Indie Author: Marketing on a Budget
Written by S.C. Vincent
Many self-publishing and indie authors find it difficult to market their books on the same level that rivals traditional publishers. And while there are various and expensive ways to counteract that, this article will focus on free avenues that you can take to get your brand and book in the public consciousness. I will largely be using anecdotal takes, because it would be difficult to speak to others success.
1. Social Media is free. Use it. Whether or not you are tech savvy, simply having a presence on all popular platforms is important. You must think of every one of these platforms as a potential marketplace for your book and make yourself available. You never know who is going to stumble upon your profile. You might be a little unsure about using newer platforms, and that’s okay. I’m not very familiar with TikTok myself, but I created a profile just in case I’m found. Be available. Tip: Across the various social media platforms use the same profile name to keep consistency of your brand and to keep it easier for people to find you.
2. Create content. In between book releases you’re going to want people to keep their eyes on you. One of the best ways to do this is to create a blog. There are various services that allow you to create free websites. Wordpress is what I personally use. You can do a lot with the free version such as blogging – writing about content you and your audience might be interested in. This is key. Engagement. Tip: Learn what an RSS Feed is.
3. Newsletter. Speaking of engagement, you must retain your customers and keep them informed. There are many free newsletter services that allow you to send out relevant details about your career to those you manage to sign up. Revue, for example, allows integration with your twitter account which consolidates your followers. Tip: free emails services may not work well when sending emails through a newsletter. They may get bounced.
4. Speaking of consolidation. It is very important to know that throughout your journey you will most likely be creating multiple accounts with various services and it can be very difficult for you and especially your audience to find the perfect landing page that tells them everything they need to know about you. Think that if you’re representing yourself in person as an author, what link on a business card would you give somebody to get to know your writing career? I have chosen a free service called linktr.ee. Click here to see an example of my preferred landing page: https://linktr.ee/scvincent
Notice how there is a link to every single service, social media account, amazon page, etc. I like this because it’s free and a one size fits all service for the hustle and bustle author trying to work every angle. You may prefer a less cluttered page, like a simple website. That works if it pushes what you need it too, sales.
5. Don’t be afraid to go outside. There may be free ways to get attraction to your books via a local paper. Sometimes, in small towns especially, papers may be looking to write a piece on local artists. Don’t be afraid to reach out and offer an interview.
Perhaps, even ask your local bookstore or library if you can hold a signing event where you can sell a few of your books. Some of these places may be willing to let you do this for free. Ever since covid struck, brook and mortar stores have really taken a hit and a signing event can help bring people into these places and increase sales. You can use your own social media accounts to help advertise these events and if you have a considerable following, it may help convince the store to let you hold the gathering.
There is surely a lot more you can do for free, but these were just a few examples on how to increase your brands presence online and offline for practically nothing! Now you can be the author that’s not only working hard, but also working smart.
Oh, and don’t forget to follow me on my own social media accounts I mentioned earlier. Here it is again, https://linktr.ee/scvincent And please check out my new fantasy novella Ys The Fallen.