Dear Readers,
Whenever I get the release date of my next new book coming out, I begin working on marketing and promotion for that book. Lining up book signings; scheduling virtual book tours, interviews, sessions with questions and answers, and book spotlights; sending out press releases; and setting up talk radio interviews, among other things, are what I include in my marketing program. Today I want to give you reasons why talk radio in particular is good for book promotion.
1. THE RIGHT DEMOGRAPHICS. Surveys confirm that the talk radio listener is, “diverse, educated, attentive, active and affluent…” If this describes your book-buyer – it’s a perfect match!
2. TARGET AUDIENCE. Not only are the demographics of talk radio great – but with specialty talk shows on politics, health, relationships, lifestyles, finance, consumer advocacy, sports, and other topics, it is easy to match your book with the audience you’re trying to reach!
3. EFFECTIVE SALES TOOL. Publicity can be paid advertising, but also much more. A compelling radio interview can sell your book without the audience even realizing they’ve been sold! And, as hosts don’t want to be bombarded with phone calls with questions about your book, they’re highly motivated to frequently mention your title so that listeners will remember it when they go to their local bookstore, or on Amazon.com.
4. THIRD PARTY ENDORSEMENT. Talk radio hosts have
loyal followings – that’s how they maintain their ratings. And listeners tune in daily to hear what their favorite host is talking about. As that host is often thought of as an old friend or even a trusted advisor, when you appear as a guest on their show, listeners hear an implicit endorsement of you, your book and your message!
5. CREDIBILITY. This is a crucial ingredient in every marketing campaign – and talk radio supplies it in abundance.
6. TIME TO TELL YOUR WHOLE STORY. As a guest – you get not just 60 seconds, but ten to sixty minutes, depending on the show, of quality time with a very targeted and attentive audience. You have enough time to talk about your book and, in many cases, you have a chance to answer questions from callers. It’s a perfect way to get the full message of your book heard and understood by your targeted readers.
7. COST-EFFECTIVE PROMOTION. Talk radio interviews are all done by phone. So, without ever leaving your home or office, you can have a direct and oftentimes live conversation with consumers around the country.
8. IMMEDIATE EXPOSURE. You can be on the air usually within two to three weeks!
So the next time you are thinking of ways to market your book, do some research into the talk radio shows around the country. Let the program producers know about your book and ask if they would be interested in having you as a guest on their show.
Good luck!
Barbara
