You did it — your book is out in the world, but the hustle doesn’t stop with the launch. In a digital landscape overflowing with content, authors need sharp strategies to keep readers hooked and books relevant.
Forget the usual spiel; we’re diving straight into seven killer techniques for self-published authors.
We’re talking snappy micro-stories that offer tantalizing peeks into your plot, engaging quizzes that turn readers into characters, and interactive polls that make them part of the story. No fluff, no fuss — just practical, quick ways to make your book an ongoing conversation.
Buckle up, because we’re about to turbocharge your book’s journey. Ready? Let’s roll.
1. Micro-Story Social Media Posts
Create a series of micro-stories or snippets related to your book’s characters or plot. Post these on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Use eye-catching images or graphics to enhance the appeal. You can use AllAuthor’s Book GIF Banner tool to create instant banners of your book to post along with your micro-stories.
For example, if your book is a mystery novel, you could post a snippet about a clue the protagonist discovered or a character’s backstory. These micro-stories not only keep your book relevant but also engage your audience and attract new readers.
Why it Works: Readers love these micro-stories. They’re quick, immersive, and offer a taste of your writing style. Visuals enhance engagement, making your book memorable in readers’ minds.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Snippets
Share behind-the-scenes snippets of your writing process. This could be a picture of your writing space, a screenshot of a particularly well-written paragraph, or even a funny anecdote related to your book.
For example, if you’re writing a romance novel, you could share a picture of your favorite romantic movie that inspired you. These snippets not only keep your book relevant but also create a personal connection with your audience.
Why it Works: Humanizing your writing journey fosters a personal connection. Readers appreciate the effort, creativity, and, sometimes, chaos behind the words. It makes you relatable and your book approachable.
3. Character Quizzes
Create fun and quick online quizzes that help readers identify with characters from your book. Platforms like Buzzfeed and Playbuzz allow you to make quizzes easily.
For example, if your book is a science fiction novel, you could create a quiz that helps readers identify which character they would be in your book. These quizzes not only engage your audience but also create a fun and interactive way to promote your book.
Why it Works: Quizzes are fun and shareable. They offer a playful way for readers to engage with your characters, making them feel involved in your book’s world.
4. Interactive Polls
Ask questions related to your book, characters, or plot. For instance, you can ask readers to vote on the next plot twist or the name of a new character. This interactive approach not only engages your existing audience but also attracts new followers intrigued by the polls.
For example, if your book is a thriller novel, you could ask readers to vote on which character they think is the killer. These polls not only keep your book relevant but also create a sense of community and engagement with your audience.
Why it Works: Polls create a sense of ownership among readers. They feel heard, and their engagement deepens as they contribute to shaping the story.
5. Book Playlist Collaboration
Create a Spotify or YouTube playlist inspired by your book’s theme or characters. Share the playlist on your social media and ask your followers to add songs that resonate with your book. This collaborative playlist engages your audience and creates a unique promotional tool for your book.
For example, if your book is a coming-of-age novel, you could create a playlist of songs from the period in which the book is set. These playlists keep your book relevant and create a fun and interactive way to promote your book.
Why it Works: Music evokes emotions. When readers associate songs with your book, it enhances their emotional connection. Plus, collaborative playlists encourage sharing, expanding your book’s reach.
6. Flash Fiction Contests
Host a flash fiction contest on your website or social media. Provide a writing prompt and invite participants to write a short story within a limited word count. Offer a small prize, such as a signed copy of your book or a personalized thank-you note. Flash fiction contests are quick, fun, and encourage active participation.
For example, if your book is a fantasy novel, you could provide a writing prompt related to the world-building in your book. These contests not only keep your book relevant but also create a sense of community and engagement with your audience.
Why it Works: Contests inspire creativity. They motivate readers to actively engage with your book’s concept, often leading to unique and intriguing interpretations of your story.
7. Social Media Challenge
Host short and informal Q&A sessions on your social media platforms, something like a 7-day challenge related to your book’s theme. For instance, if your book revolves around travel, challenge participants to share a photo from their favorite travel destination each day using a specific hashtag related to your book.
You can also engage directly with your audience in real-time and create a personal connection, and keeping you and your book in their minds.
Why it Works: Challenges are interactive and encourage user-generated content. They create buzz around your book and attract participants who align with your book’s interests.
Use this blog as your marketing inspiration when you’re all out of ideas. Bookmark it if you want, come back when you’re dry and pick one that bodes well with your genre and go for it.
Want to whip up a solid banner to go with your promotions? Browse through the whole tool set of AllAuthor to quickly create a banner for any promotion you can imagine.
