Marketing is hard. Almost every author has to handle their own marketing, and indie authors especially can struggle to reach their target audience. While I mostly support writers through editing services, I also point out lines that could be used for marketing posts and share said marketing posts on my socials. I'm also a reader who LOVES consuming content from authors and a business owner who has to make marketing posts of my own. I hope these ideas inspire you to make content you enjoy with less of the feeling of "ugh I have to make a post for my stupid social media about my stupid book(s)."
Here are three words you should focus on while creating marketing content:
Vulnerability
Relatability
Connection (what makes the reader feel seen?)
Remember that readers want to know YOU and knowing you makes them want to support you!
An introduction/reintroduction post: Every time you start a new platform, you should make an introduction post. This helps people who come across your account as you start following people to know if they want to follow you back, and it helps the various algorithms to know who to push your content to. Utilize your pinned posts for this as well! Every now and then, especially as you hit follower milestones, making a reintroduction post helps to remind people of the face behind the account, your values, and what people can expect you to post.
A bookshelf and/or writing space tour: Readers want to know what their favorite authors are reading! A lot of us are naturally nosy people (no shame) so we would love a peek at places you like to write and what books you've loved enough to put on your shelf. These things also give us an idea of what to expect from your book!
Trope/topic graphics: I will ALWAYS stop to read a trope graphic. I've seen some gorgeous ones made for poetry as well, with the topics the collection covers and such.
Here's an example of one made by my favorite author duo, Mike and Di Blaylock, for The Stories We Tell!
Just ask: I've seen really successful posts from authors that just ask people to read their books. "Marketing is hard. Read my book please?" is relatable and vulnerable.
If you like X, you should read my book: When authors are querying their manuscript to agents/publishing houses, they usually include "comp titles" (comparison titles) to help give quick insight into what the addressee might get into with their book. Comp titles are also great on social media! You can also be less "professional" about it and do comparisons to songs, song lyrics, poems, memes, and more.
Edits you make: Did you make a really hilarious typo or grammar error? Did you decide to delete an entire character or section of your manuscript? Tell us! A lot of readers love getting a peek into the process.
Weird things you Google while writing/plotting/editing: These are usually hilarious and give us a hint about your book!
A selfie/aesthetic picture with your author copy: Sometimes the vibe of the author matches the book cover and it is so fun to see. It also gets readers excited to see that you have your first copy of the book in your hands! We love watching people achieve their dreams.
Progress updates: These help readers get invested in your journey, and I've found these to be quite motivating!
Post a snippet/quote: Show off your favorite lines while also creating intrigue.
Mood/vibe boards: These are awesome for giving us the ~vibe~ of your book without any spoilers! Make sure you credit artists and/or use photos under free use.
Video/audio readings: Similar to sharing text snippets, these give readers an idea of what to expect in your book, they get to hear your voice, and you can even teach them how to pronounce your characters' names!
Character art/art inspired by poems: If you're not an artist, commissioning artists is a great way to create connections in the bookish community and uplift others. Readers being able to see what you see in your head when you picture your characters/the vibe of your poem is also SO COOL.
What inspired the manuscript: An opportunity to tell your readers your story and maybe they'll share theirs with you <3
Cover reveal: One of the most exciting parts of your book release timeline! This can also be drawn out into multiple posts as well. Post the date you plan to announce, your cover with only a sliver of it showing, then post the full thing. Drum up some hype!
Encouragement to others: There's a reason motivational quote posts do really well. Did you learn some sort of lesson while working on this book? Is there a mantra that has gotten you through? Post it!
Follow a bookstagram trend and include your book: There's almost always a new trend circling on bookstagram. Some of the best I've seen lately include:
~"vibes I bring to the function" (add your book cover or title)
~Character Instagram profiles
~2024 writing wrapped
Pet pictures: People love animal pictures; it's just in our nature! Post one (borrow a pet from someone if you have to) with the caption "this is who you're supporting when you buy my book!" or "one book sale = one treat" and it will be much loved (okay I can't promise success but come on, pet pictures).
Take a stance on publishing drama: Generative AI discourse going around? Tell your readers why you won't write your book with it. Some YouTuber making fun of people who read spice? Talk about why you believe they're wrong (or...right?). There's always something going around, and taking a stance (if you feel comfortable) shows your values.
Uplift other authors: I don't know what I believe about karma, but I do know that promoting and supporting other authors leads to being promoted and supported back. Of course, you shouldn't do it BECAUSE you want people to promote you. I just think that sharing the work of others with genuine excitement creates connection in the amazing community of book lovers.
Bonus tip: Repurpose your content! While it's important to be intentional about what you post on each platform, let your accounts feed each other to save your energy. Did you write a banger post on Threads? Paste it onto Bluesky or put it into a graphic on Canva and post it on image-based platforms! You could post the same image on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest with slightly different captions (to fit the audience).
I hope these tips help you find some fun within the marketing hellscape. It can be really hard to be perceived sometimes, especially when you feel pressure to make your book seen.
Good luck, writers! If you need someone to proofread your social media content or you're ready to look into editing for your book, please contact me. I'd love to help!
Thank you so much for reading <3
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