Selling the books

I wrote a few days ago about a Facebook ad campaign. This was unsuccessful in generating sales but it did get a lot of people looking at my website. I even got two traffic alerts, telling me I had reached record numbers on a couple of days – record numbers for me that is, at 22 and 30 views. I have also been advised to place my blogs, or at least links to them, on my Facebook pages, something I have only done once or twice.

I have said this before but marketing is not my thing. I am quite happy to sit daily at my computer writing, but putting it out there is a different kettle of fish. I have asked to attend the Pukekohe Mind Body event in September so at least I will be with people who are more likely to be interested in my books or what I write about, than random people responding to the ad. I did find a category for spirituality, but none for new age or reincarnation, as targeting people with those interests would have been more likely to get sales. I did sell a couple of e-books, in the week-long campaign, so at least that was better than nothing, but not enough to pay for the $100 advertising. A friend did tell me one needs to see the ad several times before they respond, according to research, so perhaps my ad needs to be repeated to the same people.

I think I will try Amazon next though, as people on that site are more likely to be looking at actually buying a book. Again, I will need help with this.

Having workshops is another option. I haven’t had one this year and it is already August. I have been fortunate in that a friend who holds frequent retreats, has my books on offer and I have sold a few this way. I think the answer is a little here and there. The big sales that one hopes for, will probably never eventuate. That’s not being pessimistic either, just realistic.

Another friend took my books to the local garden group when they were hosting a visiting group – basically showcasing crafts from locals. She reported that there were zero sales there too, even for her selling her usually popular, craft figures. It definitely is important to find the right people and places when trying for sales, otherwise there can be a lot of wasted time and disappointment.

I could definitely do more and perhaps it is time to step up. After all, those fears that kept me hidden have mostly disappeared. What is stopping me now?