Here’s A Solid Long-Term Book Marketing Plan

 

 

There’s a saying that if you don’t have a plan to succeed you have a plan to fail. Authors need a book marketing plan, one that is comprehensive, with flexible components, deadlines, goals, and identifiable resources. This should be done today. Right now. And then re-evaluate it periodically.    

To create your bookmarking plan, use these prompts: 

 

1. Identify who your book appeals to – which demographics?  

2. Research where your potential readers are -- where do they hang online, what groups do they belong to, and who do they associate with?  

3. Map out how to reach your targeted reader. Will you utilize:  

·         Advertising -- where, when, what, budget?

·         Speaking -- How do you reach which groups/stores/libraries/organizations.

·         Social Media -- Which platforms, what will you post, how often do you post, how will I get more connections?

·         Traditional Media -- How do I secure book reviews, interviews, feature stories, etc.?

·         Publicist – Who do I hire to help me with what?

·         Blogging -- Will I have one? Post how often? Share it how?

·         Podcasting - Will I have one? Air it how often? Share it how?

·         Video Channel -- Will I have one? How many videos? About what? Share how?

·         Website -- What should be on it, updated, and shared?

·         Book Awards --Which ones should I apply to? Deadlines?

·         Paid Reviews -- How many/which ones should I get? 

 

4.                  What deadlines do I need to be aware of? 

 

5.                  Testimonials -- Who can say nice things about you?  

 

6.                  Resources -- What can help your marketing efforts -- any apps, databases, webinars, books, marketing programs? 

 

7.                  Identify your SWOT -- Strengths (assets), Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, so you can capitalize on the current market trends while avoiding the pitfalls. 

 

8.                  Knowledge -- Who or what informs/guides you? Do you need a book marketing consultant? Do you have a mentor or fellow author to help you? 

 

9.                  Develop a development strategy -- How can you sell your book into different stores, markets, websites, events, etc? 

 

10.              Metrics -- Define success and goals for yourself. Evaluate your progress periodically.   

Your book marketing plan will give you direction and keep you grounded. It’s important to plan and then to execute. Ideas are worthless without action, and wishing, intending, and dreaming are not the same as taking concrete steps to achieve something. There’s a time to brainstorm, research, and experiment. But then it is showtime.  

Your book marketing plan can be your blueprint for success, but be ready to adjust it as needed.

Please Contact Me For Help

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

Happy Holidays! A gift for you!

 

Ask Me Anything About Book Marketing

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/ask-me-anything-about-book-marketing.html

 

22 Things Authors Should Do In 2022

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/22-things-authors-should-do-in-2022.html

 

Authors: Obey The 10 Golden Rules

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/authors-obey-10-golden-rules.html

 

Free 2022 Bestselling Book Marketing & PR E-Book For Writers

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/free-bestseller-book-marketing-pr-e.html

 

The Most Popular Author Interviews of the Year! Learn What 32 Writers Say About Book Publishing – and Their Books.

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-most-popular-author-interviews-of.html

 

Book Publishing Predictions & Trends For 2022

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/book-publishing-predictions-trends-for.html

 

About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2021. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  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. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum.