Your Biggest Book Marketing or Platform Building Roadblocks – And How to Overcome Them

The concept of “platform” has been around for awhile now.

But despite the increased awareness of the need for a platform:

• to distinguish your work in the marketplace,
• to help you reach more people,
• and to allow you to create a thriving community of eager and supportive fans

– most writers continue to struggle.

You try to gain exposure without spamming or irritating people – and fail.

You search for ways to connect with readers most likely to enjoy or benefit from your work, but come up empty-handed.

You attempt a multitude of “strategies” that require much in the way of time and effort, but produce little results.

And although feeling exposed and vulnerable, you’ve shared your thoughts, opinions and upcoming projects on your author blog and via social media – to have them largely (if not completely) ignored.

You’re stuck. And frustrated. Which means no platform gets built, and no books get sold.

In this post, we are going to knock down some of your biggest stumbling blocks, so that you can move past these frustrations, achieve traction and momentum in your writing career and finally get your book into the hands of your readers.

What’s your #1 single biggest book marketing or platform building challenge right now?

My goal is to help authors feel empowered to build and evolve their platforms – not fearful or discouraged.

So, to discover exactly where the hang ups were, I posed this question to my audience: “What’s your #1 single biggest book marketing or platform building challenge right now?”

I’ve had hundreds of responses, and found that when it comes to building their platform, or getting the word out about their book, the majority of writers are struggling with the same core issues:

• Reaching their “dream” readers or ideal audience
• Where to start, or what to do when (and most efficiently)
• The first book “handicap”
• Limited time, money and other resources
• How to foster engagement and spur community growth

Let’s take a deeper look at each of these challenges and outline some actionable steps that you can start implementing immediately to make a real difference in your platform building and book marketing efforts.

Challenge #1: Reaching Your “Right” Readers or Ideal Audience

This is a pervasive problem, and one that is closely tied with the issue of discoverability and exposure.

Ensuring your writing finds an audience is goal one, and therefore not securing your ideal reader’s interest, attention and appreciation is ultimately a deal breaker. No readers equals no career, so finding a solution to this roadblock is paramount.

Anybody with something to share – a product, an idea, a message – needs to find a way to get it in front of the people who care. [Click to Tweet]

Questions like…

“What do I blog about?”

“What social media platforms should I use?”

“What types of content should I share?”

“What do I send in my emails or newsletter?”

all stem from not knowing exactly who it is you’re trying to reach (and why it is that they should care if you do).

When you’re crystal clear on your readers’ needs, desires and interests, all of these questions become much easier to answer. When you know your audience well enough, what to share (and how to share it) becomes obvious.

How To Conquer This Challenge

The first question you need to ask yourself is: “What do I want my community or readership to look like?”

These are people that you will interact with on a daily basis, so make sure your “club” is filled with people you will actually enjoy hanging out with, and whose interests and values align with the creative work that you offer.

Next, work through the following:

1. Define exactly who it is you wish to reach or serve.
   • Make a list of comparable books and authors in your topic or genre. What do their audiences look like?
   • Who else is reaching your potential target audience (bloggers, magazines, organizations, industry influencers)? What mediums are they using to do so?
   • Note relevant demographics (age, gender, income level, education, marital status) as well as psychographics (personality, hobbies, interests, values, lifestyle).
   • Follow industry news and trends.
   • Survey your email list. What do they struggle with? (Finding a solution to a problem? Finding excellent books with a particular theme?)
   • Spend some time “listening” on blogs, forums and Facebook groups. What are these readers searching for that they’re not finding? Or what do they want more of?
   • Set up and interpret your Google Analytics results. What people do (or don’t do) on your website or blog can give you more insights.
   • Look at sources of social media audience demographics to discover the platforms that “fit” you and your writing best.
   • Create your ideal reader persona.

2. Dive deep into the needs, wants, interests and desires of your ideal readers.
   • See the world through your readers’ eyes.
   • Learn to vividly describe their problem or desire.
   • Connect in real life. (Spend time with real readers. Go to topic-related industry events, meet ups and book clubs. Be a part of your reader’s world.)
   • Monitor online interactions. (Engage in social listening, note comments and conversations on your blog, social media or other online groups, and watch your “competitors” and other influencers.)
   • Ask more questions via surveys, social media and your email list.
   • Offer one-on-one or small group Q and A sessions via Skype or a Google Hangout.
   • Conduct keyword research (look at Google’s “related” search terms, Google Analytics and closely related niches or genres).
   • Follow and map your reader’s buying or engagement journey. (What does a reader experience from their first point of contact with you and onward?)
   • What are the words, emotions and beliefs that are being expressed by your ideal reader? Use their own words when writing content for emails, blog posts and social media updates.
   • How are other authors and influencers “speaking” to their readers? Note what works and what doesn’t.

To define your audience in a meaningful way, you must get really specific about the people you are making something for, and develop a true understanding of their needs.

Additional Resources:

Fiction Writers: How to Find Your Ideal Reader

Nonfiction Authors: How to Find Your Ideal Reader

Identifying Your Target Audience: The Top 8 Mistakes Writers Make

Challenge #2: Where To Start or What To Do (And When To Do It)

Marketing experts are not being cryptic or secretive on purpose.

If there was a one-size-fits-all book marketing or platform building plan of action that would fit the needs of all fiction or nonfiction authors, it might be pricey, but it would be offered.

But just as there is no “one way” to produce a hit song, make a blockbuster movie or turn a small “garage” startup up into a thriving, six figure business, so it is for building a successful writing career.

There are many ways to get there – and many ways to fail, as well.

Here are some common mistakes:

• Trying to do it all yourself. Instead, get some trusted advice and consider outsourcing some of the more basic tasks or those that require a skill set you don’t have.
• A scattered “maybe this’ll work” approach. Half-heatedly trying a smattering of strategies without understanding the “why” behind any of them, rarely works. And even if you start seeing results, you have no way of knowing what’s working (so you can do more of it).
• Assuming the results are because of the tool, not the implementation. Does using the same golf club as your favourite PGA pro make you a scratch golfer? Probably not. It’s not the tool (your blog, email list, social media platform, etc.), but the time, effort and intention behind it that delivers results.
• Looking for the quick fix or shortcut. Don’t expect instant profit or superstardom. And don’t fall for empty promises. A writing career takes A LOT OF WORK. Look for long term growth strategies, and know that relationships take time to develop.
• Not taking a holistic view. You are responsible for both the creative side and the business side of your career. Neither can be ignored.

How To Conquer This Challenge

It’s easy to overcomplicate things, but the most important aspect to building an author platform isn’t the tasks you perform, but the engagement you garner.

All the planning, tools and techniques in the world won’t help you if you fail to keep this basic principle in mind.

However, there are certain foundational elements that – when executed well – strengthen and reinforce the strategies and designs that come after.

Here is platform building boiled down to its most basic steps (but keep in mind that it’s how well you implement each of these steps that really matters):

1. Define and build your author brand. What makes you and your writing unique, and how will you translate your value to your audience?

2. Identify your target audience. Who is your ideal reader? What are their wants, desires, values and interests? Who are their influencers, and where do they spend their time online and off?

3. Find the intersection. Identify and research what your true target audience craves, recognize the unique and meaningful aspects of what you have to offer, and align the two to benefit your ideal reader in an exceptional way.

4. Set up your author website/blog. Your website is the epicentre from which you rule your author empire.

5. Build a responsive email list. Your list (and the relationship you build with your subscribers) is your largest marketing asset.

6. Get social on social media. Determine where your readers hang out online, and be there. Focus on the needs and interests of your target audience, and give them what they want.

Each author must develop his or her own unique marketing path.

But to avoid information overload, start with a basic business plan that addresses each of the points above. As you learn more about the genre you are entering, other authors in your niche, your target market, marketing and audience building techniques, and current trends – add more detail to your plan.

Additional Resources:

Your Author Business Plan: A Framework for the Creative Entrepreneur

Analytics: Three Keys to Building Your Author Platform

The Book Launch Toolkit (includes a platform development guide + book marketing tools and worksheets)

Challenge #3: The First Book “Handicap”

How do you build a following when you don’t (yet) have a book to promote?

What do you do to build your brand and following if you’re starting from scratch, have zero contacts or credentials, and are unpublished (or have only one book to promote)?

It’s a bit of a shortcoming in your book marketing plan to not actually have a book to sell, no?

But, here’s the thing: your platform is about connection, not selling. And it’s the relationship that you build with each reader that is the real asset.

It’s time to reframe your thoughts on platform, marketing and self-promotion. At the core, you are simply finding ways to engage with people who are most inclined to love and rally around your work. Visibility, influence and book sales come after you’ve taken the time to build this affinity and rapport with a community of like-minded individuals.

Which means, having only one, or even no books published yet is somewhat irrelevant.

How To Conquer This Challenge

It may not seem like it, but there are advantages to being the new kid. You have access to the wisdom (as well as the cautionary tales) of writers who’ve traversed this path before you.

And by having this info early in your career, you might be able to accomplish in months what it’s taken others years to build.

Here’s a few tips:

• Be useful, genuine and relevant. When writers ask, “What do I write about or share if my book isn’t out yet?”, the implication is that once their book is out, all they’ll write about is the book. Ideally, the only difference once your book is out is that there will be a sprinkling of promotional content added to the mix of relevant, useful and intriguing content you’ve already been sharing.
• Share your worth. You have value, and what you do matters. Practice selling your value now – to yourself and to others. Know what you can bring to the table, and own it. Your platform is where you can start building the relationships, the authority, the testimonials and even the “numbers” that endorse the quality of your work.
• It’s not about proving your credibility, it’s about earning it. Everybody starts at zero, so if you don’t have any achievements to showcase, stop fretting and start writing. Look for guest posting opportunities, post on your own author blog and consider freelancing gigs. Other opportunities like speaking and podcasting can also give you a way to add to your resume.
• Failure is not fatal. Dr. Seuss’ first book was rejected by 27 publishers – he has since become a world renowned children’s author, whose books have sold over 600 million copies. It may take more than a few tries to get things right, but you’ll get there.
• Allow yourself the time to be inexperienced. Don’t be discouraged by what other writers have accomplished. Instead, view them as examples of what’s possible for your own writing career.

Additional Resources:

7 Tips To Help Promote Your First Self-Published Book

How To Build A Writer Platform With No Time, No Credentials And No Book

Challenge #4: Limited Time, Money and Other Resources

Whether you realize it or not, your daily schedule reflects your priorities and values.

If writing time is non-existent or is continuously relegated to next month’s to-do list, it’s easy to see where your writing career ranks in terms of importance.

Many of the emails I receive have writers speaking of their work in terms of a guilty pleasure – it’s something they allow themselves only after day jobs, family time and other obligations have been met.

And because it’s something that’s done on the side or around everything else, it’s certainly not a worthwhile investment in terms of money, personal growth (training), or other resources…

Right?

Yet ironically, these same writers are also VERY passionate about the work they hope to create, and how important it is to get their book out into the world.

So there is a deeper issue. Something is holding you back, and it isn’t really a lack of time, money or resources. Being “too busy” or being “broke” has never stopped anyone who’s truly dedicated from achieving their goal.

It may be assumptions you’re making (consciously or unconsciously) about your worth and value. It may be a fear of failure, a fear of success, or of just not being good enough. Whatever your self-limiting beliefs, they become your reality.

How To Conquer This Challenge

To remove this roadblock, a change in mindset is a must. When looking at “costs”, keep in mind the very high cost of doing nothing.

Think “How can I?” vs. “I can’t.”

Here are some steps you can take:

• Shift your priorities. Half the battle is recognizing your own worth as a writer. It’s very hard to convince someone else that your work is worthy (of their time, interest and money) if you don’t believe it yourself. Your work is worth it. Commit to it. Then give it the time in your schedule that it deserves and don’t allow resource constraints to keep you from what you really want.
• Change your patterns. Evaluate how you’re spending your minutes, hours, and days. Determine if your current schedule accurately reflects your priorities and what you value most. Make sure what you do actually fits with who you want to be. Skip the negativity (you CAN do this), and do the work. Earn your right to be here, and assume responsibility for getting your work out there.
• Change your environment. This includes your circle of influence. Find positive and proactive people to surround yourself with. Look for mentors, friends and partners that elevate you, not pull you down. Switch up your work space and learn where (or what) inspires and motivates you. When you look up from your keyboard, what do you see? Your beautiful back yard? A vision board? Your family’s smiling faces, or your well-worn copy of Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott?
• Think long term. Compare the cost per year to build your writing career vs. the potential income and reward of having others experience your writing. Remember, you are building a business. And very few have such potential with so little overhead. Yes, you may have to scrape together some initial startup money and resources, but you are investing in a creative business that may well pay big dividends in the future – intellectually, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually.
• Create efficiencies. Budget your time, just like any other resource. Even highly creative people need a bit of structure, so block out time for specific tasks (with a definitive start and end time) and be sure to include some “me” time that allows you to rejuvenate and refill the creative tanks. Spending your time effectively can actually save you money and even earn you more revenue. Outsourcing basic tasks (or those that are outside your skill set), and investing in specific training or courses, can also end up saving you money in the long run.
• Create a mantra or mini-manifesto. Give yourself a source of daily inspiration. Remind yourself that you’re worth it, your ideas have merit, your goals have value and they are worth investing in. Consider creating a mini-manifesto or a visual cue that – when you’re really struggling – brings you back to why you thought this whole writing thing was a good idea in the first place. ;)

We each have different backgrounds, strengths and resources to tap, so use your creativity to find ways to get things done even when money and time are tight.

It’s the small, slight changes that eventually change the game, so you’ll need to decide: how bad do you want it?

Additional Resources:

The Princess Author Syndrome

How to Write Your Personal Manifesto

Are Limiting Beliefs Blocking Your Financial Flow?

Challenge #5: How to Foster Engagement and Spur Community Growth

There are many benefits to creating a robust and enduring community: continued support, helpful feedback and a catalyst for inspiration and motivation. It’s like having a veritable army of marketers and promoters, singing your praises and spreading energy and excitement about you and your work.

But, your platform is only truly successful if it provides a way for you to connect and engage with your readers. Only those who have managed to find a way to align what they have to offer, with what their particular audience desires, see the real advantage of a platform. They’ve earned a strong relationship with their audience, and reap the benefits of that trust and connection (in the form of sales, buzz, and so on).

“Something I’ve learned about building a tribe is that it’s not who you know, it’s who you help.” ~Jeff Goins

Your job is not to sell, but to help your readers get what they desire.

How To Conquer This Challenge

There are two requirements that MUST be in place in order to build a responsive and thriving community: you must know exactly what you wish to share, and with whom you wish to share it.

Without knowing these two things, it’s not likely that you will attract a following. It’s impossible to build a strong relationship with somebody you know nothing about. And it’s impossible to share your “why” with people, if you haven’t figured out what it is.

So learn what your readers want, the words they use to ask for it, and even where they go to find it.

Then clarify your purpose and passion, your triumphs and your vulnerabilities, and why it is you write what you write.

Give yourself the time to develop an authentic two-way connection with your growing fan base:

• Make sure your readers know how you can help them. Share your “brand story”. Have a clear focus, and make it very obvious to your reader what they get by spending time with you (what’s in it for them). Show your personality, be transparent and make sure that “Buy my book!” isn’t the first thing they hear from you.
• Engage one-on-one. Words like “subscribers”, “list”, “followers” or “audience” all make you think of a large, faceless mass that’s difficult to communicate with. Think of one person only and write that email, post or social media update, just for them.
• Make them feel special. Ask questions, respond to comments, encourage feedback and facilitate discussions. Address and satisfy their needs. Pay attention to, highlight and reward your “superfans”. Give them a reason to come back again and again. Let fans contribute, hold Q&A sessions, and allow your readers to vote on a decision you need to make.
• Be both exclusive and inclusive. Be clear about who your community is for – and who it is not. Make it super easy and enticing for your ideal fan to join (subscribe), and make them feel like they are part of something special. Let members of your burgeoning community take ownership of what they helped create, and help you share it with the world.
• Create and promote exceptional and relevant content. Don’t skimp here. Publish content that is so good, your readers can’t help but want to share it. Publish different types of content (video, podcasts, interviews), and make your life easier by repurposing great content. Contribute to other blogs, forums and social media, as well as share links to other blogs and articles. Inform, educate, advise and even challenge your readers.
• Experiment. Continue to improve. Start conversations that move into meaningful relationships. Figure out where people are uncomfortable; what they’re searching for that they’re not finding. Look for more creative ways to share your unique, valuable insights – insights that can only come from you. Strive to make it easy for people to engage (ask for a reply to your email, run a survey, add Click to Tweets in posts). Give them reasons to pay attention.

Additional Resources:

The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Tribe

37 Tips for Writing Emails that Get Opened, Read, and Clicked

Writers’ Blogs: 5 Essentials for Engaging Your Readers

Reality Check: A Writing Career that Requires Little Effort, Provides Little Results

Building a career as a writer is no small task. It requires consistent effort, commitment and a fair amount of strategy to pull off.

Throwing up a free website and tweeting about your book from time to time is not going to bring you the results you desire.

But, if you make the time – and put forth the effort your writing deserves – you will begin to reap the rewards that a thriving, supportive community and robust platform provides.

Questions? Any challenges that I missed in this post that you’re struggling with right now? Go ahead and share them in the comments section below.

Photo: pixabay.com