Create social media accounts and regularly post content that provides value to the reader community.
As you gain followers on social media, land them on a landing page or your homepage, and offer them a small bonus or discount in exchange for signing up for your newsletter .
Invest in learning SEO and content marketing
If you can establish yourself as an expert on a topic (through a blog or other on-site content) and rank for key terms, you can drive that organic traffic toward purchase. “ A free e-book with great, helpful content inspires readers to try your other books ,” says Joanna.
Host free events, whether virtual or IRL, like middle east mobile number list author readings, book clubs, speaker series, or children’s story time. Dominique also believes it’s important for local entrepreneurs to be visible in the community. “ I make it a priority to go to venues and events around Madison to reach more and more people ,” she says.
Launch a loyalty program on your website
Referral incentives, so your best customers become ambassadors for your brand. Leverage influencer marketing. Big influencers won’t be within your reach at first, but emerging niche book influencers may have affordable rates or be willing to promote your brand in exchange for product. “ To help market the first box, I sent out a preview box only to influencers I knew ,” Kerrie says.
The logistics of opening and running your own bookstore vary depending on what you sell and how you sell it.
A common challenge for booksellers, however, is if you have a dream of studying while inventory. Booksellers (unless they self-publish a book and print on demand) typically carry a large number of SKUs and must deal with considerable inventory. “ Without proper inventory control ,” Dominique explains, “the situation can quickly get out of control .”
“ We started out packing boxes in the basement, then azb directory in the living room, then at a friend’s house, and eventually rented a warehouse in town. Now we’ve moved to a 3PL for order fulfillment! ”
