If you’ve ever questioned the best way to use ads to promote your book, you aren’t alone. With Facebook ads being relatively cheap and easy to create, it seems like a no-brainer to use them.
But are those ads actually helping you sell books?
A few weeks ago, I talked with an author who invested in some Facebook ads to promote the sale of his new book. He was impressed by the reach he was getting (which was in the millions) and he was seeing his Facebook and Instagram page numbers grow. But when it came to actually increased sales, he didn’t see the movement he was looking for.
The problem is that we end up getting caught up in the numbers (like the reach and impressions we are getting) and think we are effectively promoting our book. True, that ad might make someone aware of your book, but what happens after that?
Most of the time when an ad appears they will see it and continue scrolling. But then you’re just left with an impression. There’s no way to follow up with them or share more with a potential new reader.
An important fact to remember is that social media isn’t a place to sell – it’s a place to connect. True, we can use social media to promote and market our books, but it needs to be used in a way where we can control the narrative.
When we run an ad that says, “My new book is available – check it out” – why would someone who knows nothing about you, your book, or the story be interested in it? Even if someone knew of you and your book, that ad will not be enough to compel them to learn more.
So what’s the best way to use Facebook ads to promote our books?
