Say Thank You. I know. Floored you, didn’t I? Everyone wants to hear ‘thank-you’.
The easiest way to say thank you is verbally—but the most powerful and
memorable way is with a hand written note. So, the next time you’re doing a
book signing event, always thank the reader for taking the time to come out and
meet you, and then include the words ‘thank you’ when you’re signing the book
they’ve purchased from you. It’s an easy give and take, and by saying and
writing thank you, you’ve created the
feeling of gratitude between you and your reader—a relationship that will
hopefully last a long, long time.
Have Post Cards, Trading
Cards, or Book Marks ready to send out. On my
website, under my FUN
STUFF page, I mention that I have free signed trading cards available upon
request. I have been approached by readers on a few occasions for these signed
freebies, which made me feel on top of the world. Depending on what genre you
write, it’s a good idea to have something to autograph to send to a reader
whether it’s a post card with your book cover and blurb on it, or book marks
with a list of your books and head shot, or book cover trading cards so readers
can collect them as the books come out. This is a terrific relationship
builder, and a no-brainer!
Give Away the Good
Stuff! Let’s be honest. Who doesn’t like getting
something for free? I certainly do! And the best way to do this for authors is
to giveaway their books. I’ve had many Goodreads giveaways, and they are by far
one of the best ways to reach out to readers. Now, you must have your book
available in paperback in order to qualify to have a giveaway with Goodreads, so
if you only have an ebook format, then you must find other ways to give your
book away. Book blog hops and Book blog tours are an inexpensive way to build
new relationships, and Rafflecopter
makes the art of giving away book swag, ebooks, or paperbacks a painless
endeavor. I also have a free
short story available for download on my website to give away to potential
readers of my books. That’s the power of FREE—try before you buy!
What ways have you utilized to build relationships with your
readers? What works best for you? Would love to hear your comments and get more
ideas to connect. Cheers and thank you for reading my post!
BTW—There is still time
to enter my Goodreads
Giveaway which runs until February 25th. Did I mention I’m signing the book, and
throwing in a couple of trading cards to sweeten the pot?
Great post Sharon! Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa! Just sharing my experiences! Hugs!
DeleteMany thanks Sharon! Great info :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're more than welcome, HJ! Cheers!
DeleteGreat tips, and, yes, you'd think saying thank you would be fairly obvious. I'm continually amazed by how many don't thank fans and supporters, especially in the music industry. There's a misguided view of being perceived as a "Rock Star." Funny thing is, the true rock stars tend to be humble people. Not taking supporters for granted could have contributed to their success?
ReplyDeleteYes, saying thank you not only fills people up with gratitude, but fills you up as well. And I agree, the true rock stars are humble and grateful. Cheers, Elise, you rock star!
Delete"Thank you." One of the most magical phrases ever! Having the trading cards available is a great idea, too. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMagic words to live by, Tracie! Thank you for surfing by!
DeleteExcellent post, Sharon, and thank you! I always send a note card with my promo material. You'd be surprised how many people email me a return thank you. What a shame those two precious words are falling by the wayside.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sloane! That's a great idea! As soon as people understand that those two words open more than just doors, the better the world will become! Salute!
DeleteExcellent points and always a good reminder to say Thank you! Thank you for this post! ;-)
ReplyDeleteLOL! You are sooo welcome, Alan! Hugs!
DeleteI liked the postcard idea, particularly as my books are not in paperback. Trading cards I hadn't heard of - but it sounds neat
ReplyDeleteGlad I could be of some help, Susan! Thank you for stopping by my virtual home! Cheers!
DeleteThank you very much Sharon. Good post and very true.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Susan! Thank you for your kind comment!
DeleteExtremely good advice, Sharon. It's about communicating.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vonnie! You da Wench! Cheers!
DeleteGood stuff as usual, Sharon.
ReplyDeleteI try my best, Eleni! LOL! Thank you!
Delete