Did you know that nearly 25% of all book sales for the year occur during the holiday season, spanning from Thanksgiving to New Year? (wordsrated.com). As an author, this is the perfect time for you to ramp up book promotion and reach a broader audience actively seeking gift ideas. I'm excited to help out! To gear up for this sales window, here are 10 simple holiday book promotion ideas you can start today!
10 holiday book promotion ideas
Here are 10 holiday book promotion ideas to help you sell more copies during the upcoming season:
1. Ramp up your social media presence
Enhance your social media game by posting more frequently during the holiday season. The algorithms love consistency, so aim for 3-4 posts per week during this time. Ensure your content continues to provide value to your audience. If you're stuck for ideas, refer to my previous post, 5 Social Media Post Ideas That Every Author Can Try, for inspiration.
2. Recommend your book as a potential gift idea
Most people discuss gift-giving in casual conversations around the holidays. If you find yourself in one of these discussions, don't shy away from suggesting your book as a gift idea. Consider your target audience when recommending your book. Follow up conversations by sharing a convenient link for easy purchase.
3. Optimize Amazon ads with holiday keywords
If you’re running an Amazon ad campaign, tweak your keywords to include holiday-specific terms related to your audience. Consider what your target readers might search for when looking for holiday gifts. Utilize keywords like "Christmas gifts for expecting mothers" or "Christmas gifts for Christian dads." While bids for these keywords may be higher during the season, the investment can pay off if it fits your budget.
4. Boost a Facebook post
If you've shared your book on Facebook, consider boosting your post to ensure more users see it. Craft a post that is helpful, informative, or tugs at the heartstrings to capture attention. For example, you might share helpful advice or reveal the inspiration behind your book. Need tips on creating engaging content? Check out my post, 7 Effective Social Media Strategies for Authors, for some valuable insights.
5. Connect with local bookstores
Take a stroll to your nearby bookstores and strike up a conversation with the staff or owners. Let them know you're an author with a book out. Ask if they have any opportunities for holiday promotions, such as inclusion in gift guides or on display tables. Remember, with independent bookstores it's crucial that you support them before asking them to support you. So go ahead and purchase some books that you plan to gift to others while you're there. If your book isn't on their shelves yet, learn how to get it there with my guide on How to Get Your Book into Bookstores.
6. Run a holiday promotion through your website
If you sell your book on your own website, consider running a tempting holiday promotion. Offer deals like Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO), or throw in a signed bookplate or a sticker with every purchase. Once you've set up your promotion, spread the word on your social media channels to maximize its reach.
7. Enlist support from your friends and family
The easiest way to give your book a visibility boost is by asking your friends, family, or professional contacts to help spread the word. Make it effortless for them by providing ready-to-share social media posts. Type out 2-3 engaging posts and include a snapshot of your book cover for them to share. Remember, the simpler it is for others, the more likely they'll jump in to assist with promotion!
Related: Curious about book launch teams? Check out our FAQs on What Is a Book Launch Team?)
8. See if relevant organizations are interested in bulk buying
During the holiday season, many companies like to show appreciation to their employees by giving them gifts. If your book aligns with their industry, reach out and discuss the possibility of bulk purchases for employee gifts. For instance, if your book delves into sales strategies, connect with companies with sales professionals. It's an excellent chance to showcase your expertise and provide a relevant and considerate gift for their team.
9. Discount your e-book on Amazon
You can discount your book if you publish your e-book through KDP and enroll it in Kindle Select. To do this, go to the marketing tab and set a Kindle Countdown Deal, where you can set your e-book price. For example, you could set it to $1.99, $0.99, or even free. Once you know the dates and the prices, promote this deal on social media. Plus, check out companies like Written Word Media and The Fussy Librarian, who promote e-book deals to their newsletter subscribers.
Good to know: Uncover essential details about self-publishing on Amazon with our guide on What You Need to Know about Self Publishing on Amazon
10. Take advantage of Black Friday Sales Opportunities
If major online retailers like Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walmart, or Target carry your book, leverage Black Friday sales to your advantage. Monitor the deals these platforms run, and if, for instance, Barnes & Noble offers a 40% discount, share the news with your audience. Craft a social media post like:
Exciting news! Barnes & Noble has a fantastic Black Friday sale until DATE! Grab my book, 'BOOK TITLE,' at a whopping 40% off! (Include the direct link for easy purchase)
Whether you’re in the midst of the writing process or have already finished your book, now is the perfect time to consider a marketing strategy. To help you get started, I’m offering a FREE download of my guide, 10 Things You Need For A Successful Book Launch. This valuable resource is packed with expert tips and strategies to empower you to craft an effective book launch and connect with a larger audience of eager readers.