Self-publishing a book is a huge accomplishment, but it’s just the beginning of your journey as an author. Promoting your self-published book is key to getting it in front of readers and growing a loyal audience. Without the backing of a traditional publisher, it’s up to you to spread the word and ensure your book gets the attention it deserves. To help you with this, here are five essential tips for promoting your self-published book and reaching more readers.
Build an Author Website
Your author website is the hub of your online presence and a key promotional tool. Not only does it showcase your work, but it also helps readers learn more about you as an author. Your website should include:
- A dedicated page for your book(s) with links to purchase
- A blog where you share writing insights, book updates, or related topics
- An email signup form for your newsletter (more on this later!)
Ensure your website is optimized for search engines (SEO). Use relevant keywords related to your genre, book themes, and writing process to help potential readers find you through organic search.
Bookbub is a great resource for an author website especially for beginners. It offers design templates and allows you to upload your books and all the links for the retailers where your books are sold and it’s very affordable. The plan I have is $4.99 a month and that is with a custom domain that you pick and hosting I haven’t seen anything like it so for aspiring authors or authors just beginning I definitely recommend starting here for a author website.
Leverage Social Media to Connect with Readers
Social media is a powerful platform for promoting your book and engaging directly with readers. Choose platforms where your target audience is most active, whether it’s Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or TikTok, and consistently share content that draws interest in your work. You can:
- Post behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process
- Share quotes or excerpts from your book
- Run giveaways or contests to encourage reader participation
- Host live Q&A sessions to interact with your audience in real-time
Consistency is key—post regularly and respond to comments and messages to build strong connections with your readers.
Create an Email List for Direct Communication
One of the most effective ways to promote your self-published book is by building an email list. Email marketing allows you to communicate directly with readers who are genuinely interested in your work. Start by creating a signup form on your website and offering an incentive, such as a free sample chapter or exclusive content, to encourage signups.
Through your email newsletter, you can share:
- Updates on your book launches, special promotions, or events
- Exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming projects
- Personal insights about your writing process
An engaged email list helps you stay connected to your audience and makes it easier to promote future books or projects.
Tip: If you’d like more tips on growing your audience and promoting your books, be sure to sign up for my newsletter!
Reach Out to Book Bloggers and Reviewers
Getting reviews for your book is a crucial step in building credibility and trust with potential readers. Reach out to book bloggers, reviewers, and influencers within your genre to request a review or feature. Be sure to personalize your requests and provide them with all the necessary details about your book.
Book bloggers and reviewers often have established audiences, so a positive review or feature can significantly expand your reach and introduce your book to new readers.
Run Targeted Book Promotions and Giveaways
Everyone loves a good deal, and running limited-time promotions or giveaways can help boost visibility and encourage readers to take action. You can offer:
- Discounted prices for a specific period
- A free eBook download for subscribers
- Physical book giveaways on social media platforms
Promotions create a sense of urgency, encouraging readers to buy your book while it’s on sale. Combine this with targeted social media ads or email campaigns to maximize your reach.
Final Thoughts
Promoting your self-published book and growing your audience takes time and effort, but with these strategies, you can build a strong following and see your book reach more readers. Remember, consistency and connection are the keys to success. Engage with your audience regularly, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different promotional methods.