How To Promote Your Book Post-Publication: 10 Expert Tips

Congratulations! You've finally published your book. Now comes the crucial step: promotion. 

With thousands of business books being published each year, it's no longer enough to simply publish yours and hope for the best. You need a strategic plan to effectively promote your work and reach your target audience.

This comprehensive guide offers expert tips and actionable strategies for navigating the post-publication journey and amplifying your book's reach. 

We'll explore proven techniques, provide insightful statistics, and share valuable pointers to guide your promotional efforts.

1. Create a compelling book trailer and share it widely

A book trailer is a short, engaging video that captures the essence of your book and entices viewers to learn more. Consider these statistics:

• 64 per cent of people are more likely to purchase a product after watching a video about it.
• Videos currently account for nearly 80 per cent of all internet traffic.

This means that creating a book trailer can help you snag your audience’s attention and generate more publicity for your book.

Create a high-quality book trailer that showcases your book's cover, introduces key characters, and provides a glimpse of the storyline. Utilise platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to reach your target audience and generate excitement around your book.

P.S. This blog from the Write Business Results team breaks down how book trailers can be effective promotional tools and how to create one. 

2. Use social media more effectively

Social media is an invaluable tool for connecting with potential readers and building an engaged community. Here are some effective strategies:

• Create dedicated social media profiles for your book and engage with readers regularly. Share compelling excerpts, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive insights into your writing process.
• Run engaging social media contests and giveaways to increase brand awareness and attract new followers. Offer prizes like signed copies of your book, e-readers, or gift cards to purchase your book.
• Partner with influential book bloggers and reviewers to generate buzz around your book. Offer them early access copies in exchange for honest reviews and promotion on their channels.

3. Build an author website or blog

Having a dedicated website or blog for your book allows you to establish a central hub for all your promotional activities. It also provides valuable SEO benefits, helping potential readers discover your work. 

On your website, you can:

• Share excerpts from your book, author bio, reviews, and testimonials.
• Offer free resources like downloadable reading guides or exclusive content.
• Provide links to purchase your book online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
• Host author events and book signings, both virtual and in-person.

4. Utilise email marketing and newsletters

Building an email list of interested readers allows you to stay connected with them and share updates about your work. 

Offer an opt-in form on your website or social media platforms to capture email addresses. Then, you can send regular newsletters that provide valuable content, such as writing tips, exclusive excerpts, or behind-the-scenes insights. You can also announce new book releases, promotions, and events to your subscribers via email.

5. Engage with book clubs and online communities

Connecting with book clubs and online reading communities is an excellent way to reach avid readers actively seeking new books to discover. Here's how you can leverage these channels:

• Reach out to book clubs and offer to participate in virtual or in-person discussions about your book.
• Join online forums and communities related to your book's genre and engage in discussions with potential readers.
• Run book giveaways or offer exclusive discounts to members of online reading communities.

6. Secure reviews and testimonials

Positive reviews and testimonials can significantly impact a book's sales and visibility.  Reach out to book bloggers, reviewers, and fellow authors to request early reviews. Offer complimentary copies of your book in exchange for honest feedback. Once you’ve gotten this feedback, showcase positive reviews and testimonials on your website, social media platforms, and marketing materials.

If you’d like to learn more about getting your book reviewed, check out this blog from Write Business Results. 

7. Utilise paid advertising platforms

Paid advertising platforms like Google Ads, Amazon Ads, and Facebook Ads offer targeted ways to reach potential who are actively searching for books in your genre or niche. Just follow these three steps: 

• Set up targeted campaigns based on demographics, interests, and reading preferences.
• Experiment with different ad formats, such as banner ads, search ads, and video ads.
• Track and measure the performance of your campaigns to optimise your budget and reach.

You can also use tools like Shimmr AI to run ads on multiple platforms simultaneously and reach a wider network. 

8. Consider public relations and media outreach

While traditional media coverage may seem complicated, it can generate significant exposure for your book and establish you as an expert in your field. 

To leverage this channel, you’ll need to prepare a press release announcing the launch of your book and target relevant media outlets. 

Once you’ve done this, reach out to journalists, bloggers, and podcasters who cover topics related to your book's genre or niche and offer exclusive interviews, excerpts, or guest blog posts to generate media interest.

9. Attend book festivals and conferences

Participating in book festivals and conferences provides opportunities to connect with other authors, potential readers, and industry professionals. 

Attend events related to your book's genre or target audience and showcase your work in the author booths. If possible, give presentations or participate in panel discussions to share your expertise and insights. You also want to connect with attendees and network with potential business partners, as this may lead to even bigger commercial opportunities.

10. Offer author events and book signings

Hosting author events and book signings is a great way to engage with potential readers on a personal level. Here’s what this entails:

• Organise virtual or in-person events like book readings, Q&A sessions, or writing workshops.
• Collaborate with local bookstores, libraries, or community centres to host events.
• Promote your events through social media, email marketing, and local listings.
• Offer personalised signed copies of your book to attendees and create a memorable experience for them.
• Network with potential readers and build relationships with local booksellers and community leaders.
• Use these events as opportunities to gather feedback from readers and learn more about your target audience.

Final thoughts

Promoting your book effectively requires consistent effort and strategic planning. By implementing the tips outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the post-publication landscape, reach your target audience, and achieve your business goals.

For additional resources and support, we’ve partnered with Write Business Results to provide post-publication support to all Clio authors. If you’d welcome professional support with promoting your book, send us an email or request a callback from a member of the Clio team.