7 Steps to Online Book Marketing: Amazon

If you’re looking to promote your book(s) online, then you’ve arrived at the right place. We’ll discuss how to effectively market your books on various platforms including Kindle, Audible, and Google Play. Together, let’s get started.

1. Select the right platform.

When it comes to promoting a book, the first thing you need to do is decide which platform is right for you. Essentially, there are three categories of e-readers: Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, and Google Play Books. Each platform has its perks and its downsides. Let’s briefly discuss each.

Amazon Kindle

If you’ve ever purchased a book from Amazon, then you already know what kind of reader experience you can expect. With its simple, straight-forward interface, low prices, and wide selection, Amazon Kindle is the ultimate e-reader for budget-conscious individuals and bookworms alike. It is also among the most popular e-readers in the world. If you decide to go this route, make sure to get the most recent model. Otherwise, your books won’t be able to download automatically as they become available. Also, make sure to sign up for an Amazon Kindle account before you start marketing your book. This way, you’ll be able to take advantage of all the perks that the platform has to offer. You’ll be able to follow your book’s progress, keep track of all the sales you make, and gain access to helpful information about how to market a book on Kindle.

Apple iBooks

If you decide to go the Apple route, then you’ll be able to integrate your book with Apple’s iBooks platform. It has an elegant design and a high-quality operating system. The downside? The selection is rather limited compared to Amazon’s. Also, the prices are rather high. If you decide that this is the right option for you, be sure to get the latest version of iBooks. And, last but not least, make sure to have a Mac computer or iPad to run the app.

Google Play Books

If you decide to go the Google Play Books route, then you’ll get a wider selection of e-books to choose from, along with an extensive collection of audiobooks. The operating system is similar to Apple’s iOS and the user interface is very polished and simple to use. If you decide to go this route, make sure to have a Google account. You’ll be able to access your Play Books through the web browser on your computer or mobile device. Plus, you’ll have the ability to browse through dozens of digital books in the cloud. This is a truly magnificent option if you’re looking for a place to store and to read your books online. The downside? You won’t be able to control the price of the e-books and audiobooks. If you decide that this is the right option for you, then make sure to have a desktop computer or mobile device.

2. Create a promotional plan.

Once you’ve decided which platform is right for you, it’s time to create a promotional plan. A promotional plan is a road map that will assist you in getting the most out of your investment in digital marketing. Before you start, be sure to take a few moments to think through a plan that will help you reach your goals. Start by brainstorming ideas that will help you gain the maximum exposure for your book. You can choose to publicize the fact that you’re an author or you can choose to focus on the contents of your book. Either way, you’ll want to develop strategies to reach your target audience. Once you’ve settled on a plan, break it down into smaller tasks and make a to-do list. Feel free to consult marketing experts to get the most out of your plan.

3. Set a budget.

Budget is always a key consideration when it comes to promoting a book. You don’t want to waste your money on expensive ad campaigns if you don’t have enough income to cover your costs. Setting a budget doesn’t mean that you have to limit yourself to only one or two platforms. You can spread your marketing efforts across multiple platforms if you want. The key is to be practical about your budgeting. Reaching a specific audience through a variety of platforms is a great way to maximize your investment while staying within your budget.

4. Create a brand identity.

Once you’ve set your budget, it’s time to focus on creating a brand identity. A brand identity is a set of guidelines that will help you determine what your brand stands for, how others should present themselves when dealing with your brand, and what colors and fonts should be used throughout your marketing materials. It is a guide for designers and marketers, alike. The key is to make sure that your brand identity is consistent across all your marketing materials.

There are three basic steps to creating a brand identity: identify your target audience, select a name for your brand, and choose a logo for your brand. Let’s discuss each step in detail.

a. Identify your target audience.

To begin, you’ll need to identify your target audience. Your target audience is the individual or group of individuals that you’ll choose to focus on when designing your promotional plan. Be specific when considering your target audience. It is not enough to simply state that you are addressing a specific demographic. Instead, you should write down exactly who you’re aiming your product at.

This will assist you in selecting the right marketing strategies. For example, if you’re aiming your product at millennials, then you’ll want to incorporate a lot of social media into your campaign. If you’re targeting book lovers, then a slick website with strong call-to-action tags is exactly what you need to have.

b. Select a name for your brand.

Once you’ve identified your target audience, it’s time to select a name for your brand. Keep in mind that you’ll be using this name in all your marketing materials, so make sure that it is catchy, memorable, and easy to pronounce.

You can use a variety of tools to find the right name for your brand. Let’s start with Google. Simply enter “brand name” into the search engine and you’ll get a variety of results. Look for brands that have already established themselves within your intended audience’s community. Also, make sure that the name you choose is available. If it isn’t available, then you’ll have to make a choice between two or more alternatives. Once you’ve settled on a name, take some time to think of other brands that are similar in sound and meaning. If you want to play it safe, then choose a generic term that is not commonly associated with any one brand. For example, if you’re writing a fantasy novel and you want to avoid any potential trademark issues, then you might want to go with “The Brand” instead of “Hewlett-Packard”. But, if you’re feeling adventurous, then choose a name that is associated with a specific product or service.

c. Choose a logo.

Last but not least, we have the choice of a logo. A logo is a symbol or design that is associated with a brand or business. It can be as simple as a distinctive mark – a lettering, a symbol, or a picture – that is used to identify the brand. When choosing a logo, it is important to keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • It should be memorable and distinctive.
  • It should be fairly simple to implement.
  • It should match the overall look of your brand.
  • It should be a recognizable symbol.
  • It should be aesthetically pleasing.
  • The color scheme should complement your intended audience’s brand identity.
  • The font used should be easy to read.
  • The overall design should flow well with the content of your brand.
  • Keep legal matters in mind.

The above list of guidelines will assist you in selecting the right logo for your brand. If you’re looking for a logo designer, then be sure to get the best. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting your time and effort. Once you’ve settled on a logo, use it in all your promotional materials. This will assist you in establishing a brand identity and will make it easier for your target audience to remember your brand whenever they encounter it.