Content Creation for Social Media Marketing Campaign for Authors: Bookselling Strategies

Training on content creation for social media marketing campaigns is crucial for authors as it enhances their visibility and reach, allowing them to effectively use platforms and optimize content to attract a wider audience. It builds engagement and community by enabling direct interaction with readers, fostering loyalty and stronger connections. Additionally, it strengthens personal branding by helping authors create a consistent message and visual identity across platforms.

Effective training improves marketing strategies, teaching authors how to plan, execute, and analyze campaigns, making their efforts more efficient and impactful. It also offers cost-effective promotion options, maximizing return on investment. Staying updated on industry trends and innovative techniques through training keeps authors competitive in the market.

Moreover, training enhances creativity and skills, encouraging authors to explore new content creation avenues and multimedia formats. This not only boosts their overall skill set but also drives book sales and increases recognition, opening up opportunities for awards and engagements. Ultimately, such training empowers authors to use social media effectively to grow their readership, enhance their brand, and achieve greater success in their careers.

Brief 1: Professional Photo with Your Book

a. Objective: Capture a high-quality, professional photo with your book to use for promotional materials and social media.

b. Preparation:

(i) Book Preparation:
* Ensure your book is clean and free of any damage.
* Have a copy of your book with the cover facing outwards.

(ii) Personal Preparation:
* Dress in African attire if possible as we promote our African ccontinent. Feel free to also dress dress in professional or business attire.
* Consider wearing solid colors or subtle patterns to avoid distractions.
* Grooming: Hair and makeup should be neat and natural.

(iii) Location:
* Choose a clean, uncluttered background.
* Natural light works best. Position yourself near a window if indoors (with your face towards the light and not behind), or choose a shaded outdoor area.

(iv) Poses:
* Hold the book at chest level or slightly to the side.
* Smile and make eye contact with the camera.
* Experiment with different poses: standing, sitting, or interacting with the book (e.g., flipping through pages).

(v) Professional Photographer:
* If possible, hire a professional photographer or go to a studio.
* If using a smartphone, use the highest resolution and ensure good lighting.

Send the photo to Jackline Ingasian via email (as WhatsApp sharing reduces the resolution).
Email: programs@cblafrica.com

PS: Don’t plan for the photo as a big project so you don’t miss out on the campaign. If not near a studio, or working with tight timelines, use your phone or borrow a friend’s or colleagues phone and take the photo 🙂

Brief 2: 1-3 Minutes Video About Your Book Nomination

a. Objective: Create an engaging 1-3 minutes video discussing your book’s nomination for the African Christian Authors Book Award.

b. Preparation:

(i) Script Outline:

Introduction:
* Greet your audience.
* Introduce yourself briefly (name and background).

Book Introduction:
* Share the title and a brief synopsis of your book.
* Who is your target reader or why is your book important?

Nomination Announcement:
* Announce your book’s nomination for the African Christian Authors Book Award.
* Highlight what this nomination means to you.

Closing:
* Thank your readers and supporters.
* Encourage them to read your book and follow your journey.

(ii) Recording Tips:
* Find a quiet location with good lighting.
* Position the camera at eye level.
* Ensure your background is tidy and professional.
* Speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
* Smile and show enthusiasm.
* Hold your book and show it on camera as much as is possible.

(iii) Technical Aspects:
* Use a good quality camera or smartphone.
* Consider using a tripod or stable surface to avoid shaky footage.
* Test the audio to ensure clarity.
* Try two settings: One holding the phone in portrait and the other holding the phone in landscape (as different social media platforms accept settings).

(iv) Editing:
* Trim any unnecessary parts to keep the video concise (consult ACABA for help if needed).
* Add text overlays for your name, book title, and nomination details if possible (consult ACABA for help if needed).
* Keep the final video over 1 minute and under 3 minutes.

Send the videos to Jackline Ingasian via email: programs@cblafrica.com

PS: Don’t plan for the videos as a big project so you don’t miss out on the campaign. You can easily use your phone or borrow a friend’s or colleagues phone and take the videos 🙂

Sample Script

Hello everyone!

My name is Dr. Muthoni Omukhango, and I am an author based in Kenya. I have been writing for about a decade, and my passion is to share stories that draw people to Christ.

Today, I am excited to talk about my book The Path: An African Girl's Journey to Purpose. It's a great autobiographical book for young adults. This captivating tale is like a treasure map, guiding you, as a young person in college or starting to work with valuable lessons for your own adventures in growing up. By joining my journey of discovery, you’ll uncover important truths about finding your purpose and becoming your best self as ordained by God. It’s a delightful and transformative story that will inspire and captivate your young heart.

I am thrilled to announce that The Path has been nominated for the prestigious African Christian Authors Book Award. This nomination is a tremendous honour for me, and it recognizes the hard work and dedication that went into creating this book. It means so much to me to see my work being celebrated and acknowledged in this way.

Thank you to all my readers and supporters for your continuous encouragement. I couldn't have reached this milestone without you. I invite you all to read and leave a review for The Path and join me on this incredible journey. Your support means the world to me at www.africanauthors.net/dr-muthoni-omukhango

I look forward to sharing more stories with you in the future. Thank you and God bless!