media handles so they can connect with you after the event; I always found that raffles and prize draws offering your book as the prize gets the best types of leads.
3. Speak
at local schools about your journey to becoming an author. Many schools hold career days so watch for those
events or call the schools directly to volunteer. This isn’t so much a chance to
sell your book but to talk about your path to becoming an author. Carry
handouts with your name, book title, and social media handles so the kids can
pass them along to their parents. This is also a great opportunity to leave
information at the schools for the faculty. You just never know where your next
client will come from! It's all about visibility.
4. Volunteer
locally with your Chamber of Commerce or other business networking groups. Many Chambers have different committees on which to serve and other
business networking groups (such as Club Five55) have top table positions available every
year. Again, these types of positions are not about selling books but offer you
the chance to contribute to your community while expanding your name
recognition. Local business networking groups are bringing money into that community.
5. Use
your book as a fundraiser. Choose a cause that’s
dear to your heart and dedicate a percentage of sales to be donated. Donating
to a local charity or hospice may stir more
interest because of the hometown roots. Or donate a copy or two of your books
to auction events held by local PTAs, scouting troops, or religious organisations.
Very often these organisations will distribute a list of their benefactors, so
that’s yet another way to increase your name recognition.
Marketing your book should be a continuous
discipline, both online and offline. The more people you can reach through the
differing avenues, the more likely you’ll see increases in sales, new clients,
and social media fans.
At The Instant Edge we help authors whose books aren't the spectacular success they hoped they would be, and budding authors who want to get published and build a platform so they can get paid well to share a message and make a difference. Learn more at http://www.instantedge.co.uk/
