How I Promote My Clients’ Work
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Whether you’re a first-time author or you have many books under your belt, reaching new readers is likely a big part of your job. And a little help in spreading the word is always welcome! That’s why, for my author website clients, I like to do my part in helping to promote their work.
For clients who partner with me to design, build, and launch their author website, I issue an open invitation that whenever they have book news to share, I am happy to help out.
And I’ve come up with several ways that I can amplify the inspiring books that my clients release:
Telling 900 people about your new website
I may not always be prompt with this(!), but every time I send an email to my list, I aim to feature a recent client website. I generally “clean” my email list so that I have around 950 highly engaged subscribers. Almost all of them identify as writers, and we know that writers love to read.
When I have conversations with newsletter subscribers, I hear that they enjoy seeing project examples and exploring the books they see on these newly launched author websites.
I share new sites on Instagram, too. I don’t have a massive following there (I use the platform mainly for professional curiosity, not marketing), but I know from the comments that people love to peek at author sites.
And yes, many client websites find their way into my online portfolio!
Themed posts about design, or a particular genre
From time to time, I highlight a particular design approach, like this recent round-up of “spring” brands, or a website feature, like this checklist for selling books directly from your own online store.
I’ll also draw on examples from my clients to discuss different stages of an author career, for example, How to Use Your Website Before Your Book is Published.
All of these posts feature images of, and links to, client websites. My strong SEO rankings and healthy website traffic create plentiful opportunities to bring new viewers to my clients’ books.
And sometimes, I’ll give a shout-out to other web designers too. For example, my round-up of Best Squarespace Author Websites is one of my most visited pages.
I’m also fascinated by themes and outcomes from the books that my clients release. In a recent newsletter, for example, I pulled together examples that I hope can have a positive social impact, under the umbrella of Using Your Book to Make the World Better.
A curated store, at Bookshop.org
As time goes on, my list of clients and their amazing books grows. I decided to create this store, using Bookshop.org, to showcase as many client books as possible in one place.
(Tip: if your book isn’t showing up correctly on Bookshop.org, you’ll need to track down the problem at Ingram Spark, since they are the gatekeepers of this data.)
Interviews for my Behind the Book series
I’ve recently begun interviewing some of my clients for two reasons: first, to draw attention to their publishing successes, and second, because I know other authors love to hear what kinds of book marketing are working well.
A great takeaway from this series is: you have a wide choice of tactics open to you, and savvy authors lean into what they especially enjoy. My sense is, that if you pursue a reasonable marketing approach thoughtfully, authentically, and give it some time, you will likely see results!
Conclusion
I understand the immense satisfaction of holding your book in your hands, and the rewards of seeing it change thousands of lives. My work as a website designer is more meaningful when my clients get results and see impact from their books. So it’s my pleasure to do what I can to help you grow your audience, even just a little.
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