When it comes to marketing your book, a lot of the focus is on your online efforts. But print marketing materials are not only still effective, they’re pretty darn necessary. From book fairs and launch parties to reading events and conferences, print marketing materials help you promote your book and yourself. They not only increase your visibility, they’re part of being polished and professional. So, below we’ve listed five important options and how you can use them.
1-Postcards
Postcards? But nobody mails things any more, right? Oh, but they do! You’ve probably noticed that you still get all kinds of print marketing material showing up in your mailbox. We call it junk mail, but the thing is—if it didn’t work no one would be wasting their marketing budget on it. And as for postcards themselves, they stand out! No one ignores a postcard in their mailbox. Postcards can be used to promote your book release and announce upcoming events.They feel personal—like an invitation—and they won’t get overlooked like an email. Plus, all the information is right there. Pretty hard to ignore. And, postcards aren’t just for mailing these days, you can use them like you would a flyer. Leave a stack at your local coffee shop, at your dental office, and at your hair salon.
2-One-Sheets
These handy sheets are just what they sound like. They’re one sheet that describes your book, highlights the themes and entices your audience to buy it! These are handy to have as attachments for emails, to add to your website, and include in your press kit. And of course as a print out so you can bring stacks of them to your book events along with all the other materials mentioned. You can print these at home, but if you plan to give them out at events we recommend that you have them printed professionally on thick glossy paper. They really stand out and get people’s attention.
3-Bookmarks
What book lover couldn’t always use more book markers? Book markers are small, useful, and inexpensive as a print marketing material. They’re easy to carry around with you to hand out at events and a fun item to include in your book at book signings and launch parties. They’re also something that your readers will use, which will keep your book fresh in their minds. Nobody’s mad about a free book marker.
4-Posters
Posters may seem excessive, but in the right context, they’re necessary. Whether it’s your book launch, a book signing, conference, or a book fair. A poster is going to make an impact and help you and your book stand out from the crowd. Even at a solo event, like a book signing or a launch party at your local bookstore, a poster will be impressive and memorable. There’s a reason movie posters are still a huge part of marketing an upcoming film. They tell a story, they’re visually appealing, and they intrigue the audience. Plus they look professional.
5-Post-Up Stands and Banners
Like posters, you can also create other larger print marketing materials like print outs for post-up stands that advertise the best of your book, or banners to hang behind your stand and other locations available at your book events. These can be handy when you have limited space for setting up larger print marketing materials or for event hosts to use in highly visible areas to draw in potential book buyers! Also, they work great as a background for your Zoom calls!
6-Business Cards
Yes, the humble business card is still a thing too. Now, not every author will necessarily need a business card but if you’re an author who also happens to be an entrepreneur, a small business owner, a coach or consultant, head a foundation…the list goes on—and your book is linked to your work, you need a business card. Or rather, an updated one, that also happens to showcase the fact that you’re an author now.
All of these print marketing materials have a specific use, and all of them are worth the investment. They serve to promote your book and make you look polished and professional. They also demand attention! And attention is what you want when marketing your book. The more ways you can get that attention on your book, the better.
You don’t have to use all these materials, all the time, though it is best to have most of them at the ready for when opportunity arises. Plus, you can use these materials again and again. They’re a one time investment that keeps paying off!
So, as you prepare to market your book, don’t forget the print marketing materials! And when you’re ready, MCM has the designer, photography, marketing, and copywriting experts waiting to help you out.
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