Both authors, as well as aspiring authors building platform, need to get creative with their marketing efforts, especially if they are trying to save money. Luckily the Internet provides an abundance of free ways to market books. Sometimes it seems to me I can’t keep up with them all. Just when I think I’ve heard all the ideas and tools available, I learn about a new one.
For instance, in the post below by my regular guest blogger L. Drew Gerber, CEO of www.PublicityResults.com and creator of www.PitchRate.com, I learned about a free place to post press releases. Until now I thought the only way to post releases was to pay on PRWeb.com or to post through my paid account at Experclick.com. I also learned about a new video portal–and I haven’t even begun using videos yet! Read on and hopefully you’ll learn something new as well.
Creative and Cost-Effective Internet Marketing Ideas for Authors
By L. Drew Gerber
Marketing your book should be a fun endeavor, but most importantly it needs to be cost-effective. When you use the Internet as your platform, the possibilities are endless. Increasing your customer base and book sales is all about getting the word out. Awareness is key and all you have to do is pick up the megaphone! Here are a few tips you can use.
Free media leads
Free services such as http://www.PitchRate.com can help you get valuable media coverage. This is a great way to find the media and build relationships with them. Experts and authors who have signed on with PitchRate have had great results pitching journalists and getting their expertise and products out to the world. It offers an amazing opportunity to gain free publicity for you and your book. Sign up and you will receive free daily opportunities via email to speak with the media about topics and trends related to your expertise.
Article portals
Free portals allow you to post articles on the Web to promote your book. They offer a great opportunity for you to implement your SEO marketing plan by writing articles with specific keywords that will drive more traffic to your Web site or online press kit.
Free press release distribution
Free press release distribution sites like http://www.1888pressrelease.com allow you to post press releases on the Web related to your expertise. They offer another great opportunity to implement your SEO marketing plan and build your Internet presence. One of the hardest things about PR is getting the information out there and read by potential customers. Sites like these provide an effective platform to help increase your Web site traffic.
Social networking
Free social networking sites, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, offer authors endless possibilities to publicize their books. Social networking connects you with existing fans and readers, and potential customers. It allows you to get a feel for what is happening in your market and to provide excellent customer service. Create a fan page for yourself on Facebook and interact with your fans. Before you know it, the word will be spread throughout the network. Do the same with Twitter.
Video portals
Post videos to free portals like YouTube and Metacafe to increase your Web site traffic. Many of these portals will allow you to link to your site as well as offer a cool platform to market your book. Have fun and be creative with it. You never know; it may go viral.
What’s most important about these free marketing opportunities is the ability to test the waters. You are investing your time, but it’s a great chance to take some risks, be creative and have fun with your PR plan.
About the Author
L. Drew Gerber is CEO of www.PublicityResults.com and creator of www.PitchRate.com, a free media tool that connects journalists, publicists, and experts. Gerber’s business practices and staffing innovations have been revered by PR Week, Good Morning America and the Christian Science Monitor. His companies handle international PR campaigns and his staff develops online press kits for authors, speakers and companies with Online PressKit 24/7, a technology he developed (www.PressKit247.com). Contact L. Drew Gerber at: AskDrew@PublicityResults.com or call him at 828-749-3548.
Hi and thanks for all the great information. I am a first time author of a children’s picture book and am always thrilled to find out I am doing some of the right things in marketing the book…and …to learn new ideas. Thanks Sally
That’s seriously a wonderful put up ! Added to my favourite blogs list.. I’ve been reading your web site last couple of weeks and appreciate every single little bit. Thanks.