How do you self-promote your own book? Ten great ways to get you started today.

Publishing a book is the dream of many writers, but it’s a long journey which requires passion and a great deal of dedication to your craft, and once you have successfully self-published a novel, the next stage of the process begins, and that’s promoting.
​
Self-promotion can seem a little daunting to many authors, firstly, where do you begin? And what can you do to reach an audience? Both are important questions, and both can be achieved in different ways. So, to help, here are ten things that any author can start doing to promote their book and reach a bigger audience.

One) Build a Professional Author’s Website:
Creating a professional website that showcases your book, your writing journey, and your biography is a great way to engage with your readers. The website should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and include a blog section for regular updates and engaging content. Ensure you have a clear call-to-action, guiding visitors to purchase your book or subscribe to your mailing list, here you can promote new titles and run competitions to encourage greater engagement.

Two) Utilize Social Media Platforms:
Popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn can be a great way to connect with potential readers. Engage with your audience through regular posts, discussions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into your writing process. But make sure that you use visually appealing graphics and videos to capture attention, sharing snippets from your book to generate further interest.

Three) Engage with Bloggers and Book Reviewers:
It’s easy to research book bloggers and reviewers in your book's genre and reach out to them for reviews and promotional features. Genuine reviews from reputable sources can significantly boost your book's credibility and visibility. Offer free copies of your book in exchange for honest reviews and testimonials.

Four) Organize Virtual Book Launch Events:
Host a virtual book launch event to create a buzz around your book release. Here you can utilize video conferencing platforms to connect with your readers directly. Include live readings, Q&A sessions, and giveaways to make the event interactive and engaging. It can even be a great idea to partner with other authors or book clubs to expand your reach.

Five) Run Online Advertising Campaigns:
Invest in targeted online advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Amazon Marketing Services. These platforms allow you to reach specific demographics, interests, and keywords related to your book's genre. Optimize your ads for conversions and track their performance to make data-driven improvements.

Six) Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Select:
Consider Enrolling your book in Amazon's KDP Select program to take advantage of promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions. These promotions can help generate more downloads and attract new readers to your book. Additionally, KDP Select makes your book available to Kindle Unlimited subscribers, expanding your potential audience.

Seven) Offer Limited-Time Discounts:
Create a sense of urgency by offering limited-time discounts on your book. This strategy can entice readers to make a purchase, especially if they were already considering it. Promote these discounts through your website, social media, and newsletters.

Eight) Collaborate with Influencers and Bookstagrammers:
Identify influencers and bookstagrammers who align with your book's genre and target audience. Send them copies of your book for reviews or features on their platforms. Their reach and influence can help introduce your book to a broader audience, platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are great places to look.

Nine) Participate in Author Interviews and Podcasts:
Reach out to podcasts, blogs, and media outlets that cater to your book's niche. Offer yourself for interviews or guest appearances, where you can discuss your writing journey, the inspiration behind your book, and the themes it explores. These interviews provide valuable exposure and humanize your connection with potential readers.

Ten) Establish an Email Newsletter:
Build an email list through your website and social media platforms. Encourage visitors to subscribe by offering exclusive content, such as bonus chapters or author insights. Send regular newsletters to keep your subscribers informed about your book updates, promotions, and future projects.

Although not extensive, these are still ten great options for you to consider, but it still pays to be creative in your self-promotion and never give up, plugging away with your book can feel like hard work at times, but doing what you can to reach readers who will love your book is worth every minute.

Let us know what other great ways you’ve found to reach your readers in the comments below!