Book Blog Tours: How to Rock Them

I have worked with hundreds of authors through my blog tour company, Sage’s Blog Tours, and I’ve decided to write an article about the purpose of a blog tour (at least from my perspective) and things authors can do to have a more successful blog tour.

First, let’s talk about what a blog tour is. When I describe it to my clients, I tell them it is a promotional event to spread the word about their book and themselves. It’s an opportunity to reach a broader audience, gain some new readers and build relationships with bloggers. Book bloggers love to read and rave about authors they enjoy. Connecting with them is vital.

Sometimes I think authors focus solely on sales – which I understand, I am a published author. I want sales, too! But, the problem with that is you have to “sell”  yourself before you can sell your book. Yeah, I feel a little gross typing that, but it’s true. You can’t post info about your book and expect sales to shoot through the roof, that’s just not going to happen.

What you need to do is introduce yourself to the book blog world, offer complimentary copies of your book for review, entice readers with a giveaway, be active on social media … yes, it is hard work.  If you don’t have time to do it all, then consider hiring someone.

So, you’ve signed up for a blog tour, now what?

·      Read the tour company’s policies very carefully. Make sure your expectations match what the company offers.

·      Get involved while the tour is running! Take a moment to comment on the blog that is featuring you.  Something as little as “ Thanks for hosting me today!”  is better than nothing. You have to show interest in your own promo tour.

·      Share the blog posts on social media. Talk up your tour! Get excited about the promotion you paid for.  If you don’t have active social media accounts then that is an entirely different problem. Email me. I can help you. Social media is crucial to creating your online author presence.

·      Have good communication with the tour company owner. If you have any questions or concerns, let them know! Unknown problems can’t be fixed and professionals will make sure they handle your issue to the best of their ability.

We’ve all heard it before but let me remind you: You are going to get what you give. You can’t sit back and wait for stuff to happen. You have to make it happen. Blog tours can be extremely beneficial to you and your books, but you have to work it.

Happy touring,

Sage