How to Market Your Book If You’re an Introvert
One of the most popular posts I’ve shared on Instagram was an image saying, “Even if you’re an introvert you need to connect with people to sell your book.”
By the response, it’s apparent that this was something that many people struggle with - myself included!
So I thought I would pull some tips and truths together that you can apply to your book marketing and to hopefully make you feel better about the process.
Because putting yourself out there (as intimidating as it can be!) can actually be an incredibly rewarding (and dare I say, fun) experience!
So here are five tips that introverted authors can use to overcome their book marketing struggles.
Focus on connecting rather than promoting.
I’ve talked with so many authors who feel uncomfortable promoting their book, which they say makes them feel like they are bragging or like they’re a used car salesman.
But I want you to instill this truth into your head: marketing is simply connecting with people who are interested in the same things you are.
That’s it! It’s not about bragging, drawing attention to yourself, or even trying to sell your book - it’s about connecting with like-minded people.
I know meeting new people can be intimidating. But when you think of it as simply interacting with people who love the same things that you do, it makes that uncomfortable feeling go away.
Talk to one person.
Your Ideal Reader is the key to your book marketing success. It’s something I’ve been talking about for years and I’m convinced that when we focus on speaking and connecting with just one person, it turns everything around.
Knowing exactly who your Ideal Reader is, and focusing on speaking to just that one person rather than thousands, is a mindset adjustment that helps you stay focused on what you need to say. And it makes the whole process a lot less intimidating.
There are so many benefits to knowing your Ideal Reader that will give you a breakthrough in your marketing, but for our topic today, just know that it’s also a huge relief for introverts!
Start simple! Get fancy later.
Sometimes we see what other authors are doing on social media or in their marketing and feel like that’s what we should also be doing, or even what is expected of us.
So I hope this truth gives you some relief: you need to do you. And sometimes that takes time to figure out! So start with something simple, and let it grow from there.
For example, if you want to incorporate video into your marketing, start by sitting in front of your computer or smartphone and record some simple videos. You don’t need to buy a bunch of fancy equipment or invest a ton of money. Start with the tools you have and are comfortable using, and then evolve from there.
This approach also helps you learn and grow into what works best for you, your readers, and your marketing platform.
Take one step at a time.
Everything that goes into publishing and marketing your book can feel like an impossible task. But no one is expecting you to master it all in one day. It’s going to take time! It all starts with just one single step, and then each subsequent step follows from there.
A good exercise I like to do is to get all of the ideas, to-do’s, and tasks that I have bouncing around your head and get them all out on paper. Just get them all out! When I do this, many times I think, “Wow, it’s not as bad as I thought!” When it’s all living in my head it can feel like more than I can bear. But when I make a list and see it all out there on the page, it is so much less overwhelming.
Next, make a column of tasks that are the most important or that will take some time (like creating your website), a second column that lists the ideas that are important but can be done later, and then a third column that is a “wish list” of tasks that aren’t essential but what you would like to do.
Once you have everything listed, start scheduling those tasks in your calendar. Focus on one of the tasks from the first column, get that done and move on to the next. When you can check something off of your list, it feels amazing and you can actually see your progress.
It’s about progress, not perfection.
If you take time to look at my first few posts on Instagram from way back when I first started, you’ll see how I struggled to find my voice, style, and message. It was through trial and error, listening to our audience, learning, and trying new things that I got to where I am today.
None of us are masters of anything when we first start out. It takes time! But eventually, you develop confidence and find your groove.
Focus on the progress that you’re making. You learn a lot on the journey!
I’m as introverted as they come, but I can tell you with full confidence that it gets easier as you go. And it starts with simply putting yourself out there - even just a tiny bit.
You’ve got this! And I’m here for you every step of the way.
And if you want to go a step further and get all of the tools, resources, and help that you need to market your book, grow on social media, and sell more books - join The Author Circle membership!
