Ask any indie author what they spend most of their time and money on and I’m sure the majority would affirm that their resources largely go towards marketing their books. Those who do not have a huge budget for ads are probably spending a lot of time getting the word out about their work at meet and greets and other avenues that don’t require them to spend money. Fortunately, there are ways that self-published authors can promote their books for free, and in this post I’m going to give you the top 5 methods I use to promote my books and it doesn’t cost me a dime.
Social Media
If you are not on the top five social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter (X) and LinkedIn stop whatever you’re doing and set up your accounts immediately! It’s free promotion, but not only that, this is where all your readers are. From #bookstagram to #booktok, readers occupy spaces on the above mentioned platforms in the millions. Whatever genre you write in, there is a group of readers eager to find your book. You should be on social media as much as possible, engaging with a targeted group of readers in your genre and creating content that will help you to stand out and attract more readers.
Give out ARCs
ARC’s or, Advanced Reader Copies, are popular with avid readers who want to stay on the pulse of what’s new in the world of literature. These readers love nothing more than to get their hands on an advance copy of a book. If readers love your book, they will post about it If they hate it they will also post about it ( so make sure your writing is up to par). This word of mouth advertising is one of the best ways to get word out about your book and garner reader interest. Author Collen Hoover is an example of an author who greatly benefited from social media buzz, and she’s not the only one. Once you are able to get noticed by a popular #booktoker you have hit pay dirt. Don’t minimize what social media has the potential to do for you as a writer.
Guest Blog/ Write Articles
Writing for online spaces such as the Huffington Post, is a great way to get noticed and have readers who want to find out more about you check out what you have to offer. Some blogs will also allow you to post a link to where readers can find your books. It is not exactly easy to get chosen to write for a magazine if you are an unknown, but it is a great way to earn a little extra money while also promoting your brand so it is certainly worth the effort if you can get a few good article placements.
Start Your Own Blog
Having your own website shows readers and others wanting to learn more about you that you take your career as an author serious. Not only that, it’s a great way for readers to connect with your brand and you can also sell your books from your platform as well as include your own blog. Having your own website gives you the opportunity to write longer articles on the topics you are excited about as well. If you are good with SEO, google will send readers searching the topics you write about to your website which can increase your sells.
Create An Email List
Imagine releasing a book and having thousands of readers eagerly waiting to preorder your book. When you have an e-mail list this can be accomplished. This is another reason why it is important to have your own website. It can help you to compile an email list of readers who are fans of your work so they don’t have to be sold on supporting you. They have already decided that they were onboard when they agreed to subscribe to your website so the likelihood of them purchasing books from you is very high.
If you would like to learn more about ways to promote your books to readers, set up a consultation with me when you click the link below.
