A book should be more than just a product—it should be an experience.
Publishing a book opens doors to new opportunities, allowing you to share your message on a broader scale. This means turning your book into a brand. From speaking engagements to a social media campaign, these companion products can help your book establish a presence in your industry.
Here are some of the ways you can turn your book into a platform and build the foundation of your book’s legacy.
1Create Online Courses
A good online course can take the value that your book provides and break it down into easily digestible lessons. Instead of just repurposing the content, you can expand on the messages provided in your book. Try adding bonus materials like video content, tutorials, and a community chat room for support.
Most importantly, your courses should offer access to you and your work on a more personal level. Those who read your book and are eager for a closer look can access the online courses to dive even deeper into your content.
2 Write Additional Workbooks
Why have just one book if you can have two? Depending on the type of book you write, you can create an additional workbook or journal to supplement your work.
A separate workbook can encourage your reader to explore the concepts, tools, and processes explained in your book on a deeper level. A journal can provide a reflective space—through prompts, worksheets, and exercises—for your reader to apply these concepts to their own life.
3 Make Good Use of Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool. Taking control of your social media footprint can help grow your following, create excitement around your book, and spark conversation. You want to create an experience for your reader that goes beyond the book itself.
Beyond the typical blog posts, photos, and videos, you can go even further with Q&As, quizzes, polls, quotes, surveys, and more.
Here are some social media campaign ideas you can use to generate buzz and engage your audience:
- Post a free chapter of your book
- Create a Facebook or Instagram photo contest
- Broadcast live Q&As with experts in your community
- Repost photos or art from fans
- Create an Instagram filter or Giphy Stickers
- Share a behind-the-scenes look at the writing of the book
- Make a music playlist for the book
- Share gratitude for the support you’ve received
4 Launch a Book Tour
Whether you’re looking to drum up support for your book or launch into a successful speaking career, a book tour can establish your reputation, grow your platform, and much more.
The goal isn’t just to expand coverage of your book’s release—you want to create relevant speaking content for your audience. While you can take your show on the road to venues like schools, libraries, book stores, churches, cafes, community centers, and more, you can also host a virtual book tour to reach an online audience.
5 Set Up a Workshop or Retreat
Workshops, retreats, or book clubs are a great way to get your readers together to really dive into your book’s teaching. From one-on-one coaching to group discussions, hosting live events helps you engage your audience and connect with your readers on a deeper level.
Plus, if you’ve created a companion workbook or journal to accompany the book, you can make it required material for the event.
Taking Your Book From Product to Platform
These are just a few examples of how you can turn your book into the foundation for a broader campaign.
Publishing your book is just the beginning. With every new opportunity, you have a chance to create a brand that will expand far beyond the book itself.
