When it comes to book marketing, an important tool is the Business Card! I've sold a lot of books with my business card. If you don’t have one yet, Vista Print does a good job and they’re affordable, too.
Make sure it has your photo, contact information, and a photo of your book(s), like a special logo. If you have a website, put the URL on the card, so people can visit your site —and be sure to have excerpts from your book(s) on your website!
Here are some tried and true ways to use your business card. I guarantee, you’ll sell more books ... and we are in the business of selling books!
* Thumbtack your card on bulletin boards in stores and businesses.
* Hand a business card to people you talk with in waiting rooms, on a plane, train, or bus.
* Hand out your business cards at any gatherings, parties, class reunions, or while networking with your 'real' job.
* Tuck a few extras inside books you've sold and signed so buyers can give them to friends.
* Ask if it's okay to leave a small stack on the counter at public libraries. They love local authors! So do people who come to the library —they take the cards, trust me. Sign the back and it’s an autograph!
* If your book is a children's book: whenever you see a mother with children, strike up a conversation, introduce yourself with a business card and give her a few more for friends.
* For children's authors: when you meet a teacher, principal, or school librarian, give them your card. It’s a great way to get invited to do paid Author School Visits!
* Ask to leave a stack of business cards on the counter at the mechanic's where you take your car, at your hairdresser, barber, and even at the gym.
* Buy a small business card holder, fill it full of cards and beside you on the table at book signings, Author School Visits, and other speaking engagements.
Maybe someone won't buy your book that day, but when they take a business card, it's an excellent reminder of your book for later, when they're considering gifts for birthdays or Christmas.
Here's one of my personal favorites. I've sold a lot of books this way:
Restaurants: When the check comes after dinner, write "Thank You" on the back of one of your cards with the waitress or waiter's name, if you have it. Then leave the card with the tip.
Many times, they've followed me all the way to the door to talk about the book, shake my hand, or ask for more cards for the rest of the staff.
* The above applies to anyone giving good service: your barber, the clerk in a store, even your mailman, but always write "Thank You" and sign the business card.
Remember, it's an autograph and a reminder about your book(s) and website. People love meeting authors. Use it to your advantage. Have those business cards in your pocket and ready to pass out.
You'll sell more books, I promise.