A Breakdown of 2008 Marketing Plans

There are a good number of books yet to be sold that are sitting in a warehouse in Kansas. In order to move them out and onto store shelves, and in turn off the shelves and into people's homes, spreading the word is a necessity. So, for those who are interested, following is a very general breakdown of the four main marketing points for the immediate future:

1. A web site. Obviously! The official website is located on the back of each book, and attached to whatever marketing plans and correspondence is generated. All book information is available on the website, including links to purchasing from various online merchants.

2. Blogging, ezine contribution, and social networking. The obvious way to get the word out is to connect with people who may share interests in traveling to a Tourist Town Guides destination.

3. Review books. 150+ books have already been sent to pertinent media outlets, along with press releases. Hopefully some of the books will generate press. Hopefully good press.

4. Representation at regional trade shows. This is where the distributor helps out. The books will be on display and represented at various regional book shows. We're not doing BEA this year because - I'm told - the market for these is regional, not national.

5. Paid ads to wholesalers and retailers. This is another point where the distributor is immensely important. They will help to organize, design, and place appropriate ads in appropriate trade magazines. Though this method gets books into stores, it doesn't necessarily get the ultimate consumer to buy.

Of course, there are specifics to each of these that I'm not going to get into here. I'd like to hear any additional marketing ideas.

Labels: marketing

posted by Dirk Vanderwilt @ 8:16 PM