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The Smarty Pants Book Marketing Podcast

Award-winning marketer Chris Syme and bestselling indie author Becca Syme give self-published authors the latest social media tips and strategies that sell more books and build loyal fans. Join them as they interview top book marketing experts, showcase successful indie authors, and offer tips from their own successes on this weekly show.
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Now displaying: December, 2017
Dec 31, 2017

In this episode, Chris talks about the new algorithm announcement from Facebook and what it really means for authors.

Show Notes & Links:

-Why won't Facebook tell use exactly what is acceptable and what is not?

-Is this really a new version of the "algorithm"?

-What percentage of authors will probably be affected by the new algorithm tweak?

-Can authors still run a poll on their Facebook page?

-How might this affect third party sites that offer contest and sweepstakes applications?

-Why it's important to remember that the emphasis in the new tweak is on the baiting part and not on the likes, clicks, comments, and shares.

Links (click 'em, they're live-no baiting here)

Facebook's history of fighting click baiting (May 2017)

Facebook's recent announcement on the new tweak to punish click, comment, reaction, and share baiting.

Facebook's promotion guidelines (see letter E)

Mari Smith Facebook Live on the new changes

Enroll in Chris' free online class: How to Succeed With Facebook Ads in 2018

 

Dec 17, 2017

In this episode Chris talks with Draft2Digital (D2D) marketing Director Kevin Tumlinson on what is on the horizon for book marketing strategies in 2018. They also discuss D2D's recent decision to add Amazon as a distributor.

Show Notes & Links:

-Sign up here for Chris' free 8-video course on How to Succeed With Facebook Ads in 2018.

-Why content marketing is the next big thing in book marketing and what that means for authors.

-Why building your own personal brand is your key to long-term success.

-Why personalization is going to be key in book marketing in 2018.

-Why "batch & blast" marketing techniques are not working to sell books.

-The nuts and bolts of how Draft2Digital works with authors and what kinds of services they offer.

-How you can automatically update your front and back matter with D2D's publishing options. 

-Why Amazon? Why now?

-How D2D's Author Resources can help authors find help producing and marketing their books.

Important Links:

Click here to see Becca's new cozy culinary mystery book coming out in early January.

Draft2Digital's Author Resources page

Draft2Digital's blog for authors

Get more info on Draft2Digital and the services they provide here

Draft2Digital's Announcement Adding Amazon

How to leave a review on iTunes from our friend Stephen Campbell

Dec 8, 2017

In this episode Chris and Anne Janzer talk about the challenges and opportunities that come with the failure of Pronoun. 

Show Notes & Links:

-If you were using Pronoun to distribute your books, what does the aftermath look like for you? What are your options?

-Why the loss of Pronoun reveals a bigger challenge for all indie authors. 

-Why using goals-objectives-strategies-tactics (GOST) to drive your marketing plan will help you navigate changes in the market.

-How to do you own "House Hunter Analysis" to find your best fit for book distribution companies. 

-The four components of a House Hunter Analysis to find your best option that fits your business goals for publishing :

  • How wide is their distribution?
  • Time: was is the ease of use of the platform?
  • Trust: what kind of relationship does the company have with their authors?
  • Financials: royalties, delivery of royalties, cost of program, etc. 

-How to use "satisficing" to make your business decisions and win. 

Links:

Link to Anne's Amazon author page

Link to Anne's website

Link to Barry Schwartz's book The Paradox of Choice

Link to sign up for Chris' free Facebook Ads email class

Link to the December special for Chris' three book marketing books

 

 

 

Dec 5, 2017

In this episode Chris and Becca talk about five paradigm shifts authors need to make to succeed in their author business in 2018. It's just around the corner so let's get going!

Show Notes & Links:

-Why authors need to concentrate on writing better books in 2018.

-The ying and yang of FOMO (the fear of missing out). Can it actually be a good thing?

-How do you decide who to trust to give you marketing advice?

-Why you need to use changes in the market to your advantage.

-What is it that you complain about the most? Can you control that?

-You are unique--your journey is unique--there is no one ring to rule them all. Be confident!

Links:

Click to sign up for Chris' free 8-week class on how to succeed with Facebook ads in 2018.

Click to see the Book Marketing Resource Recommendations from the Smarty Pants Book Marketing Podcast.

SMART Marketing For Authors Facebook group. Join now--you'll have to answer a few questions to prove you're not a bot.

We're coming soon to Spotify. If you're there, we'll see you there soon. 

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