Hey there, author fam! 💬 Let’s have a real talk about something that trips up a lot of self-published authors—book marketing. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about posting on Instagram. (I know, I know—it’s tempting to think that’s all you need.)
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or confused by the whole marketing process, don’t worry. I’ve been there too. Let’s clear up some of the biggest misconceptions and challenges I know you’re probably facing. Buckle up, because this is where things get real.
Misconception #1: "Once my book is out, sales will just happen."
Ah, if only! I think every author has secretly hoped for this, right? You hit Publish and then… poof—the world just knows about your book. Wouldn’t that be the dream? But in reality, the hard work starts after you press "Publish." Marketing is the key to keeping your book in front of readers, and it’s a consistent effort, not a one-time thing.
Here’s the thing: Don’t expect to just release a book and sit back. You’ve got to keep building awareness, engaging with your community, and sharing your book wherever you can. Marketing is like a long-distance relationship—you can’t just do it once and expect it to work. You’ve got to nurture it.
Misconception #2: "Social media is all I need."
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard “I just need to post more on Instagram” or “TikTok will save my book,” I’d be rich. But let’s break it down: Social media is just one part of the puzzle. And honestly, it’s not even the most important piece. Sure, it helps, but it doesn’t guarantee book sales.
Why? Because not everyone following you on social media is going to buy your book. And, not every post gets noticed. Think about it: You scroll through Instagram and probably see 20+ posts before even stopping on one, right? Social media is great for awareness, but you need a strategy beyond just posting pictures.
So what should you focus on? Think about email lists, guest blog posts, or even book clubs. They’re gold mines for building long-term relationships with your readers.
Challenge: "Where do I even start with paid ads?"
Ah, paid ads—the big scary beast of book marketing. If you’ve never run an ad before, it can feel like you’re walking into a black hole, wondering where your money went. Facebook ads, Amazon ads, Goodreads ads—there are so many options, and it’s easy to feel paralyzed by choice.
Here’s the secret: Start small. Like, test with a tiny budget, see how it goes, and adjust from there. Don’t throw a ton of cash at ads without knowing what works for your book. Start simple, track your results, and tweak your approach. Don’t stress—every ad campaign is a learning experience.
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