Many people take on some of their favorite hobbies to earn a little extra income; a great example is those who perform DIY crafting or related pursuits at home. It’s often ideal for turning this sort of personal pursuit into a money-maker, and there are even some who can start up their own small business based on this theme.
Within this realm, it’s common to create books, scrapbooks, and other publications that can be shared with others who appreciate the same hobby. Marketing these products can be challenging, but some tips can help sell more crafts, books, and other creations.
Publisher Considerations
The realm of publishers is essential, and the first important question is: Do you need to work with one? In some cases, it may be best to go the route of self-publishing. This gives you more control over your work and the final product, but it also requires that you put in a lot more legwork when it comes to marketing.
If you partner with a publisher, review any contracts before signing anything. It’s essential to understand your rights and what is expected of you in terms of marketing efforts.
In addition, you need to be clear on themes like royalties, advances, and other vital topics. Marketing budgets may also come into play, so you’ll want to understand how much money will be available for these efforts.
Think Outside the Box
In terms of promoting and selling your book, getting creative is essential. Don’t just stick to tried-and-true methods like print or online banner ads. Instead, try to come up with out-of-the-box ideas that capture people’s attention.
For example, if you have a book of crochet patterns, why not host a Crochet-Along? This is where people can gather online or in person to work on a project from your book together. Not only does this help to generate interest and excitement around your book, but it’s also a great way to build a sense of community among crafters who might be interested in what you have to offer.
You could also consider setting up a booth at craft fairs or other similar events. This lets you meet potential customers face-to-face and get them excited about your book. If you go this route, ensure you have quality signage to direct people toward the event, including large outdoor signs that will make you impossible to miss. These should be placed near the fairground entrance so that people see them as they’re coming in.
Social Media Usage
Social media is valuable for marketing a variety of different products, and this includes books and other publications. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allow you to reach many people without spending much money on advertising.
Make sure to take advantage of all the features social media offers, including using quality images, crafting engaging posts, and using hashtags to reach a wider audience. You should also consider running social media contests and giveaways to help generate interest in your book.
Rights Considerations
Especially if you’re working with a larger publisher handling things like printing and distribution, paying close attention to your rights is essential. Make sure you understand what is included in the contract and what rights you are giving up by working with a particular publisher.
For example, if you’re licensing the right to print your book, you may still retain the copyright. This means you can sell e-books or other electronic versions of the book, which can help reach a larger audience.
It’s also important to consider things like translation and foreign rights. These can be valuable assets, so you’ll want to ensure you’re not giving them up without getting something in return.
Pricing Considerations
The price of your book will also play a role in how well it sells. If you price it too high, people may be reluctant to buy it. But if you price it too low, you may not make as much money as you could have.
It’s essential to research pricing before settling on a final number. Look at similar books on the market and see what they’re selling for. You should also consider production and shipping costs when coming up with a price for your book.
Promotional Materials
You’ll also need to create some promotional materials to help market your book. This can include postcards, bookmarks, posters, and even T-shirts. If you’re working with a larger publisher, they may be able to help you with some of these materials. Otherwise, you’ll need to create them yourself or hire someone to do it for you.
These promotional materials should include information about your book and where people can purchase it. You should also consider including a coupon or discount code to entice people to buy your book.
Press Coverage
If you can get your book featured in the press, this can help to generate interest and sales. Try reaching out to local newspapers, magazines, and websites to see if they’re interested in doing a story on your book. You can also send out press releases to generate interest from the media.
You can also try to get your book featured on radio or TV shows. This can be a great way to reach a larger audience and get people excited about your book.
Sales Channels
Finally, you’ll need to decide where you want to sell your book. You can sell it directly to customers through online retailers like Amazon or brick-and-mortar bookstores. You can also sell it through your website or blog.
No matter what sales channels you choose, ensure you’re pricing your book competitively and promoting it effectively. You should also consider offering discounts and promotions to help boost sales.
Learn how to market your DIY crafts like a pro!
Are you ready to start marketing your DIY crafts like a pro? Using the tips we’ve shared in this post, you can create an online presence that will help you reach new audiences and sell more of your creations. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
