How to Use a Book Launch to Promote Your Next Publication

You have completed your eBook or print publication, and now it’s time to announce it to the world. The hard work is done, and so the next step is marketing. A book launch can help you attract more fans who can be converted into sales.
As an author you will want an eye-catching website in addition to being active on social media. Without this first initial step it is pretty hard to get exposure these days. After gaining a successful following online a book launch plan will help catapult your work into success mode.
There are several different ways an author can promote their book before it is released no matter what the budget may be. Let’s take a look at some ideas that will get you started on the road to greater visibility and more fans:

Publish on Amazon

This is one of the largest book selling networks online today, and most authors can be found here. Createspace in particular offers a host of options for authors to promote their books, including a pre-purchase option, free book promotion, or a 99 cent book promotion.

Create a specific time-frame

While some promotions can last between two and three days, there are special one day events that can create a lot of buzz for your book. While preparing for this nurture relationships with book bloggers, communicate on their posts, as well as on social media. Many of these book lovers will be more than happy to promote your work as long as it fits within their niche of reviews. In order for this to be effective your book should be written about on active blogs who have a good number of subscribers. Giveaways work well with this type of campaign, and sites like Rafflecopter are often used by book bloggers.

Advertise on social media

If you have some funds set aside for advertising consider running short-term ads on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Facebook ads in particular can be customized according to your niche market, and exposure to your Page is well worth the investment. A no-budget option for printed books is Goodreads, which offers a free book promotion option for authors.

Post a book trailer video

Take advantage of the reach on both Vimeo and YouTube with a trailer of your book. This doesn’t need to be complicated or in-depth, and in fact there are many online tools that will help you create an effective video. Here’s a simple trailer from St. Martin’s Press:

Get involved in social media groups and online webinars

Focus on a few active social media groups within your niche and start interacting there without any promotion of your book(s). Facebook, Google Plus, and LinkedIn in particular have thousands of participants that you can meet and interact with. Share information pertaining to what you write about including helpful tips, blog posts, and videos that members will enjoy. After establishing meaningful relationships interest will begin, especially as you participate in discussions and webinars.
Use any number of these book launch ideas to help promote your next work. The biggest investment is time and building relationships with bloggers and your social network. Prepare at least three months in advance in building your network and in choosing which method that will work best for you.