By Josh Wardini
In an era heavily dominated by technology, it is not so surprising to find the publishing world gradually moving into online selling, whether it is print, ebook, or audio books. As an integral part of independent publishing, marketing is even more imperative in the digital era. Readers tend to do their research online, from new releases to the authors they love.
For independent authors who want to promote their books and build an online following, it is important to establish a strong online presence. But where do you start? How do you create a solid strategy that will help launch your personal brand and grab the attention of your prospective readers?
To begin, developing a marketing strategy that considers the current digital trends can lay down the foundation of a successful branding and publicity campaign. This step involves several factors:
- Identifying your unique personal brand. What sets you apart from other authors? What genre are you specializing in?
- Defining your target readers. Think of your audience. Are you writing for adults, teens, or children? Are your books geared towards women?
- Setting your goals and priorities. What is your purpose of having an online presence? Do you aim to connect with your readers, sell more books, or both?
Once you have identified these important considerations, it is time to determine which particular digital channels can help you reach your goals.