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 ignored marketing methods at your disposal is direct mail marketing. For a small cost, you can physically communicate with your sales prospects in a short amount of time. Many self-publishers have probably forgotten the power of this marketing strategy, or don’t believe that 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, to make it 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 they all have a physical mailbox, which they visit every day, without exception. In contrast to this, most emails are not opened. It is not easy to be impressed with a few words in the message line. Regular mail has a better chance of being opened. It may stay in someone’s home or office, waiting to be treated. But you, as a marketer, have the opportunity to design your mailing 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. Of course, direct mail has its advantages and disadvantages. But when used correctly and with the right 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 biggest impact are only sent to specific people, at specific addresses.

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

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

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

2. If you already have an existing business and self-publish your book on the margin, and the subject 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 to find the names and addresses of all libraries and independent bookstores, and add them to your mailing list;

4. Make it easy and pay a professional group like the Independent Book Publishers Association 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 materials directly into the hands of potential book buyers. Buyers who may not have been able to find you or your book in today’s crowded 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.