Believe it or not, print marketing is still effective, even in our overwhelmingly digital age. But does print marketing work for authors too? It does! And there are many budget-friendly print marketing materials authors should consider to help boost their book marketing efforts.
We’ll tell you why print marketing can still work to build your audience and boost your book sales, and list a few common print marketing materials that work well for authors below.
Why Does Print Marketing Work for Authors?
There are several reasons print marketing works for authors, just like it does for brands and industries. Especially in conjunction with other marketing strategies. Below we’ve listed some of the reasons they can work so you have an idea of the advantage they offer over solely relying on digital marketing.
Print Marketing Materials Work for Targeting Specific Audiences
Whether it’s a specific preference for printed marketing material, or a geographic location, print marketing materials often speak to a specific audience. Some people just like things in print.
Printed Materials Feel More Tangible and Memorable
Because we live in a world that can seem saturated with digital media, it can be fatiguing as well as forgettable. Being able to hold something in our hands makes an impression. And that impression doesn’t disappear with a quick swipe or scroll.
It Feels More Personal and Trustworthy
The fact that people find printed ads more personal and trustworthy are big reasons why print marketing works for authors too. Remember, readers want to feel a connection to authors as well as their books, and trust is part of that equation.
Some Other Reasons Print Marketing Works for Authors
There is less competition in the print marketing world because it’s not coming at you all at once. It demands attention. It speaks of professionalism and credibility. There’s also the element of novelty. It stands out, in other words!
The Types of Print Materials Authors Can Use in Their Book Marketing Strategy
Of course, print ads in industry magazines can be effective, and sometimes highly so, depending on the publication. Authors have many opportunities to advertise their books in industry magazines targeted at book buyers, and librarians, for instance. There are also many magazines that publish print ads for books, but those can eat into your marketing budget pretty quickly. But does print marketing work for authors outside of ads in publications? Yes! And these print marketing materials are much more affordable and versatile. Some author print marketing materials you could consider investing in are:
- Postcards
- Bookmarks
- Banners and posters
- Business cards
- One-Sheets
Some Ways to Use These Print Marketing Materials
- Postcards can be used to promote your book release and upcoming events. They don’t get overlooked as easily as an email and they stand out in a mailbox full of bills and junk mail. And you don’t even have to mail all of them. You can use them as you would a flyer. You can ask your local shops, or the businesses you patronize, if you can leave a stack with them.
- Bookmarks can be added to swag bags and other giveaways, you can also pass them out or give them away at your book signings or launch party. They’re relatively inexpensive, easy to carry and nobody minds a free bookmark!
- Banners and posters may seem like overkill, but if you have a booth at a book fair, are speaking at an event, or just want to really go all out at your launch party, a poster or banner will grab attention and make the audience remember you and your book.
- Business cards and ones-sheets are pretty essential for those authors to have on hand if they’re planning on attending networking events or are looking for speaking gigs and media opportunities. A one-sheet can be added to your press kit and your website in downloadable form, and a business card is easy to carry, hand out, and can be added to your book like a bookmark. Just remember to include your website, and the title of “Author” on them.
Print marketing does work for authors, if done right and as part of your larger book marketing strategy. Print marketing is still being used, and it still works, even in our overly-saturated digital age. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way of promoting your book and yourself!
Just make sure your author print marketing materials are of top quality, have captivating imagery and graphics, and catchy copy.
What do you think? Would some of these print marketing materials work for you? How would you use them?
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