Ask your fans to help spread the word
If you're like most authors, promoting your work doesn't come naturally to you. The same goes for the vast majority of your readers. They may love your book, but it would never occur to them to actively spread the word about it. And even if they want to help, they probably don't know how. That's why marketing is so hard!
One way to encourage your fans to take action is by making a list of specific things they can do. Then if someone tells you she enjoyed your writing, you can thank her and show her exactly what she can do to help you succeed. Here are three specific examples:
- Ask her to post a link to your website (perhaps next to a photo of your book) on her social media accounts, along with a note suggesting that her followers have a look. (If you don’t have a website, suggest she post a link to your Amazon Author Page.)
- Suggest she buy a personalized signed copy of your book from you for a friend who might enjoy it too. (Offer to send the book directly to that friend to make it even easier for her.)
- Ask her to subscribe to your newsletter. (I use Mailchimp for mine.)
Word of mouth is a powerful marketing force, so why not make it as easy as possible for your biggest cheerleaders to set it in motion? Your fans are rooting for you. Remember that!
-Maria