If You Build It, They Will Subscribe
How many times have you subscribed to a website because they offered something exclusive? Personally, I have done this dozens of times. There is an allure to a promotion that is deemed “exclusive” that very few can resist. This tactic is something you can use to your advantage, author.
Start with your website and newsletter. Think of what you can offer as an exclusive reward to those who subscribe. A sneak peek at your upcoming book cover? A new chapter? What is unique to you that others will want a peek at?
The same gambit can be applied to your social media accounts as well. Different followers have different priorities, they all vary in what they want out of the platforms they use the most. Break them up into categories and look at what you share that they are most engaged with. Whittle those statistics down into bullet points and strategize. Do they want exclusive videos from you? Do they want you to do a reading from your latest chapter? Figure that out!
Start with a poll, asking followers what they’d like to see more of. Tease them with a follow up that you’re releasing something “exclusive” but only to newsletter subscribers. Be sure to add the link to your bio on all accounts for easy signup.
If you put the offer out there, folks will pounce on it. They have been teased with a publication date, but with only a description, your established fan base is desperate for a taste of anything new. Give the people what they want! In return, you will have subscribers sharing your handles and website, telling their friends that they can’t wait to read more. That is the best publicity an author can ask for.
Think critically: what type of content could you put in these promotions that only you can offer? Be creative and unique, show your fans a sneak peek of who you are and what you do. Incentivize your fanbase. If you offer it, they will take it.
