Market Your Way-More and more publishing companies rely
on the author to market books. Just look at the latest book covers and see
which is larger the author's name or the book title? It's the author who sells
books. As a niche professional, you have a built in market and your efforts can
easily reach them. You know what works, so go to it.
Many people are put off by marketing as I was when I
first began. When a niche author serving in an industry with peer-customers,
the last thing you want to do is bombard them with sales. Your role is the be
the expert and provide answers. Cold calling is also not necessarily the answer
in niche marketing. If you've developed a blog, newsletter or social media
following, then you have your customer database. Your marketing efforts flow as you
provide advice and answers to those following your posts, comments and
articles.
Many authors teach, speak, volunteer or are otherwise
active in their professions. It's hard to remain obscure as a niche expert.
Many people recognize the niche author as the expert. This comes with a big
payoff when the expert is asked for help. This help is also a form of
marketing. I was once referred to as the "go to" person on LinkedIn
group I created. The person then asked hers question publicly for the entire
group to read. I replied with the help followed by my name and book
information that supports my expertise. This solidified my credentials and
marketed to my audience.
Marketing in a niche as a self-publisher is not always
about hitting people hard and fast as with other types of sales. As you develop
your message, you are also developing believers. These believers will trust you
and turn to your message (books, teaching, speaking, blogs, newsletter, etc).
Become an expert, be the go to person, solidify your credentials, earn trust
and your audience will seek out your books.
Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM
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