You’ve spent countless time writing, editing, designing, and marketing your book, and now you have to cut through the noise and stand out as a great gift option for your audience. How do you do that?
There are two main “holiday shopping” opportunities for you to increase book sales. Book shopping mania begins in the middle of November with Black Friday and Cyber Monday and continues through the middle of January due to New Years resolutions. Searches on keywords related to gifts increase significantly the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Day, and an accompanying spike in online traffic is seen between Christmas and New Years’ Eve as people redeem gift cards and take advantage of post-holiday sales. Then, during the two first weeks of January, a great opportunity for book sales presents itself again through New Years resolutions.
Knowing these key pieces of information, here are a few vital tips as to how to prepare your marketing plan to increase holiday book sales:
CREATE HOLIDAY INSPIRED MESSAGING
Remind your audience that your book is a fantastic gift idea or stocking stuffer. Take a sequence of pictures of your book being wrapped up or placed under a Christmas tree and be sure to be creative with it and explore videos, graphics, and Gifs.
CREATE AND OFFER BOOK BUNDLE PACKAGES
Offer and sell holiday bundle packages through your website and consider grouping your book with one of your services, with your journal, with a consultation call, etc. and sell it at a special price through the middle of January.
INVEST AND MASTER ONLINE ADVERTISING
In order to be more competitive and have your book stand out from competing books, learn and run Amazon Ads. Amazon Ads are the BEST ROI for your book at all times, especially during the holiday season. Facebook, Goodreads, and Google Ads are great alternatives as well.
PITCH YOURSELF AND THE BOOK
Reach out and pitch your book to be listed on online and traditional gift guides. Send gift copies of your book to NGO’s and charity associations, if applicable. The holiday season is about feelings and giving, so share how your book can help someone.
Making a timeline to have a clear call to action for each phase is extremely useful:
PRE-THANKSGIVING THROUGH CYBER MONDAY
Send an email to your subscribers offering a deep-discounted bundle of your book and your services if you are a non-fiction author or a bundle of your books (pre-sequel + short stories) if you are a fiction offer. People are looking for “SALES” and deep discounts, so give them what they want!
EARLY DECEMBER
Time to buy a gift for that dear friend from work or a distant family member. Any gift ideas? Sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect gift but books are always a great option! You just have to show your audience why your book is a great option, so show them!
PRE-CHRISTMAS WEEK
As shipping deadlines start to be a problem, present the ebook and audiobook versions as solutions. Tell your audience that they can give them to anyone, anywhere, and that it will be immediately delivered. Save them from the pressure of being a last minute shopper!
POST-HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS
Remind your followers on social media and your subscribers that your book could be an amazing option for that gift card they received. If they are not sure what to buy with that gift card, tell them your book is the best option!
NEW YEAR'S EVE THROUGH MID JANUARY
Share messages about how important it is to make reading a priority in the new year. Books on personal development and self-help are especially hot during this time of year. Tell your audience that the best way to start 2021 is with your book!
Over 40% of all printed and ebooks were purchased during the critical time frame of December 1 to January 15 in the past 5 years.
Should you have any questions, PRESStinely will be happy to help you craft your Holiday Marketing Plan, create, run and manage your Amazon Ads, create your social media and marketing images, craft and manage your promotional campaigns and more.
Contact us to learn more about our Holiday Promotional Packages.
Kristen & Maira