by Elaina Lyons

So you’ve published a book…congrats! The easy part is now done.

You heard right. The writing is the easy part. It’s the marketing that’s difficult.

If you’re just getting started on your self-publishing journey, here are three marketing tips to help you on the path to success.

1. Create a website. Ideally, you should built a website before you publish. You want to have a presence online as early as possible so you can build anticipation for your book. You should also have a website because it can easily serve as a hub for your contact info, social media links, and (eventually) links for people to buy your books.
2. Get on social media. Social media isn’t everybody’s friend, but it is absolutely worthwhile. Tons of people have “Bookstagram” accounts nowadays, which are basically Instagram pages dedicated to talking about books. Beyond Instagram, TikTok is a great way to get noticed by readers and fellow authors alike. Plus, the more places you are online, the easier it will be for people to find (and follow!) you.
3. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Call local bookstores and ask for book signings. Walk into local shops and ask for your book to be sold there. Yes, you might get turned down. But you only ever know if you try. Rejection sucks, but do you know what’s worse? The knowledge that you didn’t even put yourself out there. The more places you approach about your book, the greater the chance you have of getting noticed.

Marketing is hard work. You have to constantly strive to get noticed in a world that is oversaturated with creators and people aiming for fame. But if you truly believe in your book, the work is well worth the struggle.

Grab your copy of “The Love You Know” here.

If you’re an indie author and you’d like to guest post on this blog, email me!