Get more reader email addresses
If used properly, email marketing can be a powerful tool to increase book sales and increase loyalty with your readers. I’ve seen it in my own business. Once you have a reader’s email address, you have a direct line of communication with them. Then, it’s the fun part: entertaining and enticing them to buy your latest book!
But, how can authors grow their reader database? Here are 6 ways to attract new readers to your list.
Put your newsletter signup in the back of each book. If a reader has reached the end of your book - the chances are that they enjoyed your writing! Ask them to subscribe to your newsletter while you have their full attention.
Post your newsletter signup regularly on social media. Don’t be shy. Amid the memes, book promos, and cat videos, be sure to let your readers know they can sign up for your newsletter to receive the latest updates.
Put your newsletter signup in a prominent place on your website. If a reader is on your website, they are actively interested in learning more about you and your books. You want to make their chance to subscribe easy and obvious.
On my website - the signup is listed twice on every page (in the top and bottom navigation) plus I have a pop-up that shows if a new user is on the page for longer than 10 seconds. Each website provider has different options for pop-ups. I used to think they were annoying but they work and can cause a dramatic increase in your signup numbers.Use a lead magnet to gather more subscribers. BookFunnel is an easy and efficient way to offer your book or audiobook for free in exchange for their email address. Offering a downloadable incentive is a great way to entice new and existing customers to subscribe to your list.
Create a giveaway. Unlike a lead magnet where every single person ‘wins’ the free item, a giveaway typically has a bigger prize and only one or two winners. You can offer a variety of entry options, but the one I’d like to nudge you toward is having them subscribe to your newsletter to enter. I normally post something like this:
”To enter to win this signed paperback, sign up for my email updates, then comment below with the first 3 letters of your email address.” <insert link>Add your signup to your email signature. Yes, that is how serious I am about gaining new subscribers! Highlight that signup in every communication.
It might seem like you’re plastering your newsletter signup everywhere. If it feels that way, you are doing it right!
Email marketing is the most effective marketing we have in our toolkit. But, first, we have to get them on our list. Then, just send them so much exciting content they will never want to hit the “unsubscribe” button.
If you’re struggling with what to send your shiny new subscribers, check out my list of 40 email ideas for authors.
