Overwhelmed by your marketing options? From book signings to bookmarks–where does one marketing plan stop and the other begin? The secret to the most efficient marketing plan is integration of your tools. Learn how to align your efforts using our steps to book marketing synergy. It could not only make your marketing plan more efficient, but also save you time and stress.
First, create a list of the marketing tools you are using for your book. Marketing tools consist of anything you will be using to gain publicity for your book: email campaigns, book signings, media kits, Facebook, etc. Add tools that aren't in your control, such as newspaper interviews or book reviews. Don't forget to include word-of-mouth on your list. It is a powerful and free tool every author has on their side.
Don't become overwhelmed by the list. Synergy does not mean using all marketing tactics at once! Take breaks from implementations so you don't tire yourself or your audience.
Be realistic and specific in your goal-setting. Throughout your marketing campaign, all decisions and tools need to be focused on reaching your goals; making vague goals will complicate your plan.
Spend time creating your goals. Write them down and keep them in sight when integrating your marketing. Consider how your tools will work together to reach your goal instead of how they work individually. Imagine marketing your book like building a house. The foundation, walls, and roof must work together to create the goal: a home.
Your marketing plan has to start somewhere. An easy launch point is creating a web site or social media accounts. This allows a space for information about you and your book that is accessible by anyone, anywhere, at any time. Start by inviting friends to visit your sites, and watch your audience grow over time. Having a web site or social media account is a useful, easy-to-update part of your other marketing tools: book signings, newspaper interviews, or e-mail campaigns.
Announce upcoming book signings, post videos, link to newspaper articles, or embed a radio interview on your site. Providing connections with past media experiences makes you more credible and may help with future media opportunities.
Your image as an author will be more memorable if it is consistent. Generally, authors accomplish such consistency by using similar themes on their web and print advertisements. Stick with the same color scheme, typeface, or page design.
However, it is also important to stay consistent with your values, ideals, and your own identity. If you're writing for a reason, stay true to it. Use every marketing tool to spread a consistent message.
Marketing tools can only do so much. A successful marketing plan will go nowhere without the secret ingredient: hard work. Picture again the metaphoric house. A hammer and nails can't build a house themselves; similarly, marketing tools won't help you reach your goal unless you make them work for you.
The sometimes difficult but worthwhile task at hand is easier when you use your tools.