Book Marketing with the Rule of 7

In the ever-evolving world of publishing, where countless voices vie for readers’ attention, finding effective strategies to stand out can feel like navigating a labyrinth. That’s where the “Rule of Seven” steps in as your trusty guide. This fundamental principle is more than just a catchy phrase. It’s a strategic beacon for authors seeking to make a lasting impact in the literary landscape.

Back in the 1930s, savvy marketers, mainly in the movie industry, stumbled upon a fascinating idea: for customers to take action, like going to the movies in those days, they needed to see a brand or a product around seven times. This repetition made the brand stick in their minds, and it worked like a charm. It continues to work like a charm.

This concept of the Rule of Seven has a home in the world of author marketing, and it can be your secret weapon for building your author brand and connecting with readers in a memorable way. After all, there are millions of books out there, and it can be difficult to get your book noticed. By following the Rule of Seven, you can increase the chances that potential readers will see or hear about your book enough times to remember it and eventually buy it.

In the next paragraph, we’ll discuss some specific ways that you can apply the Rule of Seven to your book marketing. But for now, just remember that the more times potential readers see or hear about your book, the more likely they are to buy it.

When creating your book marketing plan, you need to keep the Rule of Seven in mind. This means that you need to find ways to get your book in front of potential readers at least seven times. This rule is not a firm seven times, but a guide to remember that a book isn’t going to be sold on the first view of an ad, or conversation with an author. Increasing the amount of times you are in front of or engaging with possible readers leads to more sales. It’s important to plan your author marketing in a manner to keeps putting the book in front of the target audience.

Target audience, target reader is a marketing term that many authors don’t think about. This is who your book is written for. Many authors state the book is written for everyone who loves their genre, but the truth is, not everyone who loves a genre will love the book. Once you can identify the type of reader who will best relate to your book, the book marketing campaign that includes the rule of seven will be the best tool in your marketing package. We’ll talk more about identifying your target reader elsewhere on the site and in our up coming content marketing for authors book.

How do we know the Rule of Seven works for Book Marketing?

John Locke was the first self-published author to sell one million e-books on Amazon. In June 2011, Locke sold over 1.1 million e-books in five months. Locke has published 21 novels and one non-fiction book, How I Sold 1 Million eBooks in 5 Months. In this book, Locke reveals the marketing system he created to sell so many e-books. This marketing system relied heavily on book blogs and guest posts.

Amanda Hocking’s success was due to a combination of great writing and smart decision making. She was able to reach her audience and sell over $2 million in ebooks within the first year of her initial book release. She understood that although her books weren’t for everyone, they did have an audience. To reach this audience she leveraged social media to build a following and, like Locke before her, she built her brand through guest posts and book blogs.

These examples are from the dawn of the indie author movement. Do these tactics still work today? Absolutely! Both of them used strategies that employed the Rule of Seven. Since they reached these milestones and made headlines, every author who has built themselves around building more content to promote their books has used this Rule of Seven principle to reach a wider audience. Many of them didn’t realize it.

The Rule of Seven works because it’s repeatedly reaching the people who will want to read your book enough for them to buy it. How is this executed? What is involved? What can an author begin doing today to make this a part of their book marketing plan?

The Rule of Seven is all about creating a lasting impression on potential readers, and it can be executed effectively with some straightforward steps. Let’s break it down:

Execution of the Rule of Seven: To execute the Rule of Seven successfully, you need to consistently reach your target audience through various channels and touchpoints. This involves being active on social media, regularly updating your author website or blog, engaging with readers through email newsletters, participating in book-related events and collaborations, and seeking reviews and feedback. The key is to maintain a strong and consistent presence in the spaces where potential readers are most likely to be.

What’s Involved: Executing the Rule of Seven involves a blend of content creation, engagement, and networking. You’ll need to create high-quality content that resonates with your audience, be it blog posts, social media updates, or videos. Engagement is crucial. Respond to comments, ask questions, and make your readers feel valued. Networking with fellow authors, bloggers, and influencers in your genre will also broaden your reach.

Encouraging reviews and feedback from satisfied readers can serve as valuable mentions of your work. Highlight these where possible.

Getting Started Today: To incorporate the Rule of Seven into your book marketing plan right away, start by identifying your target audience and the platforms where they’re most active. Create a content calendar to ensure a steady stream of posts and updates. Engage with your audience genuinely. Don’t just promote your books. Share insights and connect on a personal level. Begin building an email list to maintain direct contact with your readers. Lastly, seek opportunities for collaborations and reviews within your genre or niche.

Book Marketing Steps to ease your approach:

Step 1: Define Your Brand Message

  • Start by clearly defining your author brand message. What makes your writing unique? Who is your target audience? Knowing these details will help you tailor your marketing efforts effectively.

Step 2: Set Clear Goals

  • Determine what you want to achieve with your book marketing. Are you aiming to increase book sales, grow your email subscriber list, or build a strong online presence? Having specific goals will guide your strategy. These goals may vary at different times in your author career.

Step 3: Choose Your Platforms

  • Decide where you’ll be active. Social media, your website, email newsletters, and even book signings are all potential platforms. Select those that align with your target audience. You do not need to do them all, so don’t spread yourself too thin.

Step 4: Create Quality Content

  • Develop content that resonates with your readers. This could be blog posts, social media updates, or videos related to your books or writing journey. Ensure the content is valuable to the reader and engaging.

Step 5: Consistency is Key

  • Consistency is your best friend in the Rule of Seven. Regularly post and share content on your chosen platforms. This keeps you on your readers’ radar.

Step 6: Engagement Matters

  • It’s not just about broadcasting – it’s about engaging with your audience. Respond to comments, ask questions, and make your readers feel heard and valued.

Step 7: Leverage Email Marketing

  • Start an email list and send out newsletters. Email is a powerful tool to maintain contact with your readers. Share updates, exclusive content, and book news.

Step 8: Networking and Collaborations

  • Connect with fellow authors, bloggers, or influencers in your genre. Collaborations can introduce you to new audiences and amplify your reach. To the same end, amplify the reach of others and it builds a reciprocal and lasting connection.

Step 9: Encourage Reviews and Feedback

  • Encourage your readers to leave reviews and provide feedback. Positive reviews build credibility and serve as mentions of your work.

Step 10: Measure and Adjust

  • Regularly analyze your marketing efforts. Look at what’s working and what’s not. Adjust your strategy accordingly to continually improve.

Remember, the Rule of Seven is about consistent exposure. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to making your author brand familiar and trusted in the eyes of your readers. It might take time, but with persistence and a well-thought-out plan, you’ll achieve your marketing goals effectively. Happy marketing, and keep writing!

0 Comments on “Book Marketing with the Rule of 7