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01Don't just try to sell your book, build a fan base first

Let's talk about why some authors struggle to sell their books. It's not because they're not trying hard enough. In fact, they might be trying too hard on the wrong things. They're so focused on selling that they forget about building a platform. Sounds strange, right? Let's break it down. When we say 'platform', we're talking about an author's reach. It's their social media followers, their website visitors, their email subscribers, and any other way they can directly chat with their readers. It's their personal brand and their marketing prowess. Take a look at successful authors like Daniel Pink, Charles Duhigg, and Pamela Slim. They've got strong platforms. They're in constant contact with their readers, who can't wait for their next book. This isn't just about selling books, it's about building relationships with readers. But many authors get this wrong. They're so focused on selling their books that they're constantly looking for advice on Google, blogs, Twitter, podcasts, and forums. This can lead to confusion and a lack of focus. Instead of building a platform and a relationship with their readers, they get lost in the sea of online marketing advice. So, what's the solution? It's a concept called the connection system. It's a step-by-step plan for using online marketing tools to build a platform. It's made up of four parts: permission, content, outreach, and sell. 'Permission' means getting the okay from readers to chat with them, usually through an email list. 'Content' is about giving readers valuable information, not just trying to sell them something. 'Outreach' is about connecting with others in your field, like other authors or experts, to help spread the word about your book. And 'sell', well, that's about selling your book, but in a way that doesn't feel pushy or salesy to your readers. By focusing on building a platform and connecting with readers, authors can sell their books in a more effective and less stressful way. They can share their ideas, make a difference in people's lives, and sell their books in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. This approach not only helps with selling books but also contributes to a long-term writing career. It helps authors stay relevant and connected with their readers, which is crucial in the ever-changing world of publishing.