Facebook Increases Friend Limit– This Does Not Give You an Invitation to Market There

I recently noticed and maybe you have as well (or maybe not, if you don’t pay attention to stuff like this), Facebook seems to be lifting their limitation on the number of “friends” one person can have on a profile.

In case you’re still confused about “Facebook Profile” vs. “Facebook Fan Page,” here is a handy guide from Facebook themselves.
Here’s how to tell the difference: you’ll know you have a Facebook Profile (meant for personal use) if: someone has to friend request you (and you have to approve it) for you to be connected.
A Facebook Profile (and in fact, MY Facebook profile) looks like this:

This is where I go to interact with my friends and post pictures of weird food, and that picture at the top is of Stephan vogueing in a forest. In fact, I do not want you to friend request me unless I know you in person (no offense!). I am actively trying to pare down my Facebook friends list to return it to consisting of “people I actually know,” so I have been unfriending people like crazy this year, at the rate of one or two per day. Mostly this consists of “people I only know inadvertently through other people” or “people who friended me for marketing purposes or to ask me about writing,” and again, I am sorry– I am trying to set a good example for those authors I lecture in my book on this subject, and have non-friend types just go over and follow my Facebook Fan Page. Facebook gets a little too confusing for me when I read through my news feed, because my brain tries to actually contextualize each person and what they are saying as soon as I see their name, and I think this is draining my brain’s battery life. In an effort to streamline, I am cutting down the list, and I would encourage you to do the same!

While we are on the subject of Facebook Fan Pages, I will tell you that a Facebook Fan Page looks like this:

This is where you should go to see me talking about internet and book stuff. https://facebook.com/LoriCulwellAuthor

On a Facebook Fan Page, there is no limit (and never has been) to the number of fans you can have. Some people (like Lady Gaga) have millions. In a Facebook Fan Page, all a fan has to do is “Like” the page.

Frankly, I’m not sure why Facebook has chosen to lift the “5,000 friend” limit, and if I were a person with more than 5,000 friends, this would make me nervous. Lifting the limit only encourages people who are blatantly disregarding Facebook’s Terms of Service, which state (I’m not a lawyer, so don’t quote me) that you can’t “friend” people you don’t know in order to sell them things, and why else would you friend people you didn’t know, especially in numbers that large?

I’m half-suspecting that this is a trap set by Facebook to catch blatant marketers, to see who will notice the limit lift and use it as an excuse to friend thousands of people, which Facebook can then use as grounds to ban them. This would not surprise me, and in fact, I have gone back and forth on numerous occasions with Facebook on behalf of people who were, for instance, using a Facebook profile as a business, only to find one day that Facebook had taken away not only their profile, but all of their friends with it. Don’t let this happen to you!

At any rate, just because you CAN have more Facebook friends doesn’t mean you should. This might be a glitch, it might be a trap, or it might be a reminder that you need to either turn your overstuffed Facebook profile into a Fan Page, or that you have something you want to sell, so you should get around to starting up a Fan Page and ask your friends to “Like” it.

Whatever the reason, please do not take this as an excuse to friend a thousand people for marketing purposes, or to continue using a personal profile as a business. Facebook doesn’t want to turn into MySpace, and eventually they are going to crack down on people who are doing this. Remember, Facebook is a business, they want to make money, and part of their business model is to make it so that you have to pay for Facebook Ads to build up the audience to your Facebook Fan Page. They’re not going to just suddenly let you have 10,000 friends with no consequences. I think this is a trap Facebook is setting for “over-marketers,” meaning people with low/ no budget to run ads who traditionally would go into the system, friend thousands of people, and then spam them with links/ things they are trying to promote or sell. I predict that we will start to see people who do that get their accounts taken away. Just my opinion.

Watch your step!

Questions

I am a writer, not an advertising exec, so why should I care about how to promote my book?

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Yes, after you have finished the daunting task of completing your book – or perhaps while you are still in the midst of the daunting task of completing your book – it seems crazy to think about the prospect of taking on yet another daunting task. But whether you are self-publishing or have landed your book with a big publisher, you have a lot to gain by jumping into the promotion process with gusto. It is after all YOUR book and you want to do everything possible to get it out there to the people, right? Even if you have hired someone or some company to help, it’s still a good idea to be involved in the process. You don’t have to work on Madison Avenue or be a cast member of Mad Men to understand how marketing works. If you need a place to start, our do-it-yourself guide to book marketing, “How to Market a Book!” can help. Check it out and you will find very quickly that marketing does not have to be a scary part of the publishing process, and (believe it or not) it can actually be enjoyable.

Book Marketing

Advertising Your Book on Amazon KDP– a Step by Step Guide

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If you’re looking to boost the visibility of your book and win new readers, Amazon’s advertising platform is a powerful place to do it. Yes to paid advertising all day long! Sponsored Product Ads, in particular, can help you stand out in a crowded market and reach potential buyers who are actively browsing or searching for books. Below is a straightforward, step-by-step guide to get you started.

However (and this is a big however!), I bet you’re not ready to run ads, and I would love to save you some money by making sure you (and your book) are totally ready before you spend one penny on ads.

Step 1: Prepare Your Author Platform

Before you invest in ads, make sure there’s a way for new readers to stay connected with you—beyond just a single purchase. That’s where your author platform comes into play.

Create or Update Your Website
Even a simple site that showcases your books, your bio, and an email signup form helps establish credibility. Include links to your social media pages, plus an easy way for readers to contact you.
Offer a Reader Magnet
Provide a free short story, a bonus chapter, or any other special content in exchange for readers’ email addresses. This way, when ads drive traffic to your Amazon book page, you can also direct people to your site to join your email list.
Stay Active on Key Social Channels
It’s better to focus on one or two platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) rather than trying to be everywhere. Regular updates and interactions show potential readers you’re an engaged, authentic author and will give them a chance to follow and engage with you that you don’t have to keep paying for (and also, hopefully, get them to sign up for your email list).

An established platform doesn’t just build trust with potential readers—it also means you won’t be depending on ads alone to maintain contact with your audience. Once someone discovers you through an ad, you have a place to invite them where they can become long-term fans.

I’m so serious right now– do NOT PROCEED TO THE NEXT STEP UNTIL THIS IS DONE. Do not spend one penny on advertising, marketing, or book promotion of any kind until you have these things set up. If you do, you are basically pumping money through your book, not building your career and your business as an actual author.If you don’t have a link inside your book to a reader magnet where people can sign up for your email list, you are not ready to run paid ads. Stop right here and set all of that up!!

Step 2: Prepare Your Book Listing

A good ad can only do so much if your product page isn’t ready to convert visitors into buyers. Treat your listing like a mini sales page.

Book Cover
Make sure it looks professional and matches the style typical of your genre. Think of your cover as a billboard that has just a few seconds to capture attention.
Competitive Analysis
Look at other top-selling books in your genre. Pay special attention to their cover design, book descriptions, pricing, and keywords. Ask yourself what makes your book different or more appealing. Incorporate these insights into your own listing strategy.
Description
Write a concise, compelling blurb that hooks readers right away. If it’s too long or unorganized, visitors may lose interest. Use Amazon-allowed HTML (bold, italics, bullet points) to make it more scannable.
Keywords & Categories
Fill in relevant, accurate keywords so Amazon knows when and where to display your book. Double-check you’re in the best categories to reach your ideal readers.
Reviews
While not strictly required to start advertising, having some positive reviews can dramatically increase your conversion rate once people click on your ad.

Step 3: Access Amazon Advertising

Log in to KDP: Go to your KDP Bookshelf at kdp.amazon.com and sign in.
Select a Book: Find the title you want to promote and click “Promote and Advertise.”
Open Amazon Advertising: You’ll land in the Amazon Advertising dashboard, where you can create and manage campaigns. If it’s your first time, Amazon may provide a quick tutorial.

Step 4: Choose Your Campaign Type

Sponsored Products are the most common and beginner-friendly option for authors:

Reach Readers in Search: Your ad can appear in search results for relevant keywords.
Feature Your Book Cover: Readers see your cover, title, and a short text snippet, which is very direct and clickable.

Click “Create campaign” and select “Sponsored Products.”

Step 5: Decide on Targeting

Amazon offers two main targeting methods for Sponsored Products:

Automatic Targeting
Amazon uses your book’s metadata—title, subtitle, categories, and keywords—to decide who sees your ad. This option is quick to set up and great for gathering data on which search terms convert.
Manual Targeting
You choose specific keywords or ASINs (competing or complementary books). This approach provides more control but requires keyword research.

Many authors begin with an auto campaign to discover which keywords work best, then launch a manual campaign focusing on the strongest keywords or ASINs.

Step 6: Set Your Budget and Bids

Daily Budget
Decide how much you’re willing to spend each day (e.g., $5 to $10 is typical for beginners). You can increase this later if you see good traction.
Default Bid
This is the amount you’re willing to pay per click. Start modestly—maybe $0.30–$0.50—then adjust if you’re not getting enough impressions or if your costs are too high.
Bid Optimization
For beginners, “Dynamic bids—down only” lets Amazon lower your bid in real-time if it thinks a click is less likely to convert. This helps keep you from overpaying.

Step 7: Create Your Ad Copy (Optional)

Sponsored Products ads typically display your book cover and metadata by default. However, you may have the option to add a short custom text blurb. Keep it brief, focusing on a key benefit or hook for your target readers. Avoid promotional language like “On sale now” or “#1 best seller,” as Amazon’s policies may disallow certain claims.

Step 8: Review and Launch

Double-check everything:

Campaign name (helps you stay organized if you run multiple campaigns)
Start/end dates (you can leave it open-ended and pause manually)
Budget and bids (are they realistic for your goals?)
Targeting type (auto or manual)
Ad creative (cover, short text)

When satisfied, click “Launch campaign.” It can take a few hours—sometimes up to 24—for Amazon to approve and start displaying your ads.

Step 9: Monitor and Optimize

Advertising on Amazon isn’t a “set it and forget it” process. Keep an eye on:

Impressions: If these are too low, consider raising your bid or increasing the daily budget.
Clicks/CTR: A low click-through rate might mean your cover or ad text isn’t resonating with your audience.
Sales/ACOS: Look at your Advertising Cost of Sales. Aim to keep it below your profit margin.
Search Term Report: Especially useful for auto campaigns. Identify which terms or ASINs lead to profitable sales, and which just eat up your budget.

Step 10: Expand with Manual Campaigns

After you’ve gleaned insights from your auto campaign, create Manual Sponsored Products campaigns:

Keywords: Add the high-performing terms from your auto campaign.
Negative Keywords: Exclude words that consistently lead to clicks but no sales.
ASIN Targeting: If a particular competing or complementary book converts well, target that ASIN specifically.

Adjust bids as needed. Raise bids on profitable keywords, lower or pause those that are underperforming.

Step 11: Rinse and Repeat

Amazon advertising is an iterative process:

Test New Keywords: Trends change, new reader preferences emerge, so keep refining your approach.
Experiment with Additional Campaign Types: Sponsored Brand ads (if you have multiple books) or Lockscreen ads (on Kindle devices) can also be worth exploring.
Stay Vigilant: Even small tweaks—like altering your bid by a few cents—can have a meaningful impact on your results.

Final Thoughts

Advertising on Amazon can be a fantastic way to reach new readers, but it works best when you’ve prepared a rock-solid foundation. By building a vibrant author platform, refining your book listing (with a solid cover, compelling description, and smart keyword choices), and understanding how to target your ads, you’ll give yourself the strongest chance for success. Then, once your campaigns are live, stay curious and keep optimizing—because the best results come from thoughtful experimentation and consistent follow-through.

Book Marketing

All About BookFunnel: What is It? Why Do Authors Need It? Is it Worth it?

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Because I am (apparently) never done bombarding you with new things you need and have to pay for, let’s talk about something I use that I think you should use if you have the budget: BookFunnel.

What is BookFunnel?

Long story short, BookFunnel is a website that helps authors deliver their books to readers seamlessly. It offers a range of tools for distributing eBooks, managing giveaways, conducting pre-orders, and building an engaged reader base. By providing a one-stop shop for all of this stuff, BookFunnel simplifies the (often overly complicated) processes of book distribution and reader engagement.

Why Would You Need It?

One of the primary reasons authors use BookFunnel is its ability to facilitate seamless book distribution. That means you can deliver their books directly to readers in multiple formats, including ePub, PDF, and MOBI, ensuring compatibility across various devices and eReaders. This flexibility enhances the reader’s experience by reducing technical barriers to accessing your work. It makes your life easier because you don’t have to manage multiple emails of people having technical problems trying to open your pdf on whatever e-reader they are using at the moment (which you know all too well if you’ve ever tried to manage a free giveaway like bonus material or ARC distribution in eBook form). What you don’t want is to be trying to trouble-shoot every single person’s tech problems while you’re in the middle of your launch, and BookFunnel solves that problem for you. To me, that alone makes it worth the money.

Building and managing email lists is another advantage BookFunnel offers. As I’ve said approximately one million times, an engaged email list is one of the most valuable assets for an author, and BookFunnel integrates seamlessly with popular email marketing services like Mailerlite and Email Octopus. These integration enable authors to grow their subscriber base by offering free books or exclusive content as incentives for sign-ups, fostering a direct line of communication with their readers.

ARC distributions and bonus materials are the reason I personally use them. I used to distribute all of that kind of stuff via PDF, but then I heard a crazy nightmare story about a fellow author sending out ARCs via PDF (using one of the services, not their own list, just to be clear), and later having one of the ARC readers upload that PDF into Amazon and publish it as their own work. Because the PDF didn’t have any kind of tracking or watermarking, the author could not prove ownership to Amazon and ended up having to get a lawyer involved to get their work back.

After that I stopped distributing any of my work via PDF. Now I only use ePubs distributed through BookFunnel, with watermarking and tracking turned on. BookFunnel employs secure delivery methods to prevent unauthorized sharing and piracy. Features like DRM-free downloads and personalized download links ensure that authors’ work is protected while still being easily accessible to legitimate readers.

And look, I get that if you’re a first-time author, alot of that probably seemed like gibberish to you and something that you don’t even want to think about yet, and I get that. The problem is, that kind of thing is something that can happen to you at any time in your career (and in fact, the scary example above was for that author’s debut novel), so it actually benefits you to put some advanced security measures in place, even if it costs extra. I do feel like the money you will spend on BookFunnel is money that you would probably have spent on an ARC service if you didn’t know what you were doing, if that’s any reassurance. This is another example of “build it the first time properly and you won’t have to spend money to revise it,” I suppose.

BookFunnel Pricing

BookFunnel offers several pricing tiers to cater to authors at different stages of their careers and with varying needs. The Basic Plan starts around $15 per month and includes a limited number of downloads, basic email integrations, and standard support. This plan is ideal for authors who are just starting out and have modest distribution needs, and you can pay for a year in advance to get a discount.

The Pro Plan is approximately $29 per month and offers increased download limits, advanced email integrations, priority support, and additional customization options for delivery pages. This plan suits growing authors who need more robust features to manage their expanding reader base and promotional activities.

For established authors with larger audiences, the Premium Plan costs roughly $99 per month. It includes unlimited downloads, full access to all integrations and customization options, dedicated support, and enhanced analytics and reporting. This comprehensive plan is perfect for authors who require extensive distribution capabilities and detailed insights into their promotional efforts.

It’s important to note that pricing may vary, and BookFunnel occasionally offers discounts or custom plans for high-volume authors and publishers, making it adaptable to different budgetary requirements.

Setting Up BookFunnel

Getting started with BookFunnel is a straightforward process that begins with choosing a pricing plan on their website. Many authors start with a free trial to explore the features before committing to a paid plan. Once you’ve selected a plan, the next step is to integrate BookFunnel with your preferred email marketing service. This integration streamlines list-building by automatically adding new subscribers to your email list when they download your book through BookFunnel.

After setting up the integration, upload your properly formatted eBook files (ePub, PDF, or MOBI) to your BookFunnel account. Ensuring your book is free of errors will provide readers with the best possible experience. With your files in place, create a download page and personalize it with your branding elements—like your author photo, book cover, and a compelling call-to-action. BookFunnel’s templates make this easy, even if you have limited design skills.

Once your download page is ready, it’s time to set up your first campaign. Whether you’re planning a giveaway, a pre-order, or a promotional offer, be sure to define clear parameters for participation—such as asking readers to join your email list or share your campaign on social media. After you’ve finalized these details, distribute the download link through your website, social media channels, email newsletters, and other marketing platforms. BookFunnel’s real-time tracking tools help you monitor performance and make adjustments on the fly.

Finally, once your campaign concludes, review the analytics to see what worked and what could be improved. Use these insights to refine your future campaigns, optimizing your strategies for better results and stronger reader engagement.

Conclusion

In the competitive world of publishing, standing out requires more than just writing a great book—it involves effectively promoting and distributing it. BookFunnel offers authors a powerful set of tools to streamline these processes, from managing giveaways and pre-orders to building a loyal email list and engaging with readers. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and robust integrations make it an indispensable asset for authors aiming to maximize their reach and impact.

By investing in BookFunnel, authors can save time, protect their work, and create meaningful connections with their audience, ultimately driving greater success in their writing careers. Whether you’re launching your first novel or looking to enhance your existing promotional strategies, BookFunnel provides the support and functionality needed to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

For more information, visit BookFunnel’s website to explore how it can help you reach more readers and streamline your book promotion efforts.

Email Marketing

10 Steps to Building Your Author Email List from Scratch

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Are you starting from zero with your email list? Don’t worry – you’re in the right place! Building an author email list might sound intimidating, but it’s one of the best ways to connect with readers, promote your books, and grow a loyal community.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to build your author email list step by step – from your first subscriber to a ravenous group of superfans that can’t wait for your next release. This is an even more broken down version of this post, where I basically talk about how you must have a link to your reader magnet/ email signup inside your book before you can do anything else, period, end of story.

1. Decide on an Email Marketing/ Autoresponder Service

Good news – plenty of fantastic email tools make it easy to grow and manage your list. These services help you create beautiful emails, forms, pop-ups, and automations to attract and retain subscribers. This list (and even more providers) can be found on this page as well.

In case you’re about to say “I have no idea what an autoresponder service is,” that’s fine. Now is your time to learn.

An email autoresponder service is a tool that automatically sends pre-scheduled emails to subscribers after they join your mailing list. These services are part of email marketing platforms that help you manage your email list, create campaigns, and build relationships with readers by automating communication.

For example, when someone signs up for your mailing list, an autoresponder can instantly send a welcome email. From there, you can schedule a series of emails, such as updates about your books, exclusive content, or promotions.

Got it? Got it! Here are the ones I use:

Mailerlite – Known for its user-friendly interface, Mailerlite offers powerful tools like landing pages, pop-ups, and automation workflows.
EmailOctopus – A cost-effective option, EmailOctopus integrates seamlessly with Amazon SES and helps you send beautiful, customized campaigns on a budget.
Aweber – Aweber provides drag-and-drop email design, list management, and automation features. It’s ideal for beginners who need reliable tools and robust customer support.
Kit – Kit combines email marketing and ecommerce tools, making it easy to promote books, share freebies, and analyze subscriber behavior.
GetResponse – A versatile platform offering advanced automation, landing pages, and even webinars to engage your audience and expand your reach.

Each of these tools offers free trials or affordable starter plans, so pick one that best suits your goals and budget.

Oh, and if you’re wondering why I didn’t mention MailChimp, please see my rant about them over here. I’m SO DONE WITH THEM, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to get one of old email lists back from them before they start charging me a zillion dollars.

2. Create an Irresistible Reader Magnet

The fastest way to attract subscribers is by offering a compelling freebie in exchange for their email. Your freebie should be valuable, relevant to your audience, and hard to resist.

Here are some ideas for author freebies:

Exclusive short stories or deleted scenes.
First chapter preview of your book.
Printable resources: character worksheets, writing prompts, or book trivia challenges.
Sneak peeks of upcoming releases.
If you write non-fiction, consider a companion workbook or step-by-step guide.

If this is something you want to know alot more about, can I recommend Tammi Labreque’s excellent books? Tammi is the absolute best.

3. Build a Dedicated Landing Page for Your Freebie

A landing page is a single, focused page where visitors can learn about your freebie and sign up for it. Its job is simple: convince readers to share their email address.

Here’s what your landing page needs:

A bold headline: Highlight the freebie (e.g., “Get Your Free Short Story – Step into [Book Title]!”).
A subheadline: Add intrigue (e.g., “Exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else!”).
Visuals: Show your freebie with an eye-catching graphic.
Bullet points: Briefly list the benefits of signing up.
A clear call-to-action (CTA): Use inviting text like “Download Now!”.
Simple form: Only ask for the name and email.

Remove distractions like navigation menus or extra links to keep the focus on signing up. I use BookFunnel for these types of pages. Here’s one of mine (in case you’re curious):

4. Set Up an Automated Welcome Email

When a reader subscribes, greet them with a warm welcome email. Email automation tools like Mailerlite, Aweber, or GetResponse make this easy to set up. MailChimp doesn’t allow free account holders to use this feature anymore, which is why I quit them.

A single welcome email works, but a welcome sequence builds a stronger connection:

Email 1: Thank readers for subscribing and deliver the freebie (attach it or share a download link).
Email 2: Introduce yourself and your writing journey. Share what readers can expect from your emails.
Email 3: Offer something extra – a discount, sneak peek, or exclusive content to make subscribers feel special.

This sequence helps new readers feel welcome, builds trust, and sets the stage for future updates.

5. Get the Word Out About Your Freebie

Once your freebie is ready, it’s time to spread the word and attract subscribers.

Social Media: Create graphics showcasing your freebie with tools like Canva. Write engaging captions like, “Want to know what happens before [Character’s Name]’s adventure? Get my free prequel story!” Pin your posts to the top of your profile.
Your Website/Blog: Use pop-ups, banners, or dedicated blog posts to promote your freebie. Highlight its value and include a clear CTA.
Substack: If you don’t have a website, Substack combines blogging and newsletters into one platform, helping authors attract readers with ease.

6. Network with Fellow Writers

Collaborating with other authors is a fantastic way to grow your audience. Networking allows you to share your work while reaching new readers.

Join Writing Communities: Engage in groups on Facebook, Reddit, or Discord. Share advice, collaborate on promotions, and support other writers.
Write Guest Posts: Contribute articles to author blogs or newsletters. Include a link to your freebie in exchange for your insights.
Host Joint Events: Collaborate on webinars, workshops, or virtual discussions to expand your reach and promote your email list.

7. Swap Newsletters with Other Authors

Newsletter swaps are a win-win strategy for indie authors. Promote another author’s freebie or book in your newsletter, and they’ll share yours with their audience.

Platforms like StoryOrigin and BookFunnel simplify the process by connecting authors with similar audiences:

StoryOrigin: Browse a database of authors, track results, and swap freebies effortlessly.
BookFunnel: Use group promos to reach thousands of readers through collaborative book promotions.

For the best results, partner with authors in your genre who have a similar audience size and readership.

8. Grow Your List with Giveaways

Giveaways are a proven way to get readers excited and subscribed. Offer prizes like signed books, swag, or digital bundles, and make email sign-up a condition for entering.

For example, your form could say: “Sign up for my newsletter to win a signed copy of [Book Title]!” This clear incentive increases participation while growing your email list.

9. Set Up Email Segmentation

Email segmentation lets you personalize your emails for different types of subscribers. It’s a simple way to keep your audience engaged and your messaging relevant.

Here’s how to segment your list:

By source of sign-up: Separate subscribers from giveaways, freebie downloads, or events.
By engagement level: Divide active readers, dormant subscribers, and new sign-ups.
By content preference: Let subscribers choose what they want (e.g., book updates, blog posts, or writing tips). This is also where you would segment off a portion of your list to be your ARC readers.

10. Keep Sign-Ups Easy

Make signing up for your email list as simple as possible. Place your subscription form in visible spots, like the header, sidebar, footer, or as a pop-up.

Use short, inviting text like:

“Get My Free Short Story!”
“Sign Up for Exclusive Updates.”

Only ask for a name and email – too many fields can discourage readers. A clean design with a bold CTA ensures people can subscribe effortlessly.

Summing Up

Building an author email list is one of the most effective tools for connecting with readers, promoting your books, and growing a loyal fanbase. By offering irresistible freebies, using the right tools like Mailerlite, EmailOctopus, or Aweber, and networking with other authors, you’ll create a community that loves your work and eagerly supports your journey.

Are you already growing your email list? Share your strategies and success stories in the comments below!

Email Marketing

Why I Quit MailChimp (for Author Email Marketing) and Why You Should Too

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I was a MailChimp die-hard for a long time (like, at least 15 years), and I’m sad to say I am just about to move my last list and close my last account. I finally hit my breaking point. MailChimp was once the go-to platform for email marketing. It’s user-friendly, has fun branding, and gets recommended everywhere. But over time, I discovered some serious downsides that made me rethink my loyalty to the service.

Here’s why I quit MailChimp, and why you might want to consider alternatives too.

The Allure and Hidden Costs of MailChimp

MailChimp has long been a popular choice for email marketers, especially those starting out. Its free plan, which offers up to 2,000 subscribers and 10,000 emails per month, seemed perfect for budding authors looking to build their mailing list without breaking the bank. However, the reality of scaling up revealed a different story.

1. Escalating Costs After the Free Plan

While MailChimp’s free plan is generous, transitioning to a paid plan quickly becomes expensive. Let’s break down the pricing for a more substantial subscriber base to highlight the disparity:

MailChimp:
- Free Plan: Up to 2,000 subscribers and 10,000 emails/month.
- Essentials Plan: Starts at $13 per month for up to 500 subscribers, escalating to $299 for 50,000 subscribers.
- Standard Plan: Begins at $20 per month for 500 subscribers, reaching $499 for 50,000 subscribers.
- Premium Plan: Starts at $350 per month for 10,000 subscribers, scaling up significantly from there.

In contrast, when you outgrow the free tier, MailChimp’s pricing can quickly become prohibitive, especially for authors who are just starting to monetize their readership.

MailerLite vs. MailChimp: A Cost Comparison

MailerLite offers a more affordable and straightforward pricing structure:

Free Plan: Up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails/month.
Paid Plans:
- Paid Lite: Starts at $10 per month for up to 1,000 subscribers, scaling up to $50 for 5,000 subscribers.
- Premium Plan: Offers advanced features starting at $21 per month for 1,000 subscribers.

When comparing for a subscriber base of 5,000:

MailChimp Essentials: Approximately $48/month.
MailerLite Paid Lite: $10/month.

MailerLite provides comparable, if not better, features at a fraction of MailChimp’s cost.

Email Octopus: Another Affordable Alternative

Email Octopus presents another budget-friendly alternative:

Free Plan: Up to 2,500 subscribers and 10,000 emails/month.
Paid Plans:
- Paid: Starts at $10 per month for up to 5,000 subscribers.
- Growth Plan: $25 per month for up to 15,000 subscribers.

For 5,000 subscribers:

MailChimp Essentials: Approximately $48/month.
Email Octopus Paid: $10/month.

Email Octopus not only matches MailChimp in terms of subscriber capacity but does so at a significantly lower price point.

2. The Missing Autoresponder Feature

One of the most critical features for authors is the autoresponder—automated email sequences that nurture relationships with readers, welcome new subscribers, and promote new releases. Unfortunately, MailChimp has removed access to its autoresponder feature from the free plan, forcing users to upgrade to paid tiers to retain this essential functionality.

Why Autoresponders Are Vital for Authors

Autoresponders enable authors to:

Welcome New Subscribers: Automatically send a welcome email when someone joins your mailing list.
Nurture Relationships: Engage with readers through regular updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive offers without manual intervention.
Promote Releases: Schedule automated campaigns to announce new book launches, pre-orders, and special promotions.

Without access to autoresponders on the free plan, authors are left to manually manage these crucial communications or face the steep costs of upgrading to maintain automation.

3. They Raise Prices Without Adding Value

MailChimp has a habit of raising their prices without offering additional features or improving the user experience. While many services evolve and offer more value with price changes, MailChimp just… charges more.

To make matters worse, canceling your account isn’t as easy as it should be. It feels like they put up unnecessary roadblocks, as if hoping you’ll give up halfway through and stay. No one likes feeling trapped, especially when there are more affordable options out there.

4. You Pay for Unsubscribed Users Unless You Archive Them

This one was the final straw for me. Recently, MailChimp was called out for continuing to charge users for unsubscribed contacts unless they’re manually archived.

Think about that for a second:

Someone unsubscribes from your emails, and you assume they’re off your list.
MailChimp, however, still counts those people toward your subscriber total, which means you’re being charged for people who don’t even want to hear from you.
The only way to stop this? You have to manually archive those contacts – something MailChimp doesn’t openly tell you.

How are you supposed to know this? Unless you dig into the fine print or happen to stumble upon the issue, you’ll keep paying more for nothing. It’s shady and unfair, and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

Why Switching Makes Sense

Given the high costs and the removal of essential features like autoresponders from MailChimp’s free plan, switching to a more affordable and feature-rich provider like MailerLite or Email Octopus makes strategic sense. Here’s why:

Cost-Effectiveness

Significant Savings: Both MailerLite and Email Octopus offer comparable or superior features at a fraction of MailChimp’s cost.
Scalable Pricing: These alternatives provide scalable pricing models that grow with your subscriber base without exorbitant fees.

Comprehensive Features

Autoresponders Included: Unlike MailChimp, MailerLite and Email Octopus include autoresponder functionality in their free or low-cost plans, ensuring you can automate vital communications without additional expenses.
User-Friendly Interfaces: Both platforms are known for their intuitive interfaces, making it easier for authors to create and manage campaigns without a steep learning curve.

Superior Support and Flexibility

Dedicated Support: MailerLite and Email Octopus often provide more personalized customer support, catering specifically to the needs of small businesses and independent authors.
Flexible Integrations: These platforms integrate seamlessly with various author tools and websites, enhancing your overall marketing strategy.

Conclusion: Making the Smart Move for Your Author Brand

As an author, your primary focus should be on writing and engaging with your readers, not wrestling with expensive and limiting email marketing platforms. MailChimp’s escalating costs and the removal of key features like autoresponders from their free plan make it a less attractive option, especially when more affordable and equally capable alternatives like MailerLite and Email Octopus are available.

By switching to a platform that offers essential features at a sustainable price, you can invest more in your writing and marketing efforts, ultimately fostering stronger relationships with your readers and driving your author brand forward.

Don’t let high costs and missing features hold back your email marketing potential. Explore MailerLite and Email Octopus today and take control of your author communication strategy without breaking the bank.

The Bottom Line

MailChimp might look great on the surface, but their pricing model, lack of transparency, and frustrating user experience make it hard to justify sticking around. When there are services like MailerLite, EmailOctopus, AWeber, Kit, and GetResponse offering better features for a fraction of the cost, the choice becomes pretty clear. I actually have a breakdown of all the email services I recommend right here.

If you’re looking for:

Affordable pricing as your list grows,
Full access to essential features (like automation),
And a transparent, user-friendly experience…

…then it’s time to consider leaving MailChimp behind.

Switching email platforms might seem daunting, but it’s worth it to save money, regain control of your list, and work with a service that values its users.

Your subscribers deserve the best. You do too.

Have you experienced frustrations with MailChimp? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear your story!

Email Marketing

Your Email List: Your Most Valuable Asset as an Author

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Let’s talk about something that might surprise you. You know how everyone says you need to be on social media, have a fancy website, and constantly promote your latest book? Well, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: while those things are nice, they’re not the most powerful tool in your arsenal.

What is? Your email list.

I know what you’re thinking – “Email? Really? Isn’t that kind of… old school?” Trust me, I hear this all the time. But here’s the thing: your email list is the one marketing asset you actually own and control. And that’s huge.

## Here’s Why This Matters So Much

Think about it this way: every time someone buys your book on Amazon, guess who gets to keep their contact information? Not you – Amazon does. They’re over there building relationships with your readers while you’re left wondering how to reach them again. Pretty frustrating, right?

And social media? Sure, it’s great, but those followers don’t really belong to you. Facebook or Instagram could change their algorithm tomorrow (we’ve all seen it happen), or those platforms could take away your accounts, and suddenly your posts are reaching basically nobody. Not fun. Also, how about that TikTok ban looming on the horizon? How would you like to be one of those authors who is ONLY selling books because of TikTok? That’s going to be a rude awakening if the ban goes through. However, if those authors had been getting even a fraction of those book buyers to sign up for their email lists, they’d be better off and not have to start all over.

Speaking of starting over, let me describe a very common phenomenon I see with almost every author I start working with.

## The Endless Launch Cycle Trap

This is when authors have to start from scratch with every single book launch. They’re out there hustling on social media, running ads, doing everything they can think of to reach new readers. It’s exhausting, and honestly? It doesn’t have to be that way. If those authors would just stop and set things up properly so they were consistently building their email lists, each launch would be easier.

## Let Me Make This Super Simple

There are really just three things you need to set up (Let’s call them the 3Ls to make them easy to remember):

1. A List – Pick an email service (like MailerLite or EmailOctopus- anything but MailChimp! – there are tons of good ones. Here’s a list.)
2. A Link (or a QR code) – Something easy for readers to type or click
3. A Landing Page – A page where people can sign up (usually in exchange for something cool, like a bonus chapter). I use BookFunnel for this but you can put a page on your author website or use one from your email service. Just make sure it is super simple to remember in case your reader is going to actually type it in to the internet.

That’s it! No fancy website needed, no complicated marketing schemes. Just these three pieces working together.

## “But I Don’t Know How to Do Any of That!”

I totally get it – this stuff can feel overwhelming at first. That’s exactly why I put together a free guide that walks you through everything step by step. You can grab that here.

(See what I did there? That’s exactly the kind of link you’ll want to include in your books!)

## Don’t Make This Mistake

Here’s something that makes me sad every single day: I can’t tell you how many authors I’ve worked with who have written dozens of books but never collected a single email address. They always say the same thing: “I wish I’d started this years ago.”

Don’t let that be you! If you’ve already published books without an email signup link inside, every sale is a missed opportunity to connect with a potential superfan. Don’t beat yourself up about it. All you can do is start where you are, right now, today.

## Ready to Take Action?

Here’s your super simple game plan:
1. Grab that free guide I mentioned
2. Sign up for an email service (almost all of them have free plans to start)
3. Create a simple landing page with something cool to give away
4. Put that link in your books

That’s it! Once you’ve got this foundation in place, everything else becomes so much easier.

Remember: your email list is like a direct line to your readers’ hearts (and maybe their wallets too – let’s be real). Don’t wait to start building it!

Author Websites

Migrating Your Author Site from SquareSpace to WordPress: a Step by Step Website Guide

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You’re here because your built your author website on SquareSpace (maybe “just to get it over with,” I hear that alot) and now you feel stuck. You like how the site looks, but you feel trapped by the monthly fees and you don’t know what step to take next. Or maybe you were fine with your website (because you didn’t know it could be cheaper) until you read this article, and now you have buyer’s remorse and want to move it.

I get it! I’m here for you. I want you to have a website you like and are in total control of (meaning, it is your actual firstnamelastname.com) that is also budget-friendly. While I do think your website is a super important part of your author platform, I don’t think you’re going to use it a ton (at least at first), and I definitely don’t want you paying something crazy like $30/ month for it. At the beginning of your writer career at least, you’re just putting your website in place as one of the puzzle pieces, mostly to take over that space in the search engines and to give people the opportunity to sign up for your email list. I feel like those requirements can be met for about $5/ month, honestly.

Where do you even start with this?

Good question. To be totally honest with you, migrations are always kind of a chaotic, frustrating mess. That’s a “you don’t know what you don’t know” situation, and the more built up the site is, the more loose ends you’ll end up having to chase down. It helps to keep reminding yourself that ultimately, the headache is going to be worth it to save all that money.

I would start with your domain. The first thing to do is transfer your domain away from SquareSpace so you can control the DNS (where the domain actually points to). SquareSpace counts on you not wanting to know that much about the inner workings of your website, so they maintain control over that part of it (and charge you a premium for that privilege, for whatever reason). If you’ve been exclusively in the SquareSpace world, you might not even be aware of the fact that you can (and should!) register your domain somewhere else for less money. My “best practice” domain registrar is NameCheap, and here’s the thing– once you transfer your domain over there, you can always point it back to SquareSpace if you decide not to do the migration. So, let’s tackle that one first just to save you some money.

What we’re doing here is moving your website over from SquareSpace to NameCheap, with WordPress.org (a software) as the back-end. Once your site is built out of WordPress (rather than SquareSpace’s technology), it will look completely different, so start mentally preparing for that now. I know you like the SquareSpace design, but you can’t take it with you (sorry!). This is about saving you money.

How to Transfer Your Domain from Squarespace to NameCheap

Before You Start

Make sure your domain meets these requirements:

At least 60 days old (ICANN rule)
Not expired
Domain lock is disabled
You have access to the email address listed on the domain

If your domain doesn’t meet all of these requirements yet (like, because you just registered it at SquareSpace), that is totally fine! Bookmark this post and come back to this later.

Step 1: Prepare Your Domain in Squarespace

Log in to your Squarespace account
Go to Settings > Domains
Click on your domain name
Disable domain lock if enabled
Request an authorization code (EPP code)
- Click “Get Authorization Code”
- Squarespace will email this code to you
- Keep this code handy – you’ll need it for NameCheap

Step 2: Start the Transfer at NameCheap

Go to NameCheap.com
Go to Domains> Transfer
3. Type in your domain name. It will give you some information about whether the domain is “eligible for transfer,” which is just referring to whether it is technically “old enough” to be moved. Do not let any of the language alarm or confuse you. You’re doing great!

4. Add the transfer to your cart

5. Complete the checkout process (transfers typically cost around $10-15)

Step 3: Enter Authorization Code

After purchase, go to your NameCheap dashboard
Find the domain under “Domain List” > “Transfer Domain”
Enter the authorization code from Squarespace
Follow the prompts to confirm domain ownership

Step 4: Approve the Transfer

Check the administrative email address associated with your domain
Look for an email requesting transfer approval
Click the approval link or follow instructions to approve
The transfer process will begin

Step 5: Wait for Completion

Transfer typically takes 5-7 days
Both Squarespace and NameCheap will send status updates
Don’t cancel your Squarespace domain service until the transfer is complete

Step 6: Update DNS Records (If Needed)

Once the transfer is complete:

Log into your NameCheap account
Go to Domain List > Manage
Click “Advanced DNS”
Add any necessary DNS records for:
- Website hosting
- Email services
- Third-party services

Important Notes

Keep your Squarespace account active during the transfer
Save copies of your current DNS records before the transfer
The transfer fee typically includes one year of domain registration
Your website might experience brief downtime during DNS propagation

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If it seems like SquareSpace doesn’t want you to leave:

1. Stay positive and persistent. This is happening
2. Tell them “It’s fine, I’m just moving my domain over to a less expensive registrar. I still like you.”
3. Keep saying “No thank you” until they give you the damn code already.

If your transfer gets stuck:

Take several deep breaths and remind yourself that this is going to be worth it.
Verify your domain is unlocked
Verify the authorization code is correct
Ensure your contact information is accurate
Contact NameCheap support if needed (they have wonderful chat support)

After the Transfer

Verify your domain works correctly
Update contact information if needed
Set up auto-renewal if desired
Save your NameCheap login information
Go back and cancel your Squarespace domain service

Step 2: Get (Cheap) Hosting, Install WordPress

Once the domain is settled (so to speak), your next move is to get some hosting and install WordPress on it. I would recommend just using NameCheap’s hosting because it is the easiest to set up, and frankly, you have enough to worry about right now and are probably just about over this process already.

So, go back over to NameCheap, click on “Hosting,” then “Shared” and choose one of these options:

I would love for you to pick “Stellar Plus” (the one in the middle) or “Stellar Business” (the one on the right) because those give you the option of hosting more than one website and I want you to leave your options open for growth, but honestly, if the $2/ month option is looking super appealing right now because of what you’ve been paying SquareSpace, I get it! Do that!!

When that’s done (and remember, your site still “lives” at SquareSpace so it will look like it always did), that is all you can do on the NameCheap side, so you’ll need to go back over to SquareSpace and start packing up your virtual boxes in preparation for your big move.

Don’t stress! This is going to work out!

Step 3: Go to SquareSpace, export your site

The process of moving your content from Squarespace to WordPress involves several key steps. First, you’ll need to export your Squarespace content. Go to Settings > Advanced > Export in your Squarespace dashboard. This will create an XML file containing your pages, posts, and some basic content structure.

However, be aware that not everything will transfer perfectly. You’ll likely need to manually move or recreate:

Custom page layouts
Contact forms
Image galleries
Product listings (if you have an online store)
Email newsletter integrations

Now’s the time to really go through the site and go on a copy/ paste frenzy, man. Back that entire site up, one page at a time, and save it somewhere like Google Docs. That way, even if the XML import doesn’t work, you can rebuild by hand.

Step 4: Set Up WordPress

Now, it’s time to get WordPress up and running so you can begin the import process.

Install WordPress on Your Host: Most hosting providers have a one-click install option. Follow their instructions to set up WordPress.
Access Your WP Dashboard: Typically, you’ll go to yourwebsite.com/wp-admin to log in. Enter the credentials you created during the install.
Pick a Theme: While you can start with a default WordPress theme, you might want to explore themes specifically for authors. Look for something that’s responsive (mobile-friendly) and suits your brand. You can always switch themes later.

Note: Don’t sweat the design details too much yet. You can fine-tune your theme and layout after the content is in place. Just make sure to take a bunch of screenshots of your SquareSpace site so you can find a WordPress theme that looks vaguely similar.

5. Import Your Squarespace Content into WordPress

Now for the fun part—bringing your blog posts and pages to their new home.

In WordPress, Go to Tools → Import: You’ll see a list of options for importing.
Install the WordPress Importer Plugin: If you haven’t already, WordPress will prompt you to install this. It’s free and quick to set up.
Upload Your Squarespace XML File: Select the file you downloaded from Squarespace, and hit Upload and Import.
Assign Authors: If you’ve got multiple authors or want to assign a specific user to the imported posts, you can handle that here.
Wait for the Process to Complete: Once it’s done, you’ll see a success message. Congratulations—your basic content is now in WordPress!

Warning: Some elements—like photo galleries, forms, or custom code blocks—won’t come through. Make a note of these so you can re-create them.

6. Rebuild and Tweak Your Pages

Time to roll up your sleeves and ensure everything looks good on your new WordPress site.

Compare Pages: Remember the content inventory you made in Step 1? Go through each page in WordPress and see what’s missing or needs updates.
Set Up Navigation: In Appearance → Menus, create or edit your main menu so that it mirrors (or improves upon) your old Squarespace menu.
Add Missing Images and Graphics: Some images may not have transferred. Re-upload them to your Media Library (via Media → Add New), then insert them into your pages/posts.
Recreate Forms: If you had a contact or newsletter form, install a WordPress form plugin (like Contact Form 7, WPForms, or Gravity Forms) and rebuild those forms.
Tidy Up Formatting: Check for any stray formatting quirks. Sometimes paragraphs or headings might need a bit of cleanup.

Pro Tip: If you had a newsletter signup on Squarespace, integrate a WordPress-compatible email marketing plugin or embed the signup form from your chosen email service provider so you can continue to capture subscribers.

7. Design and Branding

Your author website should reflect who you are as a writer and what visitors can expect from your books.

Customize Your Theme: Head to Appearance → Customize to play with fonts, colors, and layout options.
Install Essential Plugins:
- SEO Plugins (Yoast SEO or Rank Math): Helps improve your discoverability on search engines.
- Caching Plugins (WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache): Speeds up your site’s performance.
- Security Plugins (Wordfence or Sucuri): Helps protect against hacks and malware.
Test Your Site on Mobile: Make sure your new WordPress site is mobile-friendly. Most modern themes are responsive, but it’s always good to double-check.

Bonus Tip: Consider a page builder like Elementor, Beaver Builder, or Gutenberg blocks if you want more drag-and-drop flexibility in designing your pages. This can be particularly helpful if you’re not super techy but still want a custom look.

8. Point Your Domain to Your New WordPress Site

Once your site is looking good on WordPress, it’s time to make it live for the world to see. This is where you’ll connect (or “point”) your domain to your new hosting.

Log into Your Domain Registrar: (in this case, NameCheap)
Update DNS Settings: Change your nameservers (or A record) to the ones your new hosting provider gave you.
Allow Time for Propagation: It can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24-48 hours for your new site to appear under your domain across the internet.

9. Run Final Checks

Once your domain is pointing to your new site, do a thorough review.

Check All Pages: Is the layout correct? Are images showing up?
Test Links: Make sure internal links work properly and external links open as expected.
Review SEO Settings: Ensure you have the right title tags, meta descriptions, and alt text for images.
Enable Backups: Set up a regular backup system using a plugin or your host’s built-in backup service.

Reminder: This is the perfect time to share your new website with a few trusted friends or beta readers. Have them poke around and let you know if they spot any issues or typos.

10. Announce Your New Site

You’re live, so it’s time to celebrate—and let your audience know.

Send an Email to Your List: Announce your new site to your mailing list, highlighting any cool new features (like a brand-new freebies section or updated book page). Dude! This is why I am always going on and on (and on) about building an email list!
Post on Social Media: Show off screenshots or a behind-the-scenes look at your design journey. Invite readers to comment on the new look.
Update Links: Make sure all your social media bios (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) point to the correct domain.

Extra Touch: Offer a small giveaway or bonus chapter as a “housewarming” treat to encourage folks to stop by the new site and poke around.

11. Maintain & Grow

Your WordPress site is up and running (and you have hopefully stopped being mad at me for how difficult this process turned out to be), but your journey doesn’t end here.

Keep Plugins and Themes Updated: This helps protect against security issues.
Regularly Publish Blog Posts or Book Updates: Keep your content fresh and your readers engaged.
Monitor Performance: Use Google Analytics or a similar tool to track traffic and see how visitors interact with your site.
SEO & Marketing: Continue optimizing your site for search engines, and ramp up your marketing efforts to bring new readers on board.

Pro Tip: Consider installing a plugin like Broken Link Checker to make sure your site remains healthy over time. It alerts you if any links stop working, so you can fix or remove them quickly.

Final Thoughts

Migrating from Squarespace to WordPress can feel like a big leap, but with a bit of planning and some careful execution, you’ll land on your feet with a shiny new author site that gives you more customization and control. Now, you can flex your creative muscles beyond what Squarespace offered—and really make your online author platform your own. Plus, think of all that money you’re saving!

Good luck, and happy building!

Book Marketing

A Short Guide to Book Marketing for Indie Authors

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So you’ve written a book—congratulations! That’s huge, and you should be incredibly proud. But now you’re staring at your screen thinking, “Okay… how do I actually get this book into readers’ hands?”

This is the # 1 problem I hear from self-published authors! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Here’s the thing: marketing your book doesn’t have to be scary, complicated, or make you feel like you’re turning into a used car salesman. At its heart, book marketing is simply about connecting with people who like your writing. Think of it as matchmaking—you’re just helping your book find its perfect readers!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step, in plain English. No marketing buzzwords, no complicated strategies you need an MBA to understand. Just practical, proven approaches that actually work for indie authors like you.

Your Email List: Your Marketing Foundation

Other marketing experts will argue with me on putting this point first, and those experts are wrong and are trying to sell you something. Why else would they not want you to build up an audience of customers that you own?

Ha! I’m kidding. Sort of. Not really.

Your email list is your most valuable marketing asset—it’s the one channel you truly own. Unlike social media platforms, where algorithms control who sees your content, email gives you direct access to your readers. Here’s how to make it work for you:

Growing Your List

Create irresistible lead magnets: free short stories, exclusive chapters, or character guides
Place sign-up forms strategically across your website
Include newsletter invitations at the end of your books

Making Your Newsletter Worth Reading

Share meaningful updates about your writing journey
Offer exclusive content and sneak peeks
Mix in book recommendations and writing insights
Maintain a consistent schedule your readers can count on

Smart List Management

Welcome new subscribers with automated email sequences
Group subscribers based on their interests
Track what content generates the most engagement

I really do think this is the absolute most important part of author marketing. I think this step should come before any paid advertising, social media outreach, book signings, or anything else you might be wanting to do. Because think about it– every book you sell is an opportunity for that person to become your fan for life (to buy your next book). If your current book goes super viral (which I hope it does!) and sells a million copies, that’s one million people whose email addresses you do not have. Give them the opportunity to connect with you!

I believe in this so much, I wrote a whole short guide about it, which I would absolutely love to give you for free. Please go get it!

I would apologize for breaking in here with an obnoxious promo, but since this is free, I am not sorry! Go get it and set up your reader magnet/ email list signup right now and put that link in your book! I have never been more serious about anything, people. Do it now before you sell even one more book!

Building Your Author Platform

I’ve talked so much about author websites on here I’m sick of myself, so I will just reiterate: yes, you need a website, sooner rather than later, and leave you with this list. If you want to go down the whole website rabbit-hole, start here, because that’s where I put all the new posts and info about that subject.

Bare minimum, you’ll want to:

Secure a professional domain using your author name
Maintain an engaging blog with regular updates
Optimize for search engines to improve visibility

Social Media Strategy

Focus on platforms where your readers actually hang out
Keep your branding consistent across all channels
Engage authentically with your audience

Professional Book Packaging and Launch

Making Your Book Look Its Best

Invest in professional cover design that matches your genre
Ensure your formatting looks clean and professional
Write compelling book descriptions that hook readers

Building Pre-Launch Buzz

Distribute advance review copies strategically (to your email list, which you started building using that free guide I told you about above. Does it make sense now why I’m always on about that?)
Connect with relevant book influencers (Which you now know through social media because you started connecting with the followers of the authors you found in your competitive analysis)
Build anticipation through teasers and excerpts

Advertising That Works

DO NOT DO ANY OF THESE THINGS UNTIL YOUR EMAIL LIST SIGNUP IS SET UP PROPERLY. I AM TOTALLY SERIOUS YOU GUYS.

Amazon Advertising

Start small and test different approaches
Monitor your results closely
Scale what works, cut what doesn’t

Social Media Advertising

Target readers based on similar authors they love
Test different ad formats and messages
Track your return on investment

BookBub Campaigns

Target followers of comparable authors
Monitor performance metrics closely
Adjust your strategy based on results

Building Reader Relationships

Community Engagement

Maintain an active Goodreads presence
Participate meaningfully in reader groups
Share genuine insights and recommendations

Influencer Partnerships

Follow submission guidelines carefully
Make reviewers’ lives easier with complete press kits
Build long-term relationships

Events and Collaborations

Virtual Events

Host engaging online launch parties
Team up with other authors for joint events
Make events interactive and memorable

Cross-Promotion

Exchange newsletter mentions with other authors
Participate in multi-author promotions
Join forces for special events or anthologies

Smart Pricing Strategies

Strategic Discounts

Use promotional services to amplify your sales
Consider making the first book in your series free
Time your promotions for maximum impact

Value Bundles

Create attractive box sets
Offer special deals for loyal readers
Use bundles to introduce new readers to your work

Measuring Success

Track Everything

Monitor your sales patterns
Analyze your series read-through rates
Keep an eye on email engagement metrics

Never Stop Learning

Stay current with industry trends
Connect with other authors
Test new marketing approaches

The Big Picture

Marketing success comes from building strong relationships with your readers. Your email list serves as the foundation, while your platform, promotional activities, and reader engagement efforts work together to create a sustainable author business. Focus on what works for you and your readers, and don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy as you learn what resonates with your audience.

Remember: The most successful marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all—it feels like connecting with readers who love the same kinds of stories you do.

Author Websites

Can You Make Your Author Website on Squarespace?

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The answer is yes….but make sure you do your due diligence first so you’re not stuck overpaying for something you don’t want.

What is Squarespace?

Squarespace is a website-building platform that offers some beautiful templates and drag-and-drop functionality. It provides an all-in-one solution including hosting, domain registration, and integrated features like blogging and e-commerce tools. For authors who want a professional-looking website without coding expertise, it can be a good choice, especially if you don’t feel like you’re super tech savvy and just want to check “set up my website” off of your list.

However. The “ease of setup and use” comes at a price.

Squarespace Pricing

Personal Plan ($16/month annually, $23/month monthly)
- Best for basic websites with essential pages
- No advanced integrations
Business Plan ($23/month annually, $33/month monthly)
- Enhanced customization and marketing tools
- Light e-commerce with 3% transaction fee
Basic Commerce ($27/month annually, $36/month monthly)
- Ideal for authors selling books/merchandise
- No transaction fees
Advanced Commerce ($49/month annually, $65/month monthly)
- Full online store capabilities
- Advanced e-commerce features

Note on Additional Costs: Domain renewal costs $10-15/year after the first free year. Consider registering through NameCheap instead of Squarespace for better pricing. SquareSpace also charges for email marketing if you’re not in a plan that includes that feature.

Strengths and Limitations

Usually I’m just totally against “do it yourself” platforms like this because of the cost, but I’m trying to grow as a person this year so I will say a couple of nice things. Squarespace shines in several areas. Its professionally designed templates are mobile-responsive and can make any author’s site look polished and modern. The platform offers excellent security with built-in SSL certificates and reliable servers. Their support team is available 24/7 through email and live chat, complemented by comprehensive help guides and an active community forum.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Compared to platforms like WordPress, Squarespace offers limited customization options and fewer integration possibilities. Plus, and I’m sorry to keep harping on this, but monthly subscription costs can add up over time, especially if you’re not even really using the website that much. Also (and maybe this is just a “me” problem because I am a tech nerd that writes non-fiction), DIY platform sites like these are notoriously sucky for non-fiction authors because they are harder to rank in the search engines (I would tell you why but I assure you, you do not care).

Is Squarespace Right for You?

Consider your specific needs as an author. Squarespace might be perfect if you value aesthetic design and want a straightforward, all-in-one solution with minimal maintenance, and if you are a “more money than time” person. The platform works well for authors who prefer to focus on content rather than technical details.

However, if you don’t have budget to spare, you need deep customization options, plan to build complex features into your site, or need the site to do great in the search engines, you might want to look elsewhere. Technical authors who enjoy having complete control over their platform might find Squarespace’s contained platform too restrictive.

Setting Up Your Author Website

If you decide to use Squarespace, the setup process is straightforward. Start with their 14-day free trial to test the platform. Choose a template that works well for authors—look for designs with good typography and layouts that showcase books effectively.

Your author website should include several key elements:

An engaging About page that tells your story
A Books section highlighting your work
A blog for connecting with readers
Contact information and social media links
An email newsletter signup form
An events calendar if you do readings or signings

A Note on Budget

Before committing to Squarespace, carefully consider your budget as an author. While the platform offers excellent features and design, the ongoing costs might be better spent on email marketing services or advertising to build your reader list. WordPress, though initially more challenging to learn, can offer significant long-term savings.

The final choice depends on your specific needs, technical comfort level, and budget. While Squarespace offers a polished, professional solution, take time to evaluate whether its benefits justify the investment for your author platform.