Pinterest Marketing Strategies for Authors with Guest Blogger Melissa Taylor

Justin Beiber and YouTube.

The Cutest Dog in the World, Boo, and Facebook.

Michael Hyatt and Twitter.

_____Fill in the blank__________ [YOU?] and Pinterest.

Without a doubt, social media launches careers.

Pinterest is the hot new social media platform. In fact, it’s the fastest growing social media platform EVER. Which begs the question: who will Pinterest make famous? (And why can’t it be you?)

Authors, there’s a huge opportunity for you on Pinterest: the opportunity to connect with new readers, to grow your platform, and to sell more books.

It’s free. All it requires is sweat equity and several specific intermediate marketing strategies.

(If you’re a beginner on Pinterest, you’ll want to read how to set up your business profile for maximum results. Read about that here.)

Let’s talk about the marketing strategies you can use to grow on Pinterest, get traffic to your website, and sell more books. 



POST ABOUT YOUR BOOKS

One pin of a book written by Christian author, Kathi Lipp, increased her blog traffic ten fold. And she didn’t even pin it herself! Wouldn’t you want that kind of traffic from just one pin?

Me, too.

So, the first strategy is to post pins about your writing. That can give you more traffic, which leads to more book sales.

Certainly, you’ll want to pin your book covers but that’s only the beginning of what you can pin. Make sure you have a dedicated board for each of your books. What else can you pin to these boards?

•    Cover
•    The story --in pictures
•    Information about the history or location
•    Information about the content
•    Character interests and hobbies elaborated
•    Supplemental materials – study guides, free printables, etc.
•    Interviews you’ve done


Example: Jon Acuff “My New Book”
 
 

 POST READER REVIEWS

You want to show your readers some love – while also showing new readers that you are loved. Why not have a board dedicated to fans and reviews? This strategy could include:

•    Fans reading your book
•    Fan’s pets reading your book
•    Fan reviews on their blogs or elsewhere

You don’t need to make this a separate board but you can. You can either make a separate board or just post your reader love on the board for the book.  There’s not a “correct” formula for this. (Unfortunately!)

Another fun way to involve your readers is to invite readers to “guest pin” for you. This could be something you offer as a prize in a sweepstakes or contest. Remember that however you do it, be sure your expectations are clear for what you want them to do.

Example: K.M. Weiland’s “Dreamerland Pix” 
 

 

POST RECOMMENDED BOOKS

One of my favorite things about reading on my Kindle, besides immediate gratification, is the suggestions of other similar books I might like to read. I LOVE getting these recommendations, don’t you?

In the same way, readers want new book recommendations from you. So, give them some as one of your marketing strategies. It’s such a great way to serve your readers and not be a “Me Monster”.

Recommend:

•    Books in the same genre
•    Books you enjoy reading
•    Book ideas for book clubs
•    Books on writing

Examples: Julie Hedlund’s “Books Worth Reading”

 

POST BOOK LOVE TOPICS

You love books, I love books, your readers love books. Use this love as a strategy to connect with new fans and serve your readers. Think of all the ways you can love books on Pinterest.

•    Bookshelves
•    Book trailers
•    Book art
•    Book jewelry
•    Book quotes
•    Book bloggers
•    Literary tattoos 
•    Literary cats


Zig Ziglar said, “Success is dependent upon the glands – sweat glands” and it’s very true with marketing on Pinterest.

You can do your own marketing. Learn what you need to do with articles like this one or on my blog, Pinterest-Savvy. Apply the lessons with an investment of time. It will be well worth it, I promise. 



And maybe it will be YOU people think of when they think of Pinterest.

 

Bio: Melissa Taylor, author of Pinterest Savvy: How I Got 1 Million+ Followers, is a freelance writer, educator, and blogger. She loves teaching others to use Pinterest to grow their brand with webinars and a Rockstar membership group. Find more about Melissa on MelissaTaylorOnline.


 
 Today, Seekerville is very excited to be giving away a copy of Melissa's book to one commenter! Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.

Pinterest Savvy: How I Got 1 Million+ Followers (Strategies, Plans, and Tips to Grow Your Business with Pinterest) [Kindle Edition]