~Ananya Nair
While it may be tempting to depend only on digital platforms for event marketing, some offline techniques of promotion may still be quite efficient in reaching audiences. People of all ages and interests will view billboards, read pamphlets, be exposed to signs, watch TV commercials, or listen to radio commercials. The amazing thing about marketing oneself as an author is that there are nearly endless opportunities to sell your book, gain media exposure, and spread the word about your work via social media and other platforms. Aside from professional media outreach, there are other suggestions, ideas, strategies, and "insider" tactics.
Step outside of your comfort zone when it comes to advertising your book. Remember, these are only ideas to get you started!
Spread The Word to The World! Offline marketing may be as basic as informing someone about an event. The more individuals you can inform, the more successful your marketing will be. Social media influence is simply another sort of word-of-mouth marketing that works for people of all ages. Talking to your target audience on the street, attending networking events, and travelling anyplace you will meet people up close are all examples of offline word of mouth. Begin by informing your friends and family, and then encourage them to spread the news.
Fare Thee Well Find out where your closest book fairs are located. A website with a calendar with dates and times should be available. Go to a few originally to see how they operate. Inquire about setting up a booth to sell your book to the local community. Alternatively, hire someone to man a booth and sell your work. Find out about some of your local recreational fairs and events options as well. Learn how to join and set up a booth where you may provide something additional in addition to your books. A creative method that will assist you in developing a brand.
Ready to Be a Poster Child Posters provide a different potential than signs. Poster marketing is effective for concerts, comedy shows, and community activities. Post posters in the venue where the event will be held. Inquire with local businesses about displaying a poster in their shop or shop window. Aim for a headline that can be read from two meters away. The remainder of the text should be readable from one meter away.
Grace The Papers Employing national newspapers may be an expensive procedure; employing this form of media channel will cost a significant amount of money for an advertisement spot. However, if you can afford it, you should give it a go. National newspapers have a large readership. You could get it right and become an instant best-seller.
Approach the Literary Points of Contact Some libraries are willing to provide self-published books to the general audience. Contact them and tell them your tale. They will go through your proposal and let you know whether it piques their interest. Local bookstores are also a good place to start. Come in and check whether your book is a good fit for the friendly shop. They may be solely interested in a specific type, age, or topic. You must locate a bookstore that caters to your market.
Cafe Culture Visit each of your local coffee shops and diners and chat with a manager. Coffee shops and diners are an excellent settings for reading and enjoying the beautiful words you have produced. The owner may purchase a few books from you and give them away for free, or they may try to sell them for you. Offer a percentage discount or undersell the book at a markup that makes you happy. This way, they may charge whatever they want for the books.
Workshopping Works! Work with one of the local colleges or universities to give a workshop. You could have an advantage in terms of writing style, writing form, poetry production, or how-to books. People who are new to the industry appreciate a good workshop, and you may market your book offering indirectly. Alternatively, you may attend a few courses yourself, network with others, and open doors for your new professional path.
Know Your Reader Conduct reader surveys. Discover how your readers discover new books to read and make purchase decisions. This will provide qualitative colour to the quantitative survey data that you analyze in spreadsheets.
Merch It Making merchandise related to your book will not only raise interest in your story it will also be your start to building a brand, a legacy that you can lay claim to and add on to as your craft progresses.
Season’s Greetings Sending out seasonal cards is another innovative marketing strategy. Sending seasonal cards used to be a typical approach, but it is now uncommon. Surprise your readers with a thank you note or holiday card that will keep you in their thoughts throughout the holiday season. You may invite them to a specific event on the card. A seasonal card is the icing on the cake.