Love it or hate it, there comes a point in every writer’s life when we can’t ignore it – we as writers will probably need to engage in marketing at some point in our careers. We need to let people know about our book, or just to reach out to readers and other writers to say we’re out there looking for great stories to read (if you’re out there and you have a psychological thriller with a twist I haven’t read, let me know where I can find it). . .
If marketing makes you want to book that appointment you’ve put off with the dentist, know that you’re already building your ability as a content marketer through your writing métier. Honing your content marketing skills will strengthen your writing, especially the ability to write precisely and to a deadline. Below we’ll explore where, and how, you can use content marketing.
How to write marketing content
Content writing is much like writing a book. It comes from having a story of some kind to share or explore. Find your story, then decide how you want to say it (in the content world this can be a picture, a short video on social media, or a longer blog with more detail) and where (on your website, to your emailing list, shared with everyone on social).
I wrote How to Spot a Psychopath to explore what it’s like to be the target of a psychopath, and why someone might choose to remain silent in the face of extreme personal cost. Delving into story writing skills will help you generate ideas and more prolific content. The limit is your imagination.
Content marketing platforms for writers
You can share your content on social media, your website or blog, email, and guest blogs. Remember to reciprocate by sharing and engaging with other people’s stories too.
Social media
Platforms such as Facebook (videos), Twitter (snippets), Instagram (images and stories), and TikTok (video) are great for sharing thoughts, snippets about your writing life, or book excerpts. This takes time to build, but it’s a great way to get immersed in the book world. Unless you have a great promotion going, try not to sell your book directly here.
Your website or blog
Your website is a platform you control (unlike social media algorithms). Your website should market you by:
- Letting people know who you are and what you do;
- Showing why your book is worth their time and a clear way to purchase it (a link to Amazon or other retailers is fine, as this allows people to act immediately, when they are looking for something to read);
- Offering an incentive to sign up to your mailing list (some original content, a discount on your book, access to exclusive deals).
Email lists and newsletters
Your email list should be treated as VIPs, because they are people who have already seen you or your book and are interested in what you have to offer. They are probably already readers who want to know when your next read is out.
- Show off your workspace
- Updates on the new book
- Share cover art designs
- Ask for input on character names
- Announce a release
Guest blogging
Guest blogs can be a great way to talk about your craft and get involved in the writing and reading community. Most publications accept pitches but read their requirements before submitting.
These methods are ways to engage with your market and require content marketing, which you can already do by finding your story.
More info here.