Great job taking action! You’re diving in at the perfect time to start building lasting momentum for your book. Whether you’re still in the writing phase or beginning the publishing journey, this is your opportunity to connect with readers and generate interest before your book even hits the shelves.
The earlier you start sharing your process, the better. By letting people in on your journey—your ups, downs, and milestones—you’re giving them a reason to care. And when your book is finally released, you’ll already have a built-in audience that’s excited to support you. Promoting becomes easier when you’ve created real connections and curiosity along the way.
One of the most effective (and personal) ways to do this? Video. It gives your audience a glimpse into your world, and helps you stand out online. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a short video and share it on Facebook. We’ll assume you already have your Facebook account ready.
Pick Your Topic
Think about what your followers might enjoy or be curious about. Some ideas:
Prepare What You’ll Say
You don’t need a full script, but it helps to jot down the main points. Practice a few times so you feel confident and natural on camera.
Get Set Up
Use your phone or any recording device. Make sure it’s steady—prop it on a solid surface or use a tripod.
Good lighting is key! Face a window or use a lamp to light your face. Keep your background tidy and distraction-free.
Start Recording
Look into the camera lens, smile, and speak clearly. It’s okay to stumble or restart—this doesn’t have to be perfect. Aim for warm, enthusiastic energy.
Keep It Simple
Use built-in tools or free apps like iMovie (iOS), InShot, or Adobe Rush to trim the beginning or end, add text, or insert transitions.
Add Captions
Captions help viewers who watch with the sound off and improve accessibility.
Open Facebook and Create a New Post
Tap “What’s on your mind?” at the top of your feed, then choose “Photo/Video.”
Upload Your Video
Select the video from your gallery.
Write a Short Caption
Tell viewers what the video is about and why they should watch.
Example: “Sharing a quick read-aloud from my upcoming novel! This scene gave me chills—can’t wait to hear what you think. #BookTeaser #AuthorLife”
Use Tags and Hashtags
Tag any relevant people or pages. Add hashtags to reach more people: #WritingCommunity #BookLaunch #BehindTheScenes
Hit Post!
By sharing your process through video, you’re not just promoting your book—you’re creating a story your audience can follow and feel part of. That’s powerful marketing, and it all starts here.
Let’s get your first video up and running!
Goodreads Giveaways can be a powerful tool for authors and publishers looking to increase book visibility, drive sales, and engage with readers. By offering a free copy of your book, you can generate buzz, garner reviews, and expand your audience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up and run an effective Goodreads Giveaway.
If you haven’t already, the first step is to create a Goodreads account. Make sure to complete your profile with relevant information about yourself and your books. A well-rounded profile helps build trust with potential readers.
Before you can run a giveaway, your book must be listed on Goodreads. If it’s not already in their database, you can add it by following these steps:
Once your book is added to Goodreads, you can set up your giveaway. Follow these steps:
Once your giveaway is live, it’s time to promote it to maximize participation. Here are some strategies:
Keep an eye on your giveaway while it’s running. This allows you to:
At the end of your giveaway, Goodreads will automatically select winners from the pool of entrants. Announce the winners on your social media and thank all participants for entering. This helps foster goodwill and encourages future engagement.
After the winners are announced, follow up with them to collect mailing addresses for sending the books. You can also encourage them to post reviews on Goodreads and other platforms after reading the book. A personal note thanking them for their participation can also go a long way in building a connection.
After your giveaway concludes, analyze the results to gauge its effectiveness. Consider the following:
Goodreads Giveaways can be an excellent strategy for authors looking to boost visibility, engagement, and sales. By following these steps, you can effectively set up and promote your giveaway, creating a buzz around your book and connecting with potential readers. Remember, the key to a successful giveaway is not just in the numbers but also in building relationships with your audience. Happy promoting!
In the dynamic landscape of modern book promotion, podcasts have emerged as a potent tool for authors to amplify their reach and connect with diverse audiences. Navigating the sea of podcasts can be overwhelming, but fear not – this guide will walk you through the essential steps of finding the right podcast to showcase your book effectively.
Begin your podcast search by understanding the unique niche or genre of your book. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, mystery, romance, or self-help, there’s a podcast out there tailored to your target audience. Identify podcasts that align with the themes, tone, and interests of your book.
Utilize podcast directories and platforms to explore a variety of shows. Popular platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts allow you to search for podcasts based on genres, making it easier to find those that cater to your book’s specific category.
Many podcasts feature author interviews, providing a platform for writers to discuss their books, writing processes, and literary journeys. Search for podcasts that regularly host authors within your genre, as these can be ideal spaces to showcase your own work.
Examine the demographics of a podcast’s audience to ensure alignment with your target readership. Consider factors like age, interests, and geographical location to determine whether the podcast can effectively reach your desired audience.
While searching, pay attention to the popularity and engagement of potential podcasts. High listener numbers and positive reviews suggest a thriving community, increasing the likelihood of your book gaining visibility among a receptive audience.
Take the time to listen to episodes of the podcasts you’re considering. This will help you gauge the tone, format, and style of each show, ensuring compatibility with your book promotion strategy and personality. Look for podcasts that resonate with you and align with your authorial voice.
Assess the podcast’s social media presence to gauge its reach and interaction with the audience. A podcast with an active and engaged online community can amplify the impact of your book promotion efforts.
Reach out to podcast hosts or production teams to inquire about guest opportunities. Many podcasts welcome authors to discuss their work. Craft a compelling pitch that highlights the unique aspects of your book and why it would be a great fit for their audience.
Explore podcasts that offer cross-promotion opportunities. Some shows collaborate with authors to promote their episodes across various platforms, maximizing the visibility of your book.
Lastly, choose podcasts that align with your values and allow you to authentically represent your book. Authenticity resonates with audiences, and being genuine in your podcast appearances will enhance your connection with listeners.
Finding the right podcast to showcase your book is a strategic step in your authorial journey. By considering niche alignment, audience demographics, and engagement levels, you can identify podcasts that offer the ideal platform for promoting your work. Remember, each podcast is a unique opportunity to connect with potential readers, so choose wisely, and let your book shine in the auditory realm of podcasting.
Creating a website is an exciting venture, and there are many platforms available to help you build one. Whether you choose WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or another website builder, the fundamental steps are similar. Here’s a general guide to get you started:
Domain Name: This is your website’s address (e.g., www.yoursite.com). Select a domain name that represents your brand or content.
Web Hosting: Your website needs to be stored on a server. Many website builders offer hosting as part of their service. If you choose a platform that requires separate hosting, select a reliable hosting provider such as Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator.
Steps:
Website Builders: Platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, and Shopify offer various features and ease of use. Choose one based on your needs:
Steps:
Log In: Access your website’s dashboard or admin area.
Configure Basic Settings: Adjust your site’s basic settings such as site title, tagline, and time zone. Platforms usually have a settings or configuration section for this.
Templates/Themes: Most platforms offer a variety of pre-designed templates or themes. Choose one that fits your site’s purpose.
Customize Your Design:
Plugins/Apps: Extend your website’s functionality with plugins (WordPress) or apps (Wix, Shopify, etc.). Essential features might
include:
Steps:
Pages: Add key pages like Home, About, Contact, and Services.
Posts/Blog Entries: If you’re running a blog or news site, create posts or articles and organize them with categories and tags.
Media: Upload and manage images, videos, and other media files.
Menus: Create and organize navigation menus to help users find content on your site.
Widgets/Sections: Customize your site’s layout with widgets or sections to add functionality and design elements (e.g., contact forms, social media feeds).
Preview Your Site: Check your site’s appearance on different devices and browsers to ensure it’s responsive and functional.
Test Features: Verify that all links, forms, and interactive elements work correctly.
Go Live: Once you’re satisfied with your site, publish it for the world to see. Most platforms have a straightforward publish or launch button.
Regular Backups: Ensure your site is regularly backed up to avoid data loss.
Updates: Keep your site’s software, themes, and plugins updated to ensure security and performance.
Monitor Performance: Use analytics tools to track your site’s performance and make improvements based on user data.
Creating a website can be a smooth process with the right platform and approach. By following these general steps, you can set up a professional-looking site tailored to your needs. If you have any questions or need further assistance, many platforms offer support communities and resources to help you along the way. Happy website building!
