With digital media, indie authors can now take advantage of videos to help grab the attention of readers and sell their books.
I’ve been thinking about this topic for a while, and there’s a lot to consider. Videos can be used in multiple ways, such as teaser trailers, snippets of scenes, author interviews, and even chats with big groups. They can be simple or complex, free or monetized.
Regardless of how you intend to use your videos, it’s important that whatever videos you create are high-quality. Publisher’s Weekly posted an article detailing the benefits of making videos and tips on how to create good videos, such as selling the benefits, sharing behind-the-scenes, and telling a story.
Book Video Trailers
It’s hard to make a good book video trailer. It has to be short, snappy, and visually appealing. To get some ideas, check out How to Make, Market and Sell Ebooks’ “Oscars for Indie Author Book Video Trailers.”
Video Chats/Author Interviews/Webinars
Authors can set up group events with large or small audiences. For non-fiction authors, webinars can be a great tool to share case studies and pitch ideas, then ask for people to sign up for a newsletter or buy a book. Authors can also conduct interviews via video chat, or hold group events with fans and readers. These group events can involve a Q&A session, or allow the author to talk about the making of a book.
Two helpful tools for conducting these events are Google Hangouts and Shindig. Google Hangouts is free and easy to use. The one potential downside is that the chat highlights whoever is the loudest, which may be distracting. Shindig is currently offering a special beta promotion that allows authors to host a free Shindig (video event). However, I have heard from other indie authors that they require at least 40 participants or else they will cancel the event. (I heard this a few months ago, so it may have changed.)
Monetizing Videos
ReelSEO shares the different options when it comes to monetizing videos. Among the options are using widgets, determining where to place ads in content, and finding the right partner. For indie authors, the simplest way to monetize a video is via YouTube.
The videos themselves can be used to raise funding for books. Good eReader reported about Wizeo, a site that uses video engagement to support crowd-funding campaigns. According to the article, “participants will make a $3 donation to the charity that is supported by the chat in order to connect live with an author.” Self-published authors with a strong enough following are welcome to launch on the site.
How might you use video in your marketing strategy? Please share in the comments!
If you’re going to implement videos into your marketing strategy, they need to be professional. Sloppy videos can be a real turn off. It’s worthwhile to hire a pro to create your marketing videos for you.
Good advice!