October 17, 2022
Most of us (or maybe all of us) struggle with marketing. What are your top 3 marketing tips?
First, a confession. As some of you know, I moved across the country this summer. I’ve none almost nothing in the way of marketing for over six months, but am trying to get back on track. But marketing is tough.
I’ve tried a lot of things. Various social media, ads, blogging. None of them have propelled me to the top. That hasn’t stopped me from trying again. So here are my recent top three.
3. Amazon Ads. They are pricey and don’t always work. I swear The ‘Zon plays with the algorithm and some months the ads sell books and other months they don’t. I can’t budget for what each month will cost me unless I turn the ad off and on, and I don’t have the energy for that. (FYI-I dipped my toe in FB ads a couple of times several years ago and got no results.) I’ve used commercial reader newsletters in the past, and it’s time to make another attempt. Which of my books would you like to see go on sale?
2. Podcasts. I’ve really enjoyed doing podcasts and would love to do more. (I’ve got one scheduled with SapphireJBlue this week on Thursday the 20th. Check my home page for more details as far as the time when I get the info.) I don’t know if I sell any books from doing podcasts, but I love talking about my stories! I guess they are a newest form of word-of-mouth advertising.
1. In-person book signings. (More word-of mouth.) I did one this past weekend with the Beaver County PA Libraries with moderate success, but it was fun. I think that’s where I shine-talking with readers one-on-one. Now that I’m mostly settled into our new home, and don’t have to worry about interfering with a job, I’m trying to set up more public appearances. I’ve got a list of possibilities to work on, and I am looking at one in New Castle, PA next summer.. (Procrastination is not my friend.)
There you have it. My top three marketing tools for the moment. I’m afraid my current state of reader engagement is limited. Hopefully some of the other authors on this hop can provide better ideas. Follow the links below to find out.
As always, until next time, please stay safe.
October 17, 2022
Most of us (or maybe all of us) struggle with marketing. What are your top 3 marketing tips?
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I’ve never tried Zon ads. It just seems so hit and miss and pouring more $$ into Zon’s pockets.
Tweeted.
And – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I agree, but it helps me maintain the illusion that I can actually sell books. And thanks for the birthday wishes!
I’ve tried ‘Zon ads but didn’t get much success. I haven’t got the voice for in-person book signings. I rely on BookFunnel and Mailchimp.
I’ve heard good things about BookFunnel but haven’t tried it.
It’s the best one I’ve found so far that doesn’t cost anything, although there are paid options.
Amazon and Facebook ads seem to have their own twisted and ever-changing logic. Personal; appearances were always my favourite, sadly Covid put paid to them.
They have started back up here. Is that a safe thing? The few I’ve been to are small scale events and so far so good. That doesn’t stop me from carrying a mask everywhere I go, whether it’s being worn is subject to my own assessment of the situation.
I like doing in-person events, too. You can at least get a direct sense of how your work was perceived at those. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
And it’s fun talking to new people even if they don’t buy your book.
Marketing ? Frightening, maybe impossible.
But talking to new people would be fun.