What happens if they don’t like you? Social media is growing so fast that it’s attracting everyone. You might be wondering if your book marketing strategy should include a social media presence and what it should be. I’LL TELL YOU!
No social media, no problem . . . for your competitors! They are perfectly happy that you don’t have social media as part of your book marketing strategy. They are happy to take your piece. If you are not there, this means MORE FOR THEM.
There are a few rules to social media: Let’s discuss what’s working and what’s absolutely not working. When it comes to book marketing strategy, first impressions can turn people away forever so let’s make a good lasting impression. And in case you are wondering, you will increase sales. The path to get there will be different than what you might expect.
Social Media is the people’s space. In fact, if you think of social media as a party you can apply the rules of etiquette. Dress appropriately. You would not go to a party dressed in flashing lights with a “big sale happening now, buy me” sign on your head, would you? Of course not. Just like a party, you don’t crash onto the scene. You respect the venue, the other guests . . . or you get thrown out. This doesn’t mean you can’t use social media in book marketing strategy however.
Social media gives you the platform to reveal yourself over time. It’s time to get involved with causes or concerns of your potential customers, and do something about it. When you do something about it, you get to share your actions with your community. In advertising you have 30 seconds, in social media you have a lot more time.
The benefit is that you add more substance to your presence by rounding out your social media. You don’t have to go global to be known for doing good things; you can just stay home and do good things. Your actions don’t have to cost a fortune; you can donate tickets for a group of kids to go see a motivational speaker. Whatever you do, no matter how small, your social media community will notice. Could this be useful as a part of book marketing strategy? Hmmm…
The way you sell is very different from traditional marketing. The flashy, “buy me” marketing does not work and actually has a negative effect. The “I am only in here because I can get more customers” attitude will only hurt you as your market can form opinions. If you are a contributing member of the community you can include a book marketing strategy; you can create special offers and include a call to action.
You are only a visitor here: The culture of social media is like an engaged community. Members are there to help or share. They share their lives, interests and time. They don’t want anything from anyone else except to get to know them. Social media is used for entertainment. But now, social media is used by many who seek profit and profit only, and it is being over-run with IN YOUR FACE tactics. Guess what? The community does not have to engage with you! In fact, they can make fun of you and give bad press. They can make a note to boycott you.
Hire people to create and expand your social media presence who understand. Hire people who know the rules of book marketing strategy and publicity who know when, where and how to break the rules for this social media arena.
If you engage in social media, sales will come: Of course. The more you engage others and are just one of the gang, the more your community and those you are a part of will get to know the heart behind you. As we know, one of the premises of business success is that people will do business with those they know, love and trust. Will they think of you as a spammer or as a valued and respectful member of the social media community that they have grown to know, love and trust? Who would you buy from? This is book marketing strategy with social media.