This week's marketing topic was inspired by Byrd Nash's instagram post about street teams. Be sure to check out her many writing tips, as well as her new book:
To start off, what is a Street Team? This is essentially a group of people who are your go-to folks for marketing your book. They're the ones who share your posts on social media, leave book reviews, provide writing feedback, etc. They're the backbone of your whole marketing plan who can help get the word out about your novel. I'll go more in-depth in a moment, but one thing to keep in mind is that these people are usually volunteers who take time out of their day to help you promote. Treat them with kindness and respect and understand that sometimes they can't always be "on" to help you. Some of my street team folks, like Brian K Morris, are there to provide me with moral support when I feel kicked down, and I can't appreciate it enough. So be kind.
Why Have a Street Team?
Whether you're trade or indie, you're going to have to do some marketing for your book. As an indie author, I wear the hats of the writer, editor, proofreader, designer, marketer, website creator, book signing scheduler, etc. It's a lot of work. But, as I've expressed in many blogs, you don't have to go it alone. The street team helps take some of the burden off of your shoulders. When you need to reach a wider audience, they're there to spread the word. You can't beat having a lovely group of people to help you.
Who Are They? / Where Can You Find Them?
Honestly, your street team can be anyone. Family. Friends. Editors. Fans. They should be people you trust who have shown interest in your book and your journey. They may even be fellow writers that you've met on twitter or instagram, or during writing conventions. Be sure to ask them before you add them to your street team, though. People don't like being bombarded with information that they never asked to receive. One way you can keep track of who's on your team is by creating a facebook group specifically for them. I have a group called The Purple Door District: Street Team! where I share my information. Generally, my street team is the first to see new content before it goes out to the rest of the public. Interested in becoming part of my street team? Let me know!
Arc/Beta Readers
One way the street team can help is by volunteering to either become a beta reader or an arc (advanced reader copy) reader. They'll read your book and provide feedback about possible things you need to change to help make your story stronger. Specifically ask them to review topics/plots/characters you're most concerned about because your beta/arc readers will be your last line of defense before you go public.
Reviews
Having people willing to leave reviews is so important for an author. Like it or not, the algorithms on Amazon will determine how your book gets promoted. The more reviews you have, the more likely Amazon will be to share it around. I believe the key number is 50 reviews, but frankly, any amount helps. Reviews don't have to be complex, either. Your street team can leave a rating and something as simple as a one word review. Granted, getting a full review is wonderful, and I wouldn't snuff that if they're willing to do it. I've had some excellent reviews from Ellen Rozek, Byrd Nash, and Shakyra Dunn for example. The best ones are when the readers are willing to provide constructive feedback along with their kind words.
Social Media Sharing
Another way your street team can help you is by sharing important news about your book across their social media platforms. The more people you reach, the better chance you have of selling your book, or acquiring followers. They can share things like cover releases, book releases, giveaways, or, hey, even your quest for a reader's choice award. Be sure to give them ample notice and all the information that they need to share your news around. While you may have some of the same friends, chances are all of your street team members will have an audience that you don't know. The more platforms you can get across, (twitter, facebook, instagram, goodreads, allauthor, bookbub, etc) the better.
Book Buyers
Now, let me be clear, just because someone is on your street team, that doesn't mean they're obligated to buy your book. But, it is a nice perk if it happens. Likely your street team members are readers themselves and are interested in your book or want to go the extra mile and support you by buying your novel. Can't say no to that, right? Be sure to interact with them and the rest of your book-buying audience. Let them know how much you appreciate them for helping you.
These are just a few ways that a street team can help you, especially near a book launch or book release day. Do you have a street team? How have they helped you? Feel free to share your story below!
On another note, I really am working to get nominated for the Epic Fantasy Fanatics Reader's Choice Award. If you have a second, please consider voting for The Purple Door District. Thank you so much!