A common misconception is that marketing is about selling a product or service. However, it’s important to know that there is a clear difference between “marketing” and “sales.” Sales are the process by which you deliver a product or service to a customer in exchange for a payment. On the other hand, marketing is about positioning a product or service in the minds of potential customers. Thus, marketing your book is about positioning it in the mind of potential readers. Once that is achieved, sales follow.
In this article, we are going to look at three things you need to know about marketing your book so you can effectively position it in the minds of your future readers.
Item #1: Define a Clear Value Proposition
In marketing, the core message that customers need to see is the value they will derive from acquiring a specific product or service. In this case, customers are giving you both their time and money. Thus, you need to make clear how they benefit in this exchange. As such, the information your book provides needs to be worth both the time and money. Otherwise, it won’t be a fair exchange in the minds of your readers. This is why your book’s description is so important. In the description, you need to clearly outline the value proposition. That way, you’ll give your book a fighting chance every time.
Item #2: The Price is Right
The lowest price doesn’t always win. Generally speaking, people seem to believe that the lowest possible price is the best marketing tool. That may be true if you’re peddling cheap products. However, when you are offering value, customers can’t reasonably expect to pay dirt-cheap prices. Therefore, pricing your books at the lowest possible point isn’t always the best market ploy. To set reasonable prices, look at the going rate for comparable publications. That will give you a ballpark for how much you can charge for your book. Try to avoid the lowest price point even if you are brand-new to the scene. You want to reflect the value and quality of your books. So, price is a key element in that equation.
Item #3: Ads Don’t Guarantee Success
Running ads constantly won’t necessarily guarantee a successful book. While ads help your book gain visibility, they don’t guarantee a successful publication. The best way to ensure success is to have a good book, that delivers value, at a good price, and that has good advertising. As such, a successful book hinges on a number of factors. By understanding the way they all come into play, you can ensure a winning formula.
So, it’s essential for you to define your book’s value proposition, and then make that message come across. When you do, your book will ultimately sell itself. However, that begins with providing good value to your customers right from the get-go. In the end, this approach will make marketing your book so much easier.
