#11 The Clarity Sessions - How To Promote Your Writing

Episode 11 of The Clarity Sessions podcast features Patty Scott. 

In this episode, we cover how to promote your published work and grow as an author.

Patty has published two books and she wants to build a bridge between the excitement she has over her books and how to widen her reach to help people actually buy her book. She wants to do more speaking and coaching as a result of her book topics: how to slow down as mothers and how to parent teens. Right now her writing is a hobby, but with her great word-of-mouth grown and willingness to try new things, it can be so much more.

Patty is working on some videos and wonders if it is better to do Youtube videos or Facebook live.

Here are my main tips for Patty:

1. Determine what your people want.

People buy things they want, not what they need. So what is the want behind the need? How do we find what someone will actually pay for? Youtube is a video library you can share with your email list. The videos are made with specific topics in mind. Facebook Live videos are meant for connection. Patty must determine how her ideal client wants to be nurtured before buying, She has to figure out if her ideal client wants education (YouTube) or connection (Facebook Live).

She has an audience of mothers who need her help. However, a book that teaches women about topics they feel guilty about means reading the book is going to be considered "work." So for Patty, she needs people to meet her and trust her and feel the personal connection before they are willing to do the work. When trust is created, it leads to more coaching and book sales. Remember what Facebook Live is? It is a platform that can help build trust with an audience.

It's also a way for people to ask questions. And when three or more people ask the same question, make a product to answer that question. 

2. Join groups to spread your message.

Once Patty feels comfortable with Facebook Live videos, it's time to join some groups! Facebook groups could use her videos to provide value for a week or two, encourage members through posting and answering their questions. She could send messages to the admins of groups and offer free videos or a free Facebook live. She should start with broad groups and then look for parenting niches such as religious denominations, geographic locations, activities, etc).

3. Make videos that speak to the needs of your people.

Facebook live videos are very powerful and help people to not feel alone. It's important to make the videos speak to her people's needs. Moms of teenagers would want parenting tips with Patty on a Facebook live once a week. Patty could do themes each week and Q&A live format videos with her main topics in mind. The key is to mention in each video that she can be available for coaching them through more personal questions. She can lead them to the next step of working with her or buying her book.

Through the use of Facebook Live video, Patty will become a “friend.” 

Tell us, what do you think is YOUR next step to promoting your writing? Remember, start with what your people want and then lead them to what they need.

Click here to listen to the episode.