#167. Why Marketing Matters From Day One With Lacy Lieffers
Nov 12, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, marketing coach Lacy Lieffers, an expert in helping authors build personal brands, shares invaluable insights on how to effectively market books from day one. She emphasizes the importance of integrating marketing into the writing process and offers strategies for overcoming overwhelm. Lacy compares the value of growing social media versus email lists, advocates for authentic connections with book influencers, and suggests tactics for generating buzz during book launches. This is a must-listen for authors aiming for market success!
Authors should begin marketing their book from day one to effectively connect with their target audience early on.
Building an email list is more critical than social media for converting followers into buyers and engaging with readers.
Creating relatable content and personal stories helps authors establish a strong brand and foster deeper connections with their audience.
Deep dives
The Role of a Book Coach
Book coaching is emerging as a valuable resource in the publishing industry, catering to individuals passionate about reading and writing. This career path offers the opportunity to assist aspiring authors in improving their writing skills and navigating the complexities of the publishing process. As coaching gains popularity, those seeking an alternative to traditional nine-to-five jobs can explore becoming a book coach. Programs and resources, such as online courses, provide insights into how to launch a successful book coaching business.
Marketing as an Ongoing Process
Many authors mistakenly view marketing as a phase to tackle only after completing their manuscript, but it's essential to start marketing right from the beginning. By understanding target audiences and their interests early on, writers can tailor their marketing strategies to connect effectively with potential readers. Creating engaging content that resonates with readers can help authors build an audience long before their book is published. This proactive approach ensures a smoother promotion process and a better reception upon launch.
The Importance of Engaging Platforms
Authors should consider multiple platforms for engagement, including social media and email marketing, to connect with their readers effectively. Social media offers a space for community building, but direct communication through email is more critical for converting followers into buyers. It’s crucial to identify which social platforms align best with the author’s target audience while also being manageable for the author. The overall goal is to create a consistent presence that supports both audience engagement and promotional efforts.
Building an Author's Brand
An author's platform and brand are defined not just by their books but by the entirety of their digital presence. This includes sharing relatable content that reflects their personality, alongside frequent communication with readers about their books and writing journey. By infusing personal stories and relatable content into their marketing strategies, authors can create an emotional connection with their audience. Establishing this connection is vital for fostering a loyal reader base and encouraging deeper engagement with future works.
Sustaining Momentum Post-Launch
The period after a book launch is crucial for maintaining momentum and keeping reader interest alive. Authors should leverage post-launch strategies by engaging their audience with new content, such as bonus scenes or character insights, to keep the conversation going about their book. This approach not only sustains reader excitement but also encourages them to stay connected for future releases. Continual engagement and innovative marketing tactics, even after the initial launch, can significantly impact an author's long-term success.
“When should I start marketing my book?” This is a question I get asked all the time! Along with other similar questions like, “Do I need to build an email list?” And “What are some effective ways to market my book?”
My guest, Lacy Lieffers of Black Fox Marketing, is here to answer all of these questions (and more) in this podcast episode! Tune into this episode to hear us talk about why marketing matters from day one, how to think about book marketing throughout the entire writing, editing, and publishing process, and so much more.
We’ll also cover things like:
[04:59] Why it’s important to start your book marketing efforts early—and how integrating marketing into your writing process from day one can set you up for long-term success
[05:33] What to do if you feel overwhelmed by book marketing (and how to avoid spinning your wheels, wasting a bunch of time and money)
[10:28] Lacy shares her thoughts on the age-old debate of growing your social media versus growing your email list and tells you exactly where to spend your time and energy to make the most impact
[11:08] How to flip the script on what it means to work with book influencers (spoiler alert: stop making everything all about you!)
[25:22] How to build your author brand in a way that resonates with readers and sets you (and your books) apart in a crowded market
[33:52] A few of Lacy’s favorite tactics for creating buzz around your book (and later, driving sales during your book launch)
I LOVED this conversation with Lacy because she’s so knowledgeable and passionate about book marketing—and no wonder, with over 16 years of experience helping authors build their personal brands and market their books! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or uncertain about book marketing, you’re going to love this episode!
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