Last week I shared with you several key points on how to get media coverage, calling it, “How to get noticed when no one knows who the hell you are.”
It’s also the title of my current key note talk and my new book because so many people have this question or a variation of it.
The Big Question:
- “How do I get noticed?”
- “How do I get media to call me?”
- “How do I break through all the noise?”
(If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, you’ll find it here.)
The Big Question Before the Big Question:
You would be surprised to learn that when authors are asked who their book is for, by far the majority answer that question with one word:
“Everyone.”
Nope. Not even close. No book is for everyone. Not even the (insert holy book name here).
But it takes courage to take a stand and stick by it.
Why?
Because then you are committed. To position yourself and your book means you’re saying yes to some, and no to others.
A lot of authors have a very hard time with this. I get it. I really do. And this is where you must trust me.
Courage.
Part of knowing how to effectively communicate your message is knowing exactly who it’s for. Being crystal clear about this is essential if you want to be successful.
So, is your book for moms under 30? Is it for Baby Boomers thinking about retirement? Is it for lovers of mystery and suspense novels? Is it for therapists and coaches who work with men? Or with women? Is it for business leaders? People looking to find a new career over 50? Under 50?
Saying who your book is for gives you the ability and the freedom to really begin positioning and marketing your book to the correct audience. Without this clarity, you will never feel like you’re reaching anyone. Remember the old saying: “Marketing to everyone means you’re marketing to no one.”
Have the courage to say who your book is for. Have the courage to say who your book is NOT for.
Congrats! Doesn’t that feel good?
Now what?
Once you know who your book is for, it’s time to really do your research.
Who else is writing about your topic?
- Who are you niche mates?
- Where have they appeared in media?
- How are you speaking differently about your subject?
- Where are they speaking?
- Who is listening to them? They are likely your market too, so pay attention.
Make lists. Note the different media channels. Which ones will work best for you and your book?
- Influencers
- Television
- Podcasts
- Radio
- Digital print
- Bloggers (falls under digital print, but they are different from trained journalists)
- Video media
- Legacy print
Just as all books are not for everyone, not all media channels are for everyone.
If you have a very visual message, then television and online video platforms will be great for you.
If you have a great voice, and by that I mean you have a range and sound that can pull people in, and you can share openly and love authenticity, then podcasts may be one of your top channels.
If you’re really just starting out, then taking your message to bloggers may be the best first step.
Once you know who they are, it’s time to reach out to them. However, the strategies for doing so are different for each channel. More on that in another post.
Claim who your readers are. Research them. Find influencers. Reach out. Be willing to do the work, because it takes effort.
If you are passionate about getting your message out there, you will.
Let me know how you’re doing. On Twitter @joannemccall
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. If we aren’t yet connected socially, let’s do it! Let me know how you’re doing.