Before The Bestseller

In this episode, we’re back with Chris Benetti, founder of Smart Author Media and host of the Smart Author podcast, for a deep dive into book marketing strategies and the evolving landscape of selling books. Chris highlights the importance of understanding customer needs and adapting marketing approaches, particularly emphasizing the effectiveness of Amazon ads for straightforward book sales. He also mentions the potential of TikTok Shop ads, though they require a lot of creative effort. We touch on book funnels, where Chris explains how they can help authors not only sell books but also convert readers into clients by offering valuable upsells. He emphasizes the need for excellent content that encourages sharing, suggesting that a truly valuable product is the foundation of effective marketing. Tune in as we explore the intricacies of lead generation, audience engagement, and the necessity of continuous testing to find what works best for each author’s unique context.Check out Chris Benetti’s website at smartauthormedia.com—Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.—Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:  https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.comIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Chris Benetti, founder of Smart Author Media and host of the Smart Author podcast, who has sold over 40,000 books and invested nearly a million dollars in advertising, collaborating with industry leaders like Ryan Deiss, the author of Get Scalable. We dive deep into Chris's insights on crafting nonfiction books that resonate with readers and convert them into leads.We talk about strategies like conducting an "ask campaign" to gather valuable insights from clients, which can help shape your book’s content. Chris also highlights the common challenges authors face, such as how to balance book sales with actually converting those readers into clients and explore the need for books to serve as conversion tools rather than just personal achievements. Chris emphasizes the importance of clear calls to action and even suggests trying out split testing to refine your marketing strategy. If you’re a nonfiction author looking to write impactful books and build trust with your audience, you won’t want to miss this one!You can check out his website at smartauthormedia.com—Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.—Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:  https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.comIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com

We’re back with another episode of our Friday Sessions featuring Laura Russom, Director of Author Success. Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Kat Finnerty, author of Never Let a Good Disaster Go to Waste: Making Sense of a Life of Absurdity, A Memoir. Kat shares her inspiring journey of writing her memoir, encapsulating struggles like personal betrayal and the complexities of book marketing.In this session, we take a closer look at how Amazon ads function and the typical hurdles authors run into, particularly with profitability, shedding light on the common frustrations of the publishing landscape. We explore effective strategies for engaging with podcasts and building relationships with micro-influencers, emphasizing the importance of having a solid system for content creation. Additionally, we talk about finding the right balance between quality and quantity in marketing outreach, offering tips for boosting visibility while maintaining a practical focus on delivering real value to readers. Join us as we navigate collaborative learning opportunities in systematized book marketing.—You can check out Kat Finnerty’s book here.—Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.—Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:  https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.comIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com

Today, we’re featuring a special episode from one of our Friday Sessions with Laura Russom, our Director of Author Success to share valuable insights from our years of experience in the community. This session aims to equip authors with essential tools and deepen their understanding of the publishing industry!We’re excited to welcome three amazing authors: Brooke Bussard, MD, author of Chew On This: Bite-Sized Stories about Nutrition; Nathan Tanner, who wrote The Unconquerable Leader: Mastering the Internal and External Game and Not Your Parents' Workplace: Critical Lessons for Interns and Young Professionals; and Susan Keller, whose works include Blood Brother: A Memoir and Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road Trip. Together, we’ll explore effective book marketing strategies and the crucial role of gathering Amazon reviews.Join us as we dive into practical tips for collecting reviews, leveraging personal connections, and using storytelling to engage potential reviewers. We’ll address common challenges authors face, discuss ethical practices for requesting feedback, and provide actionable steps to boost visibility and sales. This session is packed with valuable advice to enhance your book’s reach and foster a supportive community!Be sure to check out the books by our featured authors:Brooke Bussard, MD:  Chew On This: Bite-Sized Stories about NutritionNathan Tanner: The Unconquerable Leader: Mastering the Internal and External Game and Not Your Parents' Workplace: Critical Lessons for Interns and Young ProfessionalsSusan Keller: Blood Brother: A Memoir and Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road Trip—Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.—Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:  https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.comIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com

Today we welcome Elaine Boddy, a UK-based author renowned for her expertise in sourdough baking, having authored three books: Whole Grain Sourdough at Home, The Sourdough Whisperer, and Easy Everyday Sourdough Bread Baking. With her fourth book, The Sourdough Bible, coming out in late 2024, Elaine is on a mission to make sourdough baking simpler and more accessible for everyone.Her journey began in 2013 with a food blog, sharing her passion for Middle Eastern dishes and her baking adventures. Her passion for baking led her to develop a personal method that makes sourdough more accessible and less intimidating for home bakers. Elaine encourages aspiring bakers to maintain a journal of their experiments, which helps them refine their techniques and learn from their experiences.Elaine's approach shows that really connecting with your readers and staying true to your own style can make a book launch successful and keep your writing career going strong. We also explore the editing process, the role of authentic visuals in her books, and how she balances staying true to her voice while being open to editorial feedback. Plus, we chat about the importance of setting boundaries in life while still being accessible to her fans. Tune in for valuable insights on baking, writing, and building a meaningful connection with your audience!You can learn more about her books here.Website: foodbodsourdough.comYou can also head over to Elaine’s other social media pages below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elaine_foodbodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/elaine.boddy.3YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/foodbodSourdoughTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elainefoodbod —Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.—Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:  https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.comIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com

This week, we welcome back Michael Drew to our show. He is a seasoned expert on book lists and is known for his deep knowledge and insights into the world of best-seller rankings. Michael frequently shares his expertise on how various lists operate and their impact on the book industry.Michael dives into the recent discontinuation of the Wall Street Journal’s best-seller list, thoroughly exploring the reasons behind it and what it means for the industry. Losing the list has hit bookstores, publishers, and authors hard since it was a major sales driver. Michael also talks about how Success Magazine could build a whole ecosystem around its list with things like book reviews, cliff notes, book clubs, and partnerships with retailers like Books-A-Million. Michael’s insights offer a glimpse into how these new lists are trying to step up to fill the void and their potential to reshape the landscape of book rankings. Stay tuned and keep an eye on the latest trends as the book world adapts and new opportunities arise.Learn more about their writing services on this website here.Feel free to get in touch with Michael by emailing him: michael@promoteabook.com—Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.—Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:  https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.comIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com

In today’s episode, we are joined by Laura Russom, from our team in Advanced Amazon Ads. Laura brings a wealth of experience from her previous role in indie publishing, where she honed her skills in paid advertising. We explore why it’s crucial to start your marketing strategy at least six months before your book's release. Our discussion covers practical tips for validating demand with tools like Google Trends and social media, understanding and narrowing down your target audience, and designing a compelling book cover that stands out.We also cover selecting the right marketing platforms, overcoming content creation challenges, and collaborating with niche influencers for more effective promotion. Additionally, we discuss the role of AI tools in gaining valuable audience insights. Tune in to discover essential strategies for a successful book launch, with a special focus on pre-launch planning and a comprehensive guide to crafting a well-rounded and impactful marketing strategy.—Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.—Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:  https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.comIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com

We’re back with AJ Crabill, author of Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective,as we dive into the book marketing strategies that can make or break a book launch. AJ shares valuable lessons learned from his journey including how he used a quiz, an interactive element, to boost reader engagement. Discover how teaming up with an expert author coach, transformed his book’s marketing approach and led to effective audience outreach. From leveraging established networks for early praise to creatively negotiating bulk book purchases for conferences, AJ reveals tactics that expanded his book’s reach. Learn why investing in professional support for marketing tasks, like podcast outreach, can be a total game-changer. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned publisher, this episode offers practical advice on making strategic investments to elevate your book’s impact. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights!Learn more about the book here.Visit AJ Crabill's website here.—Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.—Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:  https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.comIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com

In this episode, we’re thrilled to chat with AJ as we uncover his book,Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective. AJ shares his journey from a concerned parent to a seasoned school board member and author. He discusses the crucial lessons he learned about effective governance and how they extend beyond school boards to other types of organizations. AJ highlights key concepts from his book, setting specific, measurable goals that align with desired student outcomes, rather than vague objectives focused on adult inputs, and the concept of "guardrails" to guide decision-making. Whether you're involved in education or any form of organization, AJ's insights offer valuable strategies for improving effectiveness and achieving meaningful results.Visit AJ Crabill's website here.Learn more about the book here.—Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.—Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:  https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.comIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com

Today’s episode features an interview with Brian Sachetta, author of Get Out of Your Head. We explore Brian’s personal journey with anxiety and the transformative experiences that inspired his groundbreaking book. Brian opens up about his struggles with anxiety starting at age 18 and how years of dedicated research shaped the strategies outlined in his book. He offers a fascinating look at how the landscape of anxiety information has evolved since 2008, contrasting the scarcity of resources in the past with today’s wealth of information. Brian introduces his three core principles—fundamental truths about anxiety—as pivotal strategies for managing it effectively. Listeners will gain practical insights into techniques like deep breathing exercises designed to combat the fight or flight response and enhance critical thinking in stressful moments.The episode also explores the modern media’s role in amplifying anxiety, highlighting how constant connectivity and negative news cycles contribute to heightened stress. Brian doesn’t just stop at mental health—he shares his journey through the challenging world of book marketing, offering valuable advice on leveraging podcast appearances and using lead magnets to capture reader interest. Whether you’re seeking strategies to manage anxiety or looking for effective book marketing tips, this episode provides a wealth of practical advice and thought-provoking insights. Check out Brian Sachetta’s website here.Get to know more about the book here.—Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.—Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:  https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.comIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com