Who would have thought Lady Gaga would be my secret publishing weapon? The marketing tips I learned from studying her are where I’ve seen the most success.
My in person events have been more successful than online marketing so far. What’s the difference? They’re in person, but I’m an introvert and not convinced I can hold a conversation adequately to save my life. So it’s not that.
Rather, this is where I stand out with something unique that grabs people’s attention. Where it’s inviting them to an experience. That’s what the online versions so far have failed to grab.
I use collectors cards and crime scene tape and a catchy title. Either you like it or you don’t. But it’s inviting into an experience. Either you’re delighted or disturbed. I heard countless times “but I don’t like a murder…” as people walk past in mild disdain. But it’s worth it for also seeing countless times a passerby’s face light up and say “I do like a murder haha” or the giddy sparkle in their eyes when I tie the crime scene tape bow around their book and they realize that they get to take it home. That it’s not just decor, it’s for you, too.
I’ve still gotta figure out how to translate that same strategy to the online world. We’ll see where that takes us 🙂