The truth of the matter is, social media can be used to increase your online presence, and maybe a number of your readers will find your book through Twitter or Facebook, but relying only on social media for marketing your book is a bad idea. Social media only amounts to a small percentage of your overall success and should be used together with the other methods we have gathered below to successfully market your book. Why is this so? Because your followers on social media are not new fans – they are fans who have actively looked for your profile and decided to follow you in order to get updates about future books, appearances, etc. On the other hand, when you are marketing an upcoming book, you want to market it not only to your current readers, but to new ones as well. In other words, you must create a buzz, which will attract attention – without using social media as a primary tool.

1. Set up a budget

You will need a marketing plan, and, if you can afford it, professional help. You can also do a fair amount of research yourself – you should check out other writers and the methods they use to market their book. Remember, though, that their methods are devised based on the type of book they have written (you can’t market a romance novel and a historical fiction book using the same methods, nor to the same audience). This is why you need a budget. You need to decide how much you can spend on marketing, because even if you get published the traditional way, it doesn’t mean you should let the publishing house take care of it.

2. Professional website

Having a professional website is a given. A professional website is not a blog – although you should have a blog section on it. Your website needs to look professional, but your blog section can and should be more casual, and offer your readers a chance to see the person behind the author. However, the section dedicated to your books and biography needs to be specific and focused. Don’t dwell too long on your biography, but a behind-the-scenes story of how you began to write and publish should be included. It will increase your credibility as a writer and show your readers that you are serious and reliable.

3. Book trailers

Book trailers are not a new thing; they have been around for several years now. This is where your budget comes in – unless you want the trailer to look like a PowerPoint presentation. You can learn how to create the video, of course, but a professional producer will probably do a better job. Include your book blurb, your hook and the theme of the book in the trailer to give the viewers just enough information to create a buzz, and make them realize your book will be a great read and source of entertainment.

4. Sample chapters, snippets and scenes

One of the best ways to create a buzz is to post sample chapters, snippets and scenes that will not reveal any spoilers but allow a glimpse into the world you’ve created. Two characters are talking and one of them says something really profound and intriguing – post it as a quote in your blog. Many writers post these on social media as well as on their websites, but if you post on social media that there is something new on the blog section of your website, you will intrigue your readers to visit your website, where they will be able to view the blurb of your book as well as the book trailer.

5. Use virtual book tours and guest blogging

Virtual book tours are a very good way to promote your book, especially if you add guest blogging to that. Guest blogging allows you to reach new readers, which will get you and your book seen. This will add to your overall online presence. You will need to use all of the other tools in your arsenal, including social media, to create the movement that your book needs for a successful launch. However, make sure to distinguish between creating a buzz and overwhelming your readers and followers. If you overdo it, you might turn readers off, which will create long-term damage to your author persona.

Image credit: Pixabay

Georgina Roy wants to live in a world filled with magic. As an art student, she’s moonlighting as a writer and is content to fill notebooks and sketchbooks with magical creatures and amazing new worlds. When she is not at school, or scribbling away in a notebook, you can usually find her curled up, reading a good urban fantasy novel, or writing on her laptop, trying to create her own.