Children's Book Marketing for Introverts and People Who Hate Social Media

I have a confession: I'm not a fan of Instagram, Facebook, algorithms, stories, reels, and don't even get me started on TikTok. I use Instagram for food and kittens, the old school way. 

 But here's the good news - children's books thrived long before the era of social networks, and there are numerous ways to market them without diving into the chaotic world of hashtags and filters.

Understanding Marketing

Let's break down marketing using a supermarket metaphor. If you want your product to be discovered, it's like strategically placing it in the right department, making it stand out among the competition. Sure, you can add promo banners at the entrance and hope people will hunt for your product. But is it necessary? Not if your book ends up on the right shelf, in front of the right eyes.

In essence, marketing is about finding the right place in the market (or creating a market for your product, but that is a subject for another article, ¨Book Marketing For Successful Influencers and Social Media Royalty¨) 

A Daily Commitment

Entering the publishing world means committing to marketing not just for a few weeks after launch, but consistently. It's like fitness; extreme diets and seven-days-a-week workouts don't work because they aren't sustainable. Similarly, a sustainable marketing campaign is the one that you can follow every day without burning out.

So, here's my advice: have an honest conversation with yourself.

Ask yourself:

• What are your strengths?

• What does "being an author" mean to you?

• What past experiences can aid your publishing journey?

• What tasks do you detest, and what excites you?

Growing a following and building a community are fantastic but not mandatory. If you're not into it, why not channel your energy elsewhere?

Find your way

If you're just starting, perhaps growing your email list is more aligned with your goals than trying to grow your Instagram. 

Instead of bombarding Facebook groups, consider collaborating with influencers popular among your target audience.

Hate talking to people and being in public? Spend some quality time with yourself and learn Amazon Ads. Don't feel tech-savvy? Go old school. Print flyers and visit local bookshops, schools, and libraries. Get a table at the local event.  The local community often supports its own, giving you a chance to quickly gain new customers.

You don't have to do everything. It's more effective to focus on a few strategies and make them work than to attempt everything and burn out. Be intentional, find what you enjoy, and build your unique path.

What's your most significant marketing challenge? Dump it!  Life is too short, and the book market is vast. There's always another door waiting for you.