Encourage Your Readers to Connect with You
A call to action, or CTA, is a tried-and-true marketing technique that is often so subtle, you may have overlooked it while surfing the internet or reading a favorite blog. The elements of a CTA are designed to lead the reader through a webpage, blog, or article. They entice the reader to click through to a free book or to sign up for a newsletter.
Potential Marketing Opportunities
By always treating writing assignments as potential marketing opportunities, you will find that promoting your book becomes second nature. Adding a CTA prompt in a blog or article guides readers to make that all-important decision to buy your book or follow your writing career.
Use CTA Prompts:
- on the homepage of your website or on your Amazon author page
- in your bio notes on social media sites (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
- in your email signature
- at the end of your book
- on any guest blog or article that you write
- as part of any interview you give
Don’t Overlook the Final Pages of Your Book
The back of your book is valuable real estate, so take advantage of its marketing potential. Attach a sample of the first chapter of your next book. Include one of your blog posts with a CTA inviting the readers to sign up for your newsletter. Encourage readers to join your genre community by providing links to official fan sites. Give your audience the opportunity to connect with you and to learn about upcoming events.
CTAs Make Connections
Some writers feel a CTA is an intrusive sales ploy and that the work should speak for itself. The truth is, tiny fairies don’t magically appear to sell your books. That job belongs to you. Put your work and your name in front of as many people as possible, and find your target audience. Your success as an author depends on you building a connection with your readers.
Still not sure about including a CTA in your next blog or Facebook post? Ask yourself, what is the purpose for writing the blog or post?
- To sell more books?
- Bring more people to a launch event?
- Increase your mailing list?
- Grow your brand recognition?
- Acquire more Facebook or Twitter followers?
The Numbers Tell the Story
Statistics show that a well-designed CTA prompt at the bottom of a Facebook page can increase the click-through rate by 285%. Results for CTAs are different for everyone. You should experiment to find what format works best for you. Whether where you place it, how you design it, or how it explains the benefits, a CTA link means more clicks and more sales.
No Need for a Hard Sell – Just a CTA
There is no need to hard-sell your book in a call to action. Give readers an easy way to find out more about you and your events. Use CTAs to channel their interest to a hyperlink back to your website, blog, or Amazon author page. Supply your readers with information and a possible incentive (a free book download) and let them decide. As they say in the film, Field of Dreams, if you build it, they will come.
Why Dog Ear?
With over 50 years of traditional publishing experience, Dog Ear Publishing understands how to market your book to your target readers. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will guide you throughout the publishing process and help you achieve the results you desire. If you want your book to be a quality reflection of who you are as an author, visit our website at dogearpublishing today and take control of your publishing destiny.