Include an Opt-in Box on Your Author Website
Don't Miss the Mark When it Comes to Online Promotion
Mar 10, 2009
Children's book authors who have a blog and/or website, and post to either or both of these sites regularly, probably think they're doing all they can to market their work online.
Yet, many children's authors miss the mark when it comes to online promotion, and most of these authors don't even realize it.
A Mailing List
The way they miss the mark is - they don't have an opt-in box at their sites so they can collect names to grow their mailing lists.
Now...most children's authors have some sort of "snailmail" list that usually includes the names of various school principals, librarians, and even individual readers who love that author's books.
But many children's book authors don't bother building their mailing lists online.
And that's probably the biggest mistake they can make.
An Opt-in Box
Now, more than ever, authors are expected to actively promote and market their own books. And one of the fastest and easiest ways to do this is online. But, before any author can do this effectively, that author must have a mailing list. And, in order to constantly add names to that mailing list, the author's website and/or blog must include an opt-in box.
An opt-in box allows the author to collect the names and email addresses of site visitors in exchange for something like a free e-book, a special report, or a regular newsletter.
Reader Updates
Once a visitor "opts in" to an author's list, that author has permission to send this person regular emails that can include information about the author's upcoming book signings, author visits, as well as new releases. This mailing list is the author's way to stay connected to his readers and other followers. It allows the author to build a relationship with these individuals over time.
Most people who visit an author site won't purchase that author's book(s) on the first visit. It takes time for them to get to know, like, and trust the author. In fact, studies have shown that most people need to have contact at least 7 times before they will purchase anyone's product or service. And an author can't rely on people to come back to his website or blog that many times without a nudge. The author provides this nudge through his newsletter or short email updates.
Any children's author who doesn't have an opt-in box - and something to offer visitors who sign up for this mailing list - should get busy creating both of these items so they'll hit the target when it comes to online promotion.
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