Interesting question from a follower. Hope my answer helps you, too

Marcia, I don’t know of anyone who has so successfully marketed a book even close to what you do with your books. What’s the best way to market a book I’ve already written and which is now on Amazon? Thanks for taking time to work with me.  Dawn Brenner

Hi Dawn:  As you know, as in almost everything, It’s All About Relationships.  Create relationships with top websites devoted to your topic. Locate the top 10-12 high-traffic and targeted websites that fit your topic. Make sure to also include websites and blogs of media you want to cover your work. Take time to read and research all you can learn on the websites. Make notes and start thinking of the best ways to build a strong relationship. Here’s a good list of action items to begin building the relationships:

1) submit a pertinent excerpt from your book that ties into their website, blog, or editorial content

2) comment and contribute to their blog as often as you can – always using your customized signature, book title, and website

3) write an engaging (even a little outrageous) press release and send to the media outlets that serve the geographical area you are wanting to engage. Make sure your release will truly stand out from the stacks of others they receive. Do not mail your release in an ordinary envelope – I made mine look like the envelope a party invitation would come in. The envelope has gotten a very high open rate which has led to lots of media exposure.  Submit a new release with a different subject matter every other month.

4) submit a contest and make sure your books are given away as prizes

5) reach out to the media and find ways to make your book a story they just have to cover 

6) make sure your electronic signature includes the title of your book and your website so it is discreetly in their view

Forget about bookstore signings unless you are really willing to make them an all out marketing event. You have to really stand out and be willing to talk with everyone and be willing to accept a lot of “no’s” at those bookstores. You can make much better use of your marketing time.

Dawn, make sure you build relationships with those you want to promote your work. Send theme-related small gifts to the editors and media you want to impress. They love little surprises.  Not bribes, just thoughtful reminders of you and your book. I had postage stamps made from the cover art of my book and I sent ten stamps to each of my lists and they loved them. Be regular and send to your list at least quarterly.

These are only a few ideas, but these are good action items to start you on your way. The writers of these websites/blogs have to come up with volumes of content, so help them with their writing and they will reciprocate.  Once they know and trust your work, they will come to you when they need content. Dawn, please stay in touch and let me know how you are progressing.

Hello out there…it’s me, Marcia

It’s been a very very long time since I have blogged. Having just returned from a long and restful vacation and having taken the time to dig into and analyze what is working and what changes to make, blogging returns.   I very much enjoy the blogs I follow and have found good results participating in media blogs interested in my area of expertise and content. Engaging in interesting, reciprocal dialogue helps us all and I  look forward to your active participation, feedback, and comments on these posts.

Today, let’s get back to some basic marketing 101. Taking time to market is often times low on client priority. You have a very simple and very inexpensive marketing tool that needs just a little attention to detail to really make the impact you desire.  What could I be talking about?

It’s there right in front of you. It’s part of the first impression you make.

It’s your business card. 

Of all the marketing aids available today, your business card is the least expensive tool you have. You should enclose not one, but TWO in everything that goes out from your office.  

Why? 

Your recipient will put one in their rolodex and most will find a more creative way for the second card. They can send to a colleague, use as a book mark, send to a friend – along with a recommendation. If only one card in a thousand generates more business, YOU WIN. 

I have my business card in a parchment envelope and it has NEVER failed to stop the recipient in their tracks as they look at the card, comment on the envelope which always gives me time to say, “I do out of the envelope marketing”. This little trick has never, ever failed to do its job. $o easy, $o $imple, $o $mart. Call me and I’ll be happy to tell you where I get the envelopes. They come in a rainbow of colors.

And while we are talking about business cards…PLEASE do not have your contact information printed SO SMALL that the person you give the card to cannot read it without reading glasses.  Make it easy for you to be contacted. I’m not kidding about this.  I get so many cards and I have to work to figure out how to reach these folks. Business is tough enough without making someone work to find you. 

Other quick bullet point reminders:

1. Take the time to hand write your correspondence. 
2. Hand address the envelope.
3. Put a real life stamp on the envelope. Get added marketing points if you have the stamps made to match your business logo and if you don’t know how to do that, call me. I’ll be happy to tell you.
4. E-introduce a few people every week.
5. Hand write thank you notes. (See points 2 & 3 above)

Keep at it religiously and you will see the results in your growing business.

And so Life goes…on and on

Marcia Reece

#1 Bestselling Author, Secrets of the Marriage Mouse

The Ultimate Online Media Directory

303.506.7123
www.marciareece.com