Are you having trouble selling your book? Feeling uncertain about the right marketing approach? Many authors face low sales and feel unsure what to do next. After careful research, I found that authors who build a strong website sell more books. 1 In this blog I’ll share practical tips on how to create an effective online presence, connect naturally with readers through social media like Facebook or Instagram, and increase your monthly book sales. 3 Read on for tips you can use today!
Key Takeaways
- Kick off marketing at least 3–6 months ahead of your book release—building early buzz helps grow your email list.
- Author websites can lift sales by up to 40%—think of yours as a 24/7 salesperson, always ready to promote your book.
- Quick TikTok writing clips can catch attention fast—one author pulled in 5,000 views in just a month.
- Email is great for directly reaching readers—personal emails usually get opened more often.
- BookTok influencers can boost first-week sales by around 40%—smaller influencers typically charge between $100 and $500 per post.
Book Marketing Strategy
Selling books in today’s packed market can feel tricky—but with the right plan, it’s totally doable. A solid book marketing strategy clearly outlines steps before, during, and after the book launch.
Most authors wait too long and start marketing after publication—missing half their potential! Ideally, planning begins 3-6 months ahead of the actual release date. 1 Early planning gives plenty of time to build online buzz, create engaging content, grow an active email list, and use social media effectively.
A smart, organized marketing plan gets the message to the right readers without wasting money on tactics that get mediocre results. The first essential step is building a strong online presence—getting noticed online makes all the difference.
Build a Strong Online Presence
Your online presence works as your 24/7 sales team for your books. I’ve seen authors grow their sales by 40% just by setting up a simple website and posting daily on social media.
Create an author website
Last year, I created my first author website—and honestly, it completely changed my book sales. 2 The site acts like a digital storefront, letting readers easily find info about me and my books.
Like Will Rogers said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”—and that holds true online, too.
On the homepage, I share my book covers, sample chapters, plus convenient purchase links for readers. I keep things simple and clean, with my blog posts right there to help visitors find me through search engines.
My website is the main spot for all my marketing activities—and, more than anything, it helps readers trust me and join my mailing list.
Now, I’m working on connecting my social media accounts to the site, so I can reach even more readers in different places.
Optimize social media platforms
I choose social media platforms based on what my readers like best. Facebook is perfect for promoting my fiction books, and Instagram is ideal for sharing cover art. TikTok, surprisingly, brought 5,000 views last month alone for short clips on writing tips. 3 To keep visibility high, I post three times a week, at least, and always include relevant hashtags. Staying active and replying quickly to comments builds stronger fan connections.
Posts that ask a question typically see around 40% higher engagement compared to plain announcements. Fans also seem to enjoy behind-the-scenes looks at my writing process—it feels personal, authentic, and keeps their interest.
Each social network is different, though; a popular tweet often won’t connect as well on LinkedIn.
Leverage Content Marketing
Content marketing helps me sell more books without hard selling. I create blogs, podcasts, and videos that pull readers in by giving them value first.
Start a blog or podcast
I use blogs and podcasts to share info about my books. Simple, easy, and helps reach more readers who might enjoy my stories. This type of marketing lets me compete as a small business author—without spending much cash. 4
My blogs have writing tips, updates on current books, and interesting stories about my characters. Podcasts feature chats with fellow authors, or sometimes I just read a short passage from my books—great way to draw new listeners.
Both build strong connections with my target readers.
Through these channels, more people sign up for my email list. Blogs and podcasts become nonstop promotion tools, selling books—even while I’m asleep.
Share excerpts and behind-the-scenes content
Blogs and podcasts are good starts—but readers also want samples from the actual book. Short excerpts posted on social media grab their attention, keep readers eager, and stir up excitement without spoiling everything.
People also really enjoy behind-the-scenes glimpses—photos from research trips, notes from my chaotic desk, or random insights into my writing routine. Readers feel involved, like they’re along for the process. 5
Free chapters build up interest and anticipation ahead of launch day. I send these sneak peeks through my newsletter or post them as free downloads on my site. Early readers leave important ARC reviews that lift first-day sales.
Sharing pictures of my workspace, ideas about character choices, and stories about tricky plot moments help readers feel close to my project. This personal connection turns newcomers into loyal readers, eager to pick up the finished book.
Utilize Email Marketing
Email marketing gives you direct access to your readers’ inboxes. I’ve found it’s the most cost-effective way to turn casual readers into loyal fans who buy each new book I release.
Build a mailing list
An email list is one of the best ways to boost your book sales—it creates a direct line to readers who want your work. Here’s how you can easily get started:
- Begin gathering emails at least three months before your book launch—this helps create early excitement.
- Set up a clear, friendly sign-up form on your author website, telling visitors exactly what to do.
- Offer something small and useful—a free chapter or short story—to thank readers for signing up. 6
- Share your newsletter sign-up link in your social media bios and posts, wherever readers follow your updates.
- Write emails that feel personal, using a casual tone readers enjoy.
- Give readers extras—like quick peeks behind your writing or personal insights about your stories.
- Ask simple, engaging questions to encourage readers to reply and interact.
- Keep emails steady but not constant—no need to overload people’s inboxes.
- See which messages readers open and click most, so you know what’s popular.
- Put clear, clickable links to buy your books through Amazon or similar sites in every email.
- Try out different subject lines to figure out what makes readers curious enough to open.
- Give your email subscribers early access to special deals or sales before everyone else.
- Always check how your emails look on phones—lots of readers open them there.
- Send a quick thank-you note right after readers sign up to make them feel welcome.
Send newsletters and promotional offers
Your mailing list is ready—now put it into action. Here’s how I make my newsletters and special offers more effective, engaging readers and boosting book sales:
- Personalized emails consistently bring higher open rates. I write messages that feel like they’re meant just for that reader. 7
- Weekly or monthly updates keep my books top-of-mind. Readers look forward to fresh chapters, new covers, and updates about my progress.
- Limited-time deals perform really well. For example, I often run quick, 48-hour flash sales—and carefully track which promos get clicked the most.
- Reader magnets help build my audience and sales. Free short stories or bonus scenes attract people to sign up.
- Clear calls to action drive book launch success. My strongest launch emails include direct and obvious “buy me” links.
- Sending multiple emails around launch dates works better than a single email. Usually, I send a three-email series featuring teasers, early reviews, and easy-to-find purchase links.
- Good subject lines can decide everything. My own tests show short, intriguing subjects clearly boost open rates.
- Giving readers exclusive extras creates a sense of community—like sharing deleted storylines or character sketches only through email.
- Picking the right timing improves open rates. Tuesday and Thursday mornings consistently get the best response for my readers.
- Using tracked links lets me measure success. For each email, I use unique links—this way, I see exactly which messages drive more book sales.
Harness the Power of Social Media
Social media opens doors to thousands of readers who might love your book. I post daily on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to build buzz around my latest releases.
Engage with readers
Talking with readers online can really boost your book sales—it turns casual visitors into fans who follow everything you write. Here are simple ways to make this happen:
- Quickly reply to comments within a day—this shows readers you value their ideas. 8
- Encourage conversations with interesting questions related to your books.
- Set up fun polls on Twitter or Facebook for readers to pick character names or decide plot points.
- Share personal experiences that tie in closely with themes in your stories, showing readers your human side.
- Host casual live Q&A chats, so fans can learn about your writing methods or life as an author.
- Send short, personal thank-you notes to readers who leave reviews.
- Highlight fan art and theories on your posts—it makes your readers feel appreciated.
- Run book club chats online, and jump into the conversation yourself.
- Hold giveaways for signed books or special, reader-only materials.
- Show behind-the-scenes images of your workspace or research adventures.
- Engage openly with reader feedback online to strengthen relationships and build loyalty.
- Share sneak-peek excerpts from upcoming books to spark excitement and interest among your fans.
Run targeted social media ads
Social media ads help me sell more books—without wasting time or money. Smart targeting gets my stories right in front of readers who’ll enjoy them most. Here’s my quick and easy approach:
- Facebook ads reach readers based on favorite genres or authors. 9
- I test new ads on a tight daily budget of $5-10, before spending more.
- Eye-catching images stand out and stop scrolling readers in busy social media feeds.
- Short and snappy ad copy grabs clicks quickly to the book page.
- Custom audiences—created from my email subscriber list—help find similar readers easily.
- Clear calls-to-action spell out exactly what users should do next.
- Split-testing different visuals highlights which ones my target audience prefers.
- Tracking links clearly show which ads bring in actual book sales.
- Retargeting brings back visitors who checked out my site but didn’t purchase yet.
- Instagram story ads easily get younger readers who scroll past Facebook posts.
- Pinterest ads perform well for visually appealing book genres—like romance or fantasy covers.
- Social proof, like short reader reviews or star ratings, helps new readers feel confident.
- Limited-time sales encourage readers to buy now instead of waiting.
Partner with Influencers and Book Bloggers
I collaborate with BookTok, Bookstagram, and BookTube creators to boost my book sales. These influencers have loyal followers who value their book choices. Most smaller influencers charge about $100 to $500 a post—quite affordable for many authors’ marketing plans. 10 The real trick is forming genuine connections, instead of quick, one-off deals.
My best results happen with long-lasting relationships, especially with bloggers who genuinely enjoy my books. They offer honest reviews that resonate with their followers and feel authentic.
This targeted approach beats random ads every time. Last year, I sent early copies of my mystery novel to five BookTok creators. Their posts boosted my first-week sales by 40%. The book-review community provides fantastic opportunities to put your book directly into the hands of the perfect audience. 11
Organize Events and Appearances
Partnering with influencers boosts your online reach, but in-person events create meaningful reader connections and sell more books directly.
- Local store signings draw in readers, help build your fan community, and boost immediate sales. 12
- Library presentations offer chances to share your writing journey and meet new, curious readers.
- Book fairs attract reading enthusiasts eager to discover fresh titles.
- School visits perfectly match children’s and young adult book promotions.
- Virtual events let you interact with global readers—saving travel expenses along the way.
- Book club meetings provide thoughtful conversations with deeply interested readers.
- Launch parties generate excitement and attention right around release day.
- Literary festivals place you directly in front of big crowds that simply love books.
- Podcast appearances highlight your writing to audiences already interested in your genre.
- Workshops position you as an expert and appeal directly to topic-focused attendees.
- Casual coffee shop readings set a laid-back mood for connecting with potential readers.
- Multi-city bookstore tours spread your audience beyond just your hometown.
- Convention booths offer face-to-face selling to passionate genre readers.
- University visits introduce your subject directly to students and faculty.
- Radio interviews can catch listeners’ attention during morning and afternoon commutes.
Use Paid Advertising Strategically
Paid ads can boost your book sales fast if you know where to put your money. I’ve seen great results with Amazon Ads that target readers who already like books in my genre.
Run Amazon Ads
Amazon Ads really made a difference in boosting my book sales. 14 And it makes sense—around 51% of all book buyers begin their search directly on Amazon. 13 My strategy mainly involves two ad types: Sponsored Products and Sponsored Brands.
Sponsored Products place my book right in the Amazon search listings, while Sponsored Brands highlight my author name and a selection of my books. Setting it up is easy—I choose the book title, decide on a budget, and then pick keywords close to what readers actually type in.
Amazon provides simple tracking, clearly showing clicks and book sales, helping me see exactly what’s effective.
Google and Facebook Ads have a much larger audience, sure, but Amazon Ads reach folks already shopping for books. That means higher chances they’ll click and buy immediately. I begin small—just $5 to $10 per day—and tweak the budget as I see results.
Testing is crucial here. Trying different ad wording and targeting helps me quickly discover the most effective approach to converting clicks into sales. Now let’s explore how other advertising options can help spread your reach beyond just Amazon.
Invest in Google or Facebook Ads
I invest in Google and Facebook ads to find readers who would enjoy my book. These platforms let me reach people based on their age, location, and reading interests. On Google, my ads appear when someone searches for similar books or related topics.
On Facebook, ads casually appear in user feeds—directed at the exact type of reader I have in mind. Both platforms offer clear numbers on clicks, sales, and ad success. With just $5 to $10 a day, I can quickly try out different images or ad texts, seeing what catches people’s eye.
The best part…if one ad falls flat, I just pause it or tweak it—and shift funds to ads that actually sell books. 15
Conclusion
Book marketing needs effort—but it’s worth it. My top advice? Begin with a simple plan, matched to your book and budget. Blend free strategies, like social media posts, with paid options, like Amazon Ads.
Building genuine connections with your readers makes the biggest difference. Your book deserves attention, so test out these effective tips today. Smart marketing is your first step to stronger sales—starting now.
References
- ^ https://amarketingexpert.com/2024/03/19/the-8-best-book-marketing-strategies-every-author-should-master/ (2024-03-19)
- ^ https://thewritepractice.com/building-an-author-website/
- ^ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370578753_Using_Social_Media_Marketing_in_the_Digital_Era_A_Necessity_or_a_Choice
- ^ https://www.helloroketto.com/articles/content-marketing-for-small-business
- ^ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324491129_Video_Content_Marketing_The_Making_of_Clips
- ^ https://www.blurb.com/blog/sell-books-with-email-marketing-lists/
- ^ https://www.activecampaign.com/blog/email-marketing-for-authors
- ^ https://kellyschuknecht.com/2023/07/18/harnessing-the-power-of-social-media-for-effective-book-marketing/
- ^ https://www.authorhouse.com/en/resources/marketing/harnessing-power-social-media-marketing-self-published-books
- ^ https://beverlyhillspublishing.com/book-influencer-partnerships-beginners-guide/
- ^ https://www.papertrue.com/blog/book-marketing/
- ^ https://www.amazon.com/Promote-Your-Book-Techniques-Enterprising/dp/1581158572
- ^ https://advertising.amazon.com/library/guides/advertising-books-on-amazon-authors
- ^ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/full-beginner-amazon-ads-tutorial-kdp-boost-your-sales-3hosc
- ^ https://www.juxtabook.com/blog/essential-book-marketing-strategies-to-boost-your-sales-in-2025 (2025-04-10)
