I
was coming back from a writers conference in Nashville and standing on line at
the airport to get a cup of five-dollar java from Starbucks. They have three Starbucks in this airport –
and all are slooooooow. They always have
long lines, no matter the day or time.
It occurred to me that lines would be the perfect place to sell a book –
by giving it a way!
Ok, think
about it. This is my “online” strategy.
To
sell books, you need to give a certain number away. Why? It creates buzz, goodwill, and
opportunities. Every giveaway is a loss leader.
If
you can get copies of your book inexpensively, consider giving out hundreds of
them to your targeted readership. That’s
right, give them to people you think could be customers. Why?
Because chances are they know many others just like them. If they like
your book, they’ll tell friends and family that some stranger gave them a book – and
it’s very good! Ask them to post a
review on bn.com, Amazon, and elsewhere as a thank you for the book.
People
are online all the time. A Starbucks is a good place to start, especially at an
airport. They have some time on their hands, for sure. They would so love to meet an author.
Where
else does your crowd hang out? Are they
online at the supermarket, bank, DMV, train?
Identify where to go – where there’s foot traffic and a convenient way
to hand someone a book.
When
you give out a book, ask first. If they
don’t want it, move on. Include a business card
or flier about you, your website, and social media handles. Ask them to post a review, share on social
media, connect with you on social media, and to visit your site for other
resources. This will help you build a
list and create sales ambassadors.
A
physical book is better than a digital one even though it costs you more to
distribute. A physical book has substance to it and perceived value. It feels
like a gift. Most people still prefer print books over digital, anyway. Plus,
being a physical item, others will see it being read or lying around one’s
home.
You
can give out books in many forums. You can donate a bunch to a school, church,
nonprofit, etc., but going on line where people feel touched by your offer is a
nice gesture.
So
where should you hand out books? Look at
places that have your kind of readers – money, education, interest in your
topic. So, not the check-cashing line or the line at McDonald’s. Think more the
lines at certain department stores, people coming outside of an Apple store, or
maybe those who are where books exist – bookstores, libraries, campuses. Try public places – beaches, parks, arenas.
Your reader could be in many places.
The
free-book strategy especially benefits you if the book leads one to buy other
items, books, or services from you. It’s also great for building your platform
and branding. It’s a nice gesture that
can pay you back later.
So,
the next time you are on line, hand out your book!
PLEASE READ!!
Why & How Authors
Must Sell Themselves, Not Their Books
How Should Any Author
Define True Success?
Do This & Sell More Books. Guaranteed. Any Questions?
The Road Test To
Successful Book Promotions
A Self-help Approach To
Marketing Your Book Effectively
Brian Feinblum’s
insightful views, provocative opinions, and interesting ideas expressed in this
terrific blog are his alone and not that of his employer or anyone else. You
can – and should -- follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him
at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels much more important when discussed in
the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2019. Born and
raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester. His writings are often
featured in The Writer and IBPA’s Independent.
This was named one of the best book marketing blogs by Book Baby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and
recognized by Feedspot in 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. Also
named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a
panel on book publicity for Book Expo America.
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