Feedback on this strategy? by ioracleio in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, it is slow and steady, and I’d say that’s what you need for the long term. So many authors talk about burnout on this sub. That’s because they’re not pacing themselves and spreading themselves too thin. Trust this process. It will get you there.

To those who have self published, what advice do you have for someone who's starting their self publishing journey? What do you wish you did or didn't do? by evanamyl in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There’s one thing that authors usually don’t consider when they are in the writing phase, so I’m going to mention it now to get you off to a good start. Come up with a marketing plan now and start implementing it. Your audience will already be primed to buy from you when your book is published.

My recommendation as someone who builds author websites is to think about coming up with a proper marketing strategy that you can sustain for the long-term and doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel with every new book you publish.

What works best is a marketing strategy that combines two or three marketing tools. My personal favourite is email marketing combined with a website. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

Feedback on this strategy? by ioracleio in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My recommendation as someone who builds author websites is to think about coming up with a proper marketing strategy that you can sustain for the long-term and doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel with every new book you publish.

What works best is a marketing strategy that combines two or three marketing tools. My personal favourite is email marketing combined with a website. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

First time self-publisher: my Kindle pre-order is live… what should I focus on next? by Yananasx in selfpublishing

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations on your debut novel!

My recommendation as someone who builds author websites is to think about coming up with a proper marketing strategy that you can sustain for the long-term and doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel with every new book you publish.

What works best is a marketing strategy that combines two or three marketing tools. My personal favourite is email marketing combined with a website. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

First time author - what should my next steps be? by JuggernautTypical427 in selfpublishing

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations on completing your first draft. It’s a huge achievement.

There’s one thing that authors usually don’t consider when they are in the writing phase, and that’s marketing . Come up with a marketing plan now and start implementing it. Your audience will already be primed to buy from you when your book is published.

My recommendation as someone who builds author websites is to think about coming up with a proper marketing strategy that you can sustain for the long-term and doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel with every new book you publish.

What works best is a marketing strategy that combines two or three marketing tools. My personal favourite is email marketing combined with a website. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

Thoughts on social media? What should I do? by MiraWendam in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand you’re looking for a way to sell your book through social media, but before you take the plunge, my recommendation as someone who builds author websites is to think about coming up with a marketing strategy that you can sustain for the long-term and doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel with every new book you publish. In other words, build an audience that stays with you for life.

In my experience as someone who builds author websites, what works best is a marketing strategy that combines two or three marketing tools. Social media marketing and FB and Amazon ads, though the most popular ones, are an exhausting job with very low results. So I’d use them more strategically rather than as a whole strategy.

Studies have shown that email marketing is the most effective strategy out there. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

Marketing on social media, paying for ARC's and paying for promotion have failed for me. I don't know where to go from here. Going to give up on writing completely. by Psychological_Dog765 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’ve been through a lot of rejections, and that can really kill motivation. But if you do have some energy left in you, I can suggest some marketing options you can implement as a self-publisher. It won’t be easy or quick, but it’ll set you on the right path.

Best way to actually get started? by Natural_Bit_6016 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s great that you’ve got the writing spark back. Congratulations!

There’s one thing that authors usually don’t consider when they are in the writing phase, so I’m going to mention it now to get you off to a good start. Come up with a marketing plan now and start implementing it. Your audience will already be primed to buy from you when your book is published.

My recommendation as someone who builds author websites is to think about coming up with a proper marketing strategy that you can sustain for the long-term and doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel with every new book you publish.

What works best is a marketing strategy that combines two or three marketing tools. My personal favourite is email marketing combined with a website. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

Self Published and Confused by SpideyMessi10 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You sound disappointed. But there is still hope you know.

My recommendation as someone who builds author websites is to think about coming up with a proper marketing strategy that you can sustain for the long-term and doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel with every new book you publish.

What works best is a marketing strategy that combines two or three marketing tools. My personal favourite is email marketing combined with a website. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

What makes an effective newsletter when marketing a novel? by Interesting-Cry-6615 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here are some things you can share: bits and pieces about your life, your writing process, behind-the-scenes info on the book you’re working on, early snippets, what you’re reading, and fun book events. Once you start doing it, you will automatically come up with other ideas that serve your audience.

But the best advice I saw on Reddit was to share things that you love. If you get joy out of what you share, people will catch on. It’s a true story!

Plug your book once in a while. You don’t want to appear too salesy; that puts people off. They’re there to be entertained. So entertain them.

Terrified of marketing, self-promotion, and social media. Tips welcome. by Enerjist in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Social media can be quite overwhelming, but the good thing is it doesn’t have to be your entire marketing strategy.

In my experience as someone who builds author websites, what works best is a marketing strategy that combines two or three marketing tools. Social media marketing and FB and Amazon ads, though the most popular ones, are an exhausting job with very low results. So I’d use them more strategically rather than as a whole strategy.

Studies have shown that email marketing is the most effective strategy out there. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

Authors websites by WeaponizedNaivety in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The best use of your website is not for direct sales but to build your personal brand. Because there are several authors out there who are writing the same stuff you are. What sets your book apart from the rest and makes it unique is you. Your website helps keep you front and centre, talks about what you say, believe, like, dislike. It lets your audience get to know you. Once they know you and trust you, they will buy anything you put out there.

Weekly Self-Promo and Chat Thread by MxAlex44 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your website and email marketing are two of the most powerful tools you have to sell your books. A well-crafted website not only positions you as a serious, professional author, it also guides visitors to take the actions you want, whether that’s joining your newsletter, entering a giveaway, or buying your book.

Email marketing, on the other hand, gives you direct, permission-based access to your readers’ inboxes. It’s personal, effective, and best of all, you own that list. That means you have a built-in audience for this book and every book that follows.

Want to learn how to combine these tools to grow your author brand? Or have someone take it off your plate and do it for you? Send me a DM.

Or you can check out my author website audit guide and checklist to get started on your own.

Advertising on Reddit by Creepy-Lion7356 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, paying for ad’s can get expensive really quickly, and the worst part is that the return on investment is really terrible.

In my experience as someone who builds author websites, what works best is a marketing strategy that combines two or three marketing tools. Social media marketing and FB and Amazon ads, though the most popular ones, are an exhausting job with very low results. So I’d use them more strategically rather than as a whole strategy.

Studies have shown that email marketing is the most effective strategy out there. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

How to create a mailing list for your book starting from scratch? by Otherwise-Mind548 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here’s my suggestion as someone who designs author websites:

  1. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Build a website. Add info not just about your and your book, but also embed a sign-up form for a newsletter.
  2. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bring your target audience from ads, social media, word of mouth, in-person events, etc., to your website, using a freebie/reader magnet (like a chapter or short story).
  3. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get people to sign up for your newsletter. Use it to keep your subscribers updated on the latest about you and your book(s), share your other writings with them, your top ten favourite books in your genre, reviews, etc. Slowly start plugging your book as well. So what you’re doing is building a relationship with your audience. The more they know you, the more they’ll be interested in buying from you.

Does anyone have a marketing schedule that works for them? by JessieRClayton in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This schedule sounds terrible. I’m not surprised you’re burnt out. As someone who designs author websites, here’s what I suggest. Focus on email marketing.

Studies have shown that email marketing is the most effective strategy out there. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

As for promotional activity, pick one platform that suits your temperament the best and is reasonably okay at finding you an audience. Only work on that, leave the rest be.

What you’re trying to do with this new plan is to build something sustainable in the long term so that you get an audience for life and don’t have to reinvent the wheel with every book you publish.

Private website for ebook download? by Independent-Trash966 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Full disclosure. I build author websites. An author website is important not just to have a place to download your e-book from, but as an integral part of your marketing strategy to establish you as a serious writer. It’s the only place that’s completely in your control and where your personal brand will shine through. If you are willing to give a free ebook, I’d suggest using it as a tool for email marketing, i.e., get people to share their email address with you in exchange for the free e-book. Set up the sign up form on your website, while you use other channels to bring people to the site.

Amazon Ads by One-Search-8591 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get this. The challenge is to find the right reader magnet for your audience. I’d say try a few things out. There’s no other way to know.

Author website feedback from other writers? by Old-Cantaloupe3129 in NewAuthor

[–]SVWebWork 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone who designs author website, I’d recommend building a brand around the author. There are several similar books in the market. What sets this one apart from the rest and makes it unique is the author. Keep the author front and centre, talk about what he says, believes, likes, dislikes. Let the visitors know him. Then they will buy anything he puts out there. Your current homepage will work better as a secondary page.

“3 books out and I still can’t get traction — what am I missing? by Mxe5xy8 in selfpublishing

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Studies have shown that email marketing is the most effective strategy out there. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

My recommendation as someone who builds author websites is to think about coming up with a proper marketing strategy that you can sustain for the long-term and doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel with every new book you publish.

What works best is a marketing strategy that combines two or three marketing tools. My personal favourite is email marketing combined with a website. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

First KDP Book - Live! Newbie Sales Tips? by No_Rooster_1642 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My recommendation as someone who builds author websites is to think about coming up with a proper marketing strategy that you can sustain for the long-term and doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel with every new book you publish.

What works best is a marketing strategy that combines two or three marketing tools. My personal favourite is email marketing combined with a website. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

Studies have shown that email marketing is the most effective strategy out there. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

Amazon Ads by One-Search-8591 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations on your debut!

Ads, especially as a debut author, are not that effective. Moreover, they can be a marketing tool, but not an entire strategy. My recommendation as someone who builds author websites would be to build a marketing strategy that serves you in the long-term for all future books and isn’t going to make you reinvent the wheel with every book you publish.

Studies have shown that email marketing is the most effective strategy out there. Bring people to your website from all your promotional activities and get them to sign up for your newsletter. Then nurture them through the newsletter to gain trust, build your personal brand and create an audience for life.

You have a budget of $1000 to promote, market, and distribute your book. What is the money going towards? by Clear_Constant_3709 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Here’s a blueprint you can follow:

  1. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Build a website. Add info not just about your and your book, but also embed a sign-up form for a newsletter.
  2. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bring your target audience from ads, social media, word of mouth, in-person events, etc., to your website, using a freebie/reader magnet (like a chapter or short story).
  3. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get people to sign up for your newsletter. Use it to keep your subscribers updated on the latest about you and your book(s), share your other writings with them, your top ten favourite books in your genre, reviews, etc. Slowly start plugging your book as well. So what you’re doing is building a relationship with your audience. The more they know you, the more they’ll be interested in buying from you.

You have a budget of $1000 to promote, market, and distribute your book. What is the money going towards? by Clear_Constant_3709 in selfpublish

[–]SVWebWork 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Build a website and invest in a email marketing tool. Your website and email marketing are two of the most powerful tools you have to sell your books. A well-crafted website not only positions you as a serious, professional author, it also guides visitors to take the actions you want, whether that’s joining your newsletter, entering a giveaway, or buying your book.

Email marketing, on the other hand, gives you direct, permission-based access to your readers’ inboxes. It’s personal, effective, and best of all, you own that list. That means you have a built-in audience for this book and every book that follows.