Michael Hebler's Blog: and Fan Page - Posts Tagged "old-school"
Book Marketing: Old School and On The Cheap
In a lot of today’s book marketing, there are many choices and most of them are digital including social, media, webpage ads, websites, blogs… the list goes on. But once upon a time, there was no “digital.” Traditionally published or self-published, authors promoted by other means of publishing, often guerilla style, which still would be effective in our digital world, and most often cheaper. Here a few ideas of best pre-digital age practices:
Business Cards
An oldie but a goodie, and sometimes a freebie. Many online printing companies are offering free business cards as a loss leader. You should always keep something on your person that is your calling card with some contact details. Ask everyone to leave them on tables in coffee shops, slip them into books at bookstores, drop them on library tables or doctor's waiting rooms, and anyplace else people gather and wait.
Bookmarks
A step above business cards. Though larger and not as easy to carry in bulk, bookmarks are less likely to be tossed inside a desk drawer and forgotten because they are practical and contain all the same information on a business card, plus more. True, many people do not use bookmarks because of digital print, but there many devote paper readers still out there who find these little suckers useful still. Treat these like business cards and place them strategically.
Book Clubs
Book clubs are bigger than ever thanks to sites such as Meetup.com, and it's likely there's one in your neighborhood. Join the group and participate, or just contact the organizer then offer to hand out copies of your book/s along with question guides. Let the organizer know that you're willing to speak with the club and bring the wine or a plate of cookies. When readers are enthusiastic about an author, they'll talk about him, and getting to know them personally is a great way to connect and possibly grow a fan base.
Stickers
A roll of stickers can be made cheaply and they can be very effective. On your sticker, put a picture of your cover with an easy address where they can find it, ie your website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble. Use these stickers in creative spots to get your name in front of people's faces. Paste them on water bottles, hand them out at conventions and other events, and look through your neighborhood and find unique (and legal) places to sticker your environment.
Business Cards
An oldie but a goodie, and sometimes a freebie. Many online printing companies are offering free business cards as a loss leader. You should always keep something on your person that is your calling card with some contact details. Ask everyone to leave them on tables in coffee shops, slip them into books at bookstores, drop them on library tables or doctor's waiting rooms, and anyplace else people gather and wait.
Bookmarks
A step above business cards. Though larger and not as easy to carry in bulk, bookmarks are less likely to be tossed inside a desk drawer and forgotten because they are practical and contain all the same information on a business card, plus more. True, many people do not use bookmarks because of digital print, but there many devote paper readers still out there who find these little suckers useful still. Treat these like business cards and place them strategically.
Book Clubs
Book clubs are bigger than ever thanks to sites such as Meetup.com, and it's likely there's one in your neighborhood. Join the group and participate, or just contact the organizer then offer to hand out copies of your book/s along with question guides. Let the organizer know that you're willing to speak with the club and bring the wine or a plate of cookies. When readers are enthusiastic about an author, they'll talk about him, and getting to know them personally is a great way to connect and possibly grow a fan base.
Stickers
A roll of stickers can be made cheaply and they can be very effective. On your sticker, put a picture of your cover with an easy address where they can find it, ie your website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble. Use these stickers in creative spots to get your name in front of people's faces. Paste them on water bottles, hand them out at conventions and other events, and look through your neighborhood and find unique (and legal) places to sticker your environment.
and Fan Page
It is with my greatest intention to keep an up-to-date one-stop shop for my fans and curious peepers where I will post updates, cover art, audio samples (if mp3 is allowed), video, trailers, and anyth
...more
- Michael Hebler's profile
- 50 followers
