It's the holiday season, and I'm buzzing with excitement to bake Christmas cookies with my son. The flour's out, the apron's on, but imagine if I realized I didn't have a recipe? Sure, we'd have fun, but the results? Questionable at best.

That's the exact predicament many authors find themselves in with book marketing. Enthusiasm? Check. Effort? Check. A clear plan? Uh-oh.

Today, I want to walk you through the essential steps to ensure your book gets the attention it deserves.

1. Define Your Goals and Audience

• Identify Your Goals: What do you want to achieve with your book? Consider both short-term and long-term goals.

• Understand Your Audience: Who are your ideal readers? Understand their demographics, interests, and where they spend their time, both online and offline.

2. Build Your Author Platform

• Create a Professional Website For Your Book (book funnel): Your book funnel should include information about you, your book(s), a blog, and a way for readers to subscribe to your email list.

• Establish a Social Media Presence: Choose platforms where your audience is most active (like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) and start building your presence there.

• Start an Email List: Offer something valuable (like a newsletter, free chapter, or tips) in exchange for email sign-ups.

3. Develop Your Brand

• Create a Consistent Brand Image: This includes your author bio, photo, book covers, and visuals used on your website and social media.

• Voice and Tone: Your communication should reflect your personality and resonate with your target audience.

4. Plan Your Book Launch

• Set a Launch Date: Plan your marketing activities around this date.

• Organize a Launch Team: Recruit fans, friends, and family to help spread the word.

• Pre-Launch Marketing: Build anticipation through teasers, cover reveals, and pre-order options.

5. Execute Marketing Strategies

• Content Marketing: Use your blog, social media, and email list to provide valuable content related to your book.

• Book Reviews: Secure reviews by providing advance copies of your book to reviewers.

• Promotions and Giveaways: Conduct giveaways and promotions to attract and engage readers. 

Tools and Resources

• Website Builders: FG Funnels

• Email Marketing: FG Funnels

• Social Media Management: FG Funnels

• Analytics: FG Funnels

• Design Tools: Canva for creating marketing materials

• The Bestselling Book Launch Marketing Strategy: From Published To Profit. Perfect for anyone who is starting from square one with no clear marketing plan.

Remember:

Book marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, consistency, adaptability and of the course an award winning recipe.