How to Pre-Market Your Book

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make as an entrepreneur is to forget about your marketing plan until your product is in the marketplace. You need to step onto the marketing platform early in the process. Marketing your work before it’s produced is called pre-marketing, and it’s a great way to ensure that you will sell a lot of product.

It might be difficult to think of your own pre-marketing plan, so here are a few first steps to get you started.

Step 1: Set up a simple blog or website

The internet is a wonderful way to get the word out about your new project. Start creating interest by showing previews of your new product on a web site or blog. Then, periodically update the site or blog to keep the content fresh. You can set up a blog for free at www.WordPress.com.

Step 2: Utilize the power of social media

As soon as you can, get your website or blog out in front of people’s eyes using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and social bookmarking sites like www.digg.com, www.buzz.yahoo.com, www.reddit.com and www.delicious.com. This will give you a good start to get people to visit your website. Remember that social media begins with building relationships, so don’t make the mistake of simply speaking about your business. Build the relationships first and the sales will follow.

Step 3: Remember the power of word-of-mouth

Always keep in mind that word-of-mouth is the best form of marketing. Someone may catch wind about your new product and invite you to come speak at an event or even on the radio. If you have completed the previous two steps, you will be able to share your website address and how people can connect to you so they can get more information about you, your new product, and your other offers.

Step 4: Write a press release

A great way to spread the word is to write a press release and submit it to media outlets. Study the format of a standard press release until you are comfortable enough to write your own. Then contact local news agencies, press release websites, national publishing services, and any other outlets that you can think of. Send them a nice message explaining who you are and what you’re doing and send them your press release.

The biggest thing to remember is that you have to start marketing your product before it’s released. Use pre-marketing to create the buzz and watch the sales roll in!

Photo courtesy Shutterstock, Gustavo Frazao