Does the word marketing make you cringe?
Do bookmarks, postcards, buttons, pens, notebooks, t-shirts, oh my--make your head spin?
No worries. It happens to all of us.
I'm here to share with you a few fabulous posts that I found to be very helpful. I hope you find them as useful as I did.
Before I begin, I'd like to ask, what kind of swag do you all like to receive from your favorites authors?
Any successful marketing tips you'd like to share?
If so, please leave a note in the comments section. Looking forward to reading your thoughts.
Okay, here we go:
What Makes Word-of-Mouth Work?
Rob Eager shares his thoughts at Writer's Digest HERE. Good stuff! Also be sure to check out his whole list of marketing blog posts. Very helpful.
Author/agent Lucienne Diver shares an excellent article on TKA's newsletter:
No-Fail Self-Marketing Tips HERE
Author Elana Johnson shares a series of blog posts on marketing. Extremely helpful. A MUST READ.
The Basic Marketing Plan for Authors Who Have Bills to Pay Too
The Basic+Plus Marketing Plan For Those Who Are Nearing Wealth
Using Facebook and Goodreads In Your Marketing
Also, agent
has some great Tips on Marketing Your Novel
And here's a little video for your learning entertainment:
Posts
20 comments:
These all look awesome. We check them out - especially the one about authors nearing wealth -- just incase i ever need it.
Great post, Mart.
Hey! That's quite useful information. Thanks Mart!
As for things I like or have received from authors.. I don't think I've really gotten to many things from authors aside from newsletters in my email. :D Once, I did receive a random signed copy of a book from an author I like. That was a neat surprise.
Mart, thank you so much. I am at a total loss when it comes to marketing. I think what I need is money so I can hire someone to do all of this crap for me.
Thanks, Mart.
If I ever need money...like always?
LOL
I've received signed books from several authors (love that!), signed bookmarks and rack cards, pins/buttons, handwritten notes, handmade bookmarks...I can't think of anymore. The personalized items are what I treasured most.
In making this list, I'm realizing what swag works for marketing purposes. I'll have to go through your links and see what else I can learn.
Thanks Mart!
Thanks for the links! Marketing can be an overwhelming thing. My one piece of advice would be to try one marketing strategy at a time. Test it out, if it works add another strategy to your marketing mix. If it doesn't work, scrap it and test another.
If you jump in and have too many strategies going at once without testing them first, you'll be diluting your efforts and none may succeed.
Karen Cioffi Writing and Marketing
Great post. It's too bad that marketing doesn't work the same for everyone and it's so hard to find the magic that's right for you.
I'm off to follow the links.
Great post and resources! Thanks for sharing :)
I love bookmarks that are themed to the book or series.
I love Elana's series. Thanks for the other links. I've saved them in my marketing file. They're great tips.
@Daryl you already have a ton of wealth! :)
@Melissa-what a nice surprise!
@Brenda-I know what you mean!
@D'Ann- LOL
@Sheri--that's so true! The handwritten ones are much more personalized. Good tip!
@Stacey-Very true. What works for one doesn't work for the other.
@Anya--Me too! I love themed items.
@Natalie-so good to see you! Elana ALWAYS has something good to share.
Thank you all for stopping by! Much appreciated.
Wonderful post.
Fantastic post - I am not very good at this so will check definitely check the sites.
Mart, these were great links. I came away with several ideas that I think will work for me with In Name Only.
Thanks so much for compiling and sharing!
Karen! I must have missed your comment! GREAT advice. That's really a good reminder. Thank you!
Thank you,
Maggie
Victoria
Carol-Good to hear!
The most appreciated thing I get from my favorite authors is the next great story. I'm not much into swags, so most of those giveaways don't work with me. I do understand they are quite popular, though.
When I deliver a finished portrait, I like to include post cards of the portrait for the client. I once sent a mug with the painting on it. I've done studies (smaller pieces of art based on the portrait).
So I would guess if I were to give anything away with a book, it might be something along those lines. Right now, the thing that intrigues me most would be to include a deleted scene. I'm not sure how that would work, though I always end up with lots of deleted scenes!
When it comes to marketing, the most valuable thing you can know is your target audience. If you're writing a political thriller, you're more likely to have men readers and they will be likely to be politically aware and well educated. Bookmarks probably won't work for them. My husband loves mugs and hats, so a mug or bill cap with the book title on it could be a good marketing tool.
If you're writing cozies, your readership is more likely to be female so think 'girl'. Recipes work well. Something featured in the story, maybe.
The point I'm trying to make is that not every marketing tool works for every author. NOR does every marketing tool work for every audience.
Unless you're already hugely popular, there is no such thing as 'one size fits all', sad to say.
Carrie, you are so right! That's so true. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Good reminders. I know some authors give away deleted scenes or short stories to fans. It's good to know that you like these kinds of giveaways.
I find this site and article so nice because it carry's lot of information and updates on Marketing Tips. I want to say a big thank you for sharing this article. I should consider posting an article niche on my website @tecteem also.
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