Provide take-aways at your book signings, including interesting marketing materials (Book Promotion Tip # 8) and inexpensive promotional items (Book Promotion Tip # 10).
Even if customers decide not to purchase your book, don't let them go away empty-handed. First, display your business cards and postcards at your book signings. Make sure these important items are graphic, colorful and informative. Include information about other books you've written and services you provide.
My postcard features a bold piece of my own artwork, lists the kinds of literacy events and services I offer and provides a brief biography. The back side of my business card includes full color images of the covers of three of my earlier books.
Make these pieces so visually compelling that people will want to pin them to their bulletin boards or prop them up next to their computer. Well designed business cards and promotional literature can keep you in the minds of people who might be interested in your books and/or services at some point in the future.
Second, provide fun, inexpensive give-aways at your signings. Google "promotional items" and see what kinds of items you can find that relate directly to your book. I ended up designing "Express Your Inner Princess" temporary tattoos--something kids love--and after some research, having them printed by an online company called 4imprint. I wasn't happy that I had to buy 1,000 tattoos--but eignt months later, I'm almost completely out and ready to order more! Those numbers have given me a gauge of the success of my promotional efforts, too--it's amazing to think I've promoted my books and services to almost 1,000 people since my first FROZEN book came out in October 2013.
In two weeks: How to multiply your social media exposure using your Facebook account in creative ways. See you then!
Barbara Jean Hicks is a regular guest contributor to Tales From the Rushmore Kid. She is a credentialed teacher in K-12 English/Language Arts and the award-winning author of seven picture books for children, including her most recent, AN AMAZING SNOWMAN, which along with A SISTER MORE LIKE ME is based on characters from the 2013 Oscar-winning animated feature film from Disney, FROZEN.
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