You are a storyteller.
If you’ve ever wondered how to market your books on social media, you’re not alone. It is a quest of many independent authors. Marketing may not be your forte and it doesn’t have to be for you to market your novel on social media,
The mission you have on social media (should you accept it) is not selling books but selling stories. Your stories.
Today, we deal with the issue of author obscurity and whether or not you are benefiting from social media marketing.
If you feel like your novel is drowning in the noisy waters of social media, don’t despair. You’re one of thousands that feel this way. The story of success for you is not over – it’s just beginning. Grab on to the life preserver presented in this post and hold on.
I can understand how you feel. All your efforts seem in vain. No one knows you or your books exist. How does a self-published author market their novel on social media and get noticed? Let’s answer by sharing how a novelist shouldn’t market.
- Never post sales links on your social media profile
- Never post sales links on your author page
- Never post sales links in author groups
- Never post sales links on guest blogs
How to Market Your Novel and Save it From Drowning on Social Media
Perhaps you are discovering why your books remain unnoticed. If the extent of your marketing and promotion involves sales links, your novel will drown. Social media is for socializing, period. There’s a time and place to ask for the sale.
Authors have told me in their own words that they don’t fancy marketing and promotion. They say, non-fiction writers have better luck with marketing because social media is a better platform for them. Pardon my bluntness but that’s an emotional lie.
Social Media marketing is not prejudice. The concept cannot differentiate between race, color, religion, lifestyle, fiction or nonfiction. It is what we make it.
I believe the real issue resides within our understanding or lack of how to use the platform. Let’s quickly look at the phrase social media marketing. Maybe you can see more clearly why self-publishing isn’t so fun right now.
Merriam/Webster Dictionary defines social media as:
:forms of electronic communication (such as websites for social networking and microblogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as videos)
- Social – Webster defines social from a child’s P.O.V: enjoying other people; a friendly gathering for a special reason.
- Media – Webster defines it as a medium of cultivation, conveyance, or expression. E.g. words, photos, videos, memes.
- Marketing – Webster defines it as the process or technique of promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service.
Marketing is the act of sharing what you are passionate about. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World
(not an affiliate link)
With the advent of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram over the years, an evolution has occurred in the social world. But, it’s still social. Here’s a definition based on what a child might say:
Social Media Marketing is a nice way to meet other people; share stuff and have fun.
Should you be trying to learn how to sell more books or share more story stuff? Change your focus. Stop sharing book links. Start sharing story elements, visually: premise, plot, etc., and readers will come to your rescue. More on this below.
Do you remember the biblical story of Jesus walking on the water as recorded in the Gospel of Mark chapter 6?
As the storm of wind came down on them, they rowed vigorously thinking more would make them reach the further shore.
It did not.
You’re trying to go somewhere but there is something stopping you:
- Lack of Knowledge
- Self-Doubt
- Overwhelm
- Impatience
- Dislike for marketing and promotion
If what you’re doing isn’t working then stop doing it!
A published book should never ever be the center of focus when marketing on social media. The story you wrote should be your center of attention; the conversation piece. Let’s talk about for a couple minutes.
I hope you enjoyed today’s post. Kindly leave a comment below and share if you really enjoyed this post!
