Direct mail marketing for the self-publisher

Introduction

When it comes to marketing your self-published book, there are a number of options open to you. One of the most overlooked marketing methods at your disposal is direct mail marketing. For a small cost, you can physically communicate with your sales prospects in a short period of time. Many self-publishers have probably forgotten the power of this marketing strategy, or don’t think this method can work for a tech-savvy self-publisher. And, for the most part, online and social media marketing strategies have replaced what was once considered the most effective marketing strategy. But, for it to be a complete and successful marketing plan, you cannot ignore direct mail marketing.

Isn’t direct mail marketing dead?

Direct mail marketing may be considered ‘old school’ by many of today’s high-tech marketers, but it can still be a powerful marketing tool. And because of this, a self-publisher who wants to sell more books should use direct mail marketing as part of the overall marketing plan. And don’t forget that not everyone has an email account. But everyone has a physical mailbox, which they visit every day, without exception. In contrast to this, most emails are not opened. It is not easy to impress us with a few words in the line of the message. Regular mail is more likely to be opened. It can stay in a person’s home or office, waiting to be treated. But you, as a marketer, have the opportunity to design your mail piece to surprise the recipient and try to get them to open it.

What is direct mail marketing?

Direct mail marketing is, as the name implies, a way of getting your marketing materials directly into the hands of your prospects, through the use of the mail system. Postcards, flyers, and brochures are the most common marketing materials sent out. Of course, direct mail has its advantages and disadvantages. But when used correctly and with proper planning, it can be a powerful and cost-effective way to make a direct, personal connection with your prospects. The direct mail marketing plans that have the most impact are only sent to specific people, at specific addresses.

How do I build a prospect list of names and addresses?

There are four main ways for a self-publisher to create a list of names and addresses:

1. Ask your followers on all of your social media and website to voluntarily sign up for your mailing list;

2. If you already have an existing business and self-publish your book on the sidelines, and the topic of the book is appropriate for your current customers, add them to your book mailing list;

3. Build your own mailing list by using the Internet to find names and addresses. An example of this would be searching for the names and addresses of all independent libraries and bookstores, and adding them to your mailing list;

4. Make it easy and pay a professional group like the Association of Independent Book Publishers to send your marketing materials directly to a list of prospects, a list that they have created and managed.

conclusion

Direct mail will get your marketing material right into the hands of potential book buyers. Buyers who may not have been able to find you or your book in today’s saturated book market. It’s also your chance to drive them to your website, where you need to provide more marketing material for your book and also wow them with information about yourself. So don’t ignore direct mail marketing for your book. Your marketing plans aren’t complete without at least some direct mail marketing.

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