3 tips for promoting yourself online

I know that online marketing, and social media in particular, can be really overwhelming for a lot of authors, particularly when it comes to promoting themselves and their work. 

So today I thought I’d share something super practical, and pick out three things that I have found really useful for myself when I’m doing a launch, or looking to put myself out there more to book more work.

So here are three tips for promoting yourself online, particularly for those of you who are just getting started.

1. Find the path of least resistence. 

What feels like the easiest way to show up? What feels like it MIGHT, eventually, be fun?

For me, it’s writing. I love my newsletter and I love sharing content on my blog (and on Instagram) because I enjoy writing. I’ve only started to feel more comfortable showing up on camera because I write all of that content in advance. I write out (almost to the word) what I’m going to say. I FINALLY got over my reel resistance by creating one that was based on me writing.

You might hate the idea of writing anything in advance, and but love editing together reels or short YouTube videos that show off what you do in a fun way.

Or maybe you really enjoy speaking to other people about what you do, so you could pitch yourself for podcasts or invite people to appear alongside you on an Instagram or Facebook live.

You don’t have to do all of these things. Start with what feels easiest and build from there. 

2. Tell people what you do

I know that this is SO OBVIOUS. But it’s also, for many people, myself included, the thing that they do least. I feel like I talk about my work all the time. And I do. But if I’m really honest, I mainly talk about it to myself in my head.

What are you working on right now? What can they buy from you? What books do you have available, and what are they actually about?

Just remembering to regularly tell people that you have something for sale can be half the battle.

3. Show people why they need what you’re selling

Once you’ve told them about your book, you can start to think about ways to show them how the book can make them feel. 

Whether it’s a life changing non-fiction study to help them understand their money, or a terrifying thriller that will let them get their adrenaline out in a safe way, or a romance that lets them escape daily life – every book we buy has an emotional association with it. What does your reader need? Who do they want to be? How can you help them get there?

Figuring out why you’re showing up online, and what the best way is for you to get results from your content, is an invaluable step.

Social media is a constantly changing landscape, and there is always more that could be done. This can lead to people feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by how much there is to do.

Creating a clear plan that is designed by you with your own unique situation and personality in mind is hugely beneficial. It will save time and let you feel more on top of how you promote your book online.

If that sounds like something you would like help with, get in touch, as I love to help authors create plans that work to sell books AND work for their lives.