Ever felt like promoting your book is a necessary evil? You're not alone. Many authors struggle with the idea of self-promotion, viewing it as bragging or inauthentic. But what if I told you that effective self-promotion could be the key to connecting with your ideal readers and making a real impact with your work?
In this eye-opening episode,
and I had the pleasure of chatting with , founder of Book Launchers and author of Self-Promote & Succeed: The No Boring Books Way to Build Your Brand and Attract Your Audience. Julie's insights challenge the notion that self-promotion is a dirty word and offer a fresh perspective on how authors can authentically market their work.From YouTube Novice to Marketing Maven
Julie's journey into the world of book marketing is as inspiring as it is unexpected. After her own book hit #1 on Amazon in Canada, she found herself inundated with requests for advice. Her solution? A handful of YouTube videos explaining her process. Little did she know, this would be the catalyst for a whole new career path.
"YouTube's my fun place," Julie shared. "There's a part of me that thinks I'd just like to be full-time only doing YouTube."
This seemingly small decision to create content and share her knowledge freely became the foundation for her success in the publishing world. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best marketing strategy is simply to be helpful and share what you know.
The No-Nonsense Approach to Book Marketing
One of the most refreshing aspects of Julie's approach is her commitment to honesty. In an industry often clouded by sugar-coating and false promises, Julie's straightforward feedback is a breath of fresh air.
"I'm always honest," Julie emphasized. "If I think your book is great, and I tell you that you can rest assured that I do think it's great. If I think your book needs a lot of work, I'm going to tell you that too."
This level of candor might seem harsh at first, but it's exactly what authors need to hear if they want to succeed. After all, wouldn't you rather know the truth about your book's potential before investing time and money into marketing a subpar product?
Breaking Down the Walls of Self-Promotion
For many authors, the idea of self-promotion feels uncomfortable or even sleazy. But Julie's approach turns this notion on its head. Instead of viewing self-promotion as a necessary evil, she encourages authors to see it as an opportunity to connect with their ideal readers and share valuable insights.
Consider this: If you truly believe in the message of your book and its potential to help others, isn't it almost selfish not to promote it? By reframing self-promotion as a service to your audience, you can overcome the mental barriers that might be holding you back.
The Multi-Channel Marketing Approach
One of the most valuable takeaways from our conversation was Julie's emphasis on using multiple marketing channels. She explained:
"There isn't one thing that works to get book sales to grow your brand. It's all the things that work in harmony together. And that's really why you have to do more than one thing."
This multi-pronged approach might seem daunting at first, but it's actually liberating. Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, you can experiment with different platforms and strategies to find what works best for you and your audience.
Practical Steps for Effective Self-Promotion
Based on Julie's insights, here are some actionable steps you can take to boost your author brand:
1. Create valuable content: Start a YouTube channel, blog, or podcast where you share insights related to your book's topic.
2. Be authentic: Don't try to be someone you're not. Your unique voice and perspective are what will attract your ideal readers.
3. Embrace honesty: Be willing to receive honest feedback about your work.
4. Diversify your efforts: Don't rely on just one marketing channel. Experiment with different platforms to reach a wider audience.
5. Reframe your mindset: View self-promotion as a way to serve your audience, not as a selfish act.
What We Learned About Effective Self-Promotion
Julie Broad's approach to self-promotion is a game-changer for authors who want to make a real impact with their work. By embracing honesty, leveraging multiple marketing channels, and reframing self-promotion as a service to your audience, you can build a strong author brand that resonates with readers.
Remember, your book has the potential to change lives – but only if people know about it. Don't let fear or discomfort hold you back from sharing your message with the world. Take a page from Julie's book and start promoting your work with confidence and authenticity.
Ready to dive deeper into Julie's no-nonsense approach to book marketing? Check out her book Self-Promote & Succeed and visit her YouTube channel for more invaluable insights. Your readers are out there waiting – it's time to help them find you.
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Resources
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Ross’ Links:
➡️ Ross Brand on Substack:
📚 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 5 - book by Ross Brand: https://geni.us/100v5
📚 Video Podcasting Made Easy - book by Ross Brand & Kevin Kolbe: https://geni.us/vidpod
➡️ Livestream Universe website: https://livestreamuniverse.com
➡️ Executive BrandCast - podcast strategy & production services: https://executivebrandcast.com
➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact me at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact
Dale L. Roberts
🎬 Main YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@dalelroberts
🎙️ Podcast Channel: https://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale
📚 Networking for Authors: https://amzn.to/3C7pxDa
📚 Advertising for Books: https://amzn.to/40lK0OI
📚 Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: https://amzn.to/3YpzdAt
📚 Self-Publishing for New Authors: https://amzn.to/40sz3eo
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