The below text has been adapted from the video. It was not created by the owners of this community but placed here with full credit to the original creator simply for your reference.
Credit to: Self-Publishing Made Easy Now
How to Promote Your Self-Published Book: A Step-by-Step Guide
One of the most common problems I hear from self-published authors is this: the book gets published, but it’s not selling. Usually, the root of that issue is a promotion problem rather than a content issue.
Why Book Promotion Matters
1. Increase Visibility
Books often don’t sell because nobody knows they exist. If you’re not getting any reviews or ratings—not even negative ones—it might not be because your book needs editing. It might be because nobody has seen it.
2. Boost Sales Potential
Promotion is essential for maximizing how many potential readers you’re reaching. There’s no guaranteed number of sales per month—it depends on the market—but promotion gives your book a chance to perform.
3. Establish Your Author Brand
Promotion helps readers associate you with a specific genre, theme, or niche, which builds your long-term reputation and boosts future sales.
The Role of Self-Promotion for Self-Published Authors
Control Over Marketing
As a self-published author, you control your marketing completely. That’s a big advantage—but also a big responsibility.
Building Your Author Platform
Your author platform is the group of people in your target audience that you consistently reach. It’s not about having 10,000 followers—it’s about having relevant followers who are interested in your specific genre or topic.
Build a Strong Promotional Foundation
Define Your Target Audience
Knowing who your readers are helps you tailor your marketing. Whether it’s fiction (e.g., fans of fantasy or horror) or nonfiction (e.g., puppy training or diet guides), get specific and choose a profitable, low-competition niche.
Tip: Tools like KDSpy (affiliate link mentioned in the video) can help you identify profitable niches with lower competition.
Enhance Your Book’s Success
When your marketing and message are targeted toward the right audience, success becomes more likely.
Develop Your Author Brand and Platform
Stay Consistent
Use your real name or a specific pen name and focus on one genre or niche. This helps build reader trust.
Engage With Readers
Respond to questions, comments, and emails to create a connection and foster loyalty.
Showcase Expertise
Use blog posts, videos, or other content to share what you know. It helps readers view you as a credible voice in your genre or field.
Online Marketing & Social Media Strategies
Build an Author Website
This should function as your professional hub, where readers can:
- Learn about your books
- Sign up for your newsletter
- Follow your blog
- Connect with you on social media
Keep your content relevant to your books and your audience.
Use Social Media Effectively
Reach the Right Audience
Don’t just chat with other authors; build a following of readers in your genre. Stay focused on topics related to your book.
Build Relationships
Make real connections by engaging authentically—this builds trust and increases the likelihood of sales.
Amplify Promotions
Use both organic and paid social media ads to extend your reach.
Reader Engagement: Blogging, Newsletters & Communities
Blogging
- Build a community around your niche
- Offer valuable content related to your book’s topic
- Improve SEO so readers can find you via search engines
Newsletters
Offer exclusive content to entice signups. Use this email list for future book launches and promotions.
Forums & Reader Communities
Participate in online forums and communities where your target readers already spend time. This helps you:
- Gain direct feedback
- Collaborate with others
- Increase discoverability
Collaborate With Influencers and Bloggers
Partnering with influencers can:
- Expand your reach
- Build trust through association
- Open doors to new audiences
Whether you run joint promotions or pay for exposure, choose influencers whose audience aligns with your niche.
Diversifying Your Book Promotion Channels
Guest Posting
Write for established blogs or publications in your niche. This:
- Builds backlinks for SEO
- Establishes authority
- Increases visibility
Join Book Clubs and Reader Groups
Direct reader interaction and word-of-mouth recommendations can significantly impact book sales.
Respond to Reader Feedback
Engage with your audience through comments and reviews. Build loyalty and trust by making it personal.
Run Giveaways and Contests
Generate Buzz
Get people excited about your book—but make the prize relevant to what you write.
Expand Your Reach
Contests help introduce your book to new readers and build your email list.
Book Signings & Local Events
Plan a Signing
Try local libraries or bookstores—they often welcome events to drive foot traffic.
Community Engagement
Reach new readers who may not otherwise come across your book online.
Partner With Local Bookstores and Libraries
This increases:
- Your local visibility
- Support from local readers
- Opportunities for book placement and shelf space
Offer to host workshops or author talks in exchange for visibility.
Collaborate With Other Authors
Cross-Promotion
Promote each other’s books and reach new audiences.
Creative Support
Collaboration brings new energy and shared inspiration.
Obtain Reviews and Endorsements
Reach Out to Real Reviewers
Avoid services that offer fake reviews. Instead:
- Contact bloggers
- Ask real readers
- Use established reader-review platforms
Secure Endorsements
Reach out to niche influencers and ask for blurbs or reviews. Their endorsement adds credibility and can expand your reach.
Utilize Reputable Review Platforms
Avoid pay-for-review schemes. Look for services that allow ethical review exchanges or that match reviewers based on interest.
Legit review services increase:
- Visibility
- Credibility (social proof)
- Discoverability
Budget-Friendly Book Promotion Tips
Use Free Opportunities
Post free content on platforms like:
- Your blog
- Guest websites
- YouTube or podcasts
Give away free ebook samples to build your list and grow exposure.
Spend Wisely
If you’re using paid ads, target specifically and avoid wasting money on broad, uninterested audiences.
Engage With Local Media and Communities
Contact newspapers, radio stations, and blogs in your area. They’re always looking for new stories—especially local authors!
Partner With Libraries and Bookstores
Offer to:
- Host signings
- Lead book discussions
- Donate copies of your book in exchange for promotion
Final Thoughts
Getting your book noticed takes work—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From optimizing your online presence and building community to running giveaways and collaborating with others, there’s a strategy that fits your strengths and budget.
What About You?
What book promotion strategies have worked for you? Share in the comments!
Want more tips? Check out the videos above for answers to your self-publishing questions.
Thanks for reading—and happy publishing!