Dan Blank, expert in human-centered book marketing, discusses sustainable ways to connect with readers, platform selection, and the importance of human connection in marketing. Topics include feeling good about sharing, deciding the best platform, and balancing creativity with business tasks.
Human-centered marketing prioritizes individual connections with readers over generic outreach.
Choosing the right platform involves a blend of data analysis, comfort levels, and community presence.
Distinguishing between daily marketing efforts and focused launch periods is crucial for author success.
Deep dives
Human-Centered Book Marketing: Embracing Marketing as a Connection to Individuals
Human-centered book marketing emphasizes connecting with readers as individuals rather than focusing on a broader audience. This approach reframes marketing as a way to genuinely engage with people, fostering a sense of enjoyment in the process. By viewing marketing as a personal connection, authors can find the platform that suits them best and aligns with their unique style. The daily work of an author involves focusing on building these individual connections over time, rather than just during specific launch periods.
Navigating Platform Choices for Effective Marketing: Tailoring Strategies to Specific Authors
Choosing the right platform for marketing involves a mix of data analysis, personal comfort levels, and community presence. Authors should evaluate where comparable authors thrive, where reader engagement is high, and leverage experimentation to determine what works best. A primary channel, complemented by secondary channels, can help authors expand their reach and engagement effectively. By strategically blending comfort, data insights, and community presence, authors can optimize their marketing efforts across various platforms.
Balancing Daily Marketing Efforts with Launch Period Intensity: Crafting a Holistic Approach
Distinguishing between daily marketing efforts and focused launch periods is essential for authors. The daily work revolves around honing specific marketing skills consistently over time, aiming for gradual improvement. In contrast, during a launch period, authors leverage the power of newness and emotional triggers to drive interest in their book. A launch period involves a concentrated effort to promote the book, leveraging community support, diverse emotions, and collating favors to maximize visibility and engagement.
Strategies for Promoting Later Books in a Series
When promoting later books in a series, authors need to consider different approaches beyond the usual methods. Building audience personas can help tailor promotions to specific reader goals and needs. For instance, marketing to long-time readers could focus on their support for the author, while attracting new readers might require strategies to catch them up on the series. Collaborative events and unique angles can also enhance book launches and engage diverse audiences.
Exploring Marketing Shifts and Reader Engagement
The podcast delves into new trends in book marketing and reader engagement, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing strategies. Traditional and indie authors alike need to balance creativity with business and marketing tasks, acknowledging the evolving landscape of self-publishing. Engaging with readers, leveraging diverse content formats, and maintaining joy in the writing journey are highlighted as essential elements for sustaining a successful long-term author career.
How can you connect to readers in a way that is sustainable for you and effective at selling books? How can you choose the best platform when there are so many options? Dan Blank gives his recommendations. In the intro, TikTok ban signed into law in the USA [The Verge]; No One Buys Books [Elle Griffin]; […]
