The most amazing thing about having a blog, is having readers. Supporters who enjoy your content. They want to see you succeed. They want you to share with them your book’s journey. If you’re an author with a blog, the primary reason for it should NOT be to sell your book. But, if you’re having fun with your blog, using it to share your journey as an author, and supporting other authors with it, selling your book will happen naturally as a result.
Blogs are better for authors than a static website.
Before I had a blog, I recommended that authors have websites. Now I recommend that authors have both and if it came down to choosing, I’d go with a blog.
Blogs keep you writing.
Blogs are interactive.
Blogs help you sell your books.
Here’s our recipe for turning your blog into a book-selling machine:
1. Keep your content relevant to your book’s topic/genre
Your book and your blog’s content don’t have to mirror one another exactly. However, your readers will have an expectation about your book based on your blog’s voice and tone. Torn about what to blog about? Check out our post on fill-in-the-blank blog ideas.
2. Make it easy for your readers to purchase your book
Make sure your book can be purchased from your blog. Have your book’s cover on the homepage. Your readers should be able to see your book front and center.
3. Interact with your blog readers
Engage your blog readers as much as possible. If you can build a relationship with your readers, they’ll want to support and buy your book.
4. Share your updates and achievements
Mention the cool things that happen with your book. If you win an award, book the Today Show, or sell out of your first printing, share this on your blog. Post pics and keep your followers aware of your book events.
5. Tell everyone about your book and your blog
If you started your blog before your book was published, put your blog’s website address on your book’s back cover. Mention your blog at signings and other book events. Direct traffic to your blog and direct blog traffic to your book events.
Thank you so much for these tips! I recently published my first book Why I Believe in God and am pretty lost when it comes to how to use the blog I read everywhere I was supposed to start! I’ll definitely keep coming back for more great tips!