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Welcome to Season 4 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information that you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully.
During this episode, Becky is joined by virtual event design consultant and executive Zoom producer, Robbie Samuels. Robbie gives insight into methods authors can use to establish effective launch teams, the importance of garnering authentic book reviews, and the best ways to maximize network connections.
Key Points From This Episode:
[03:16] Robbie lets us in on his career journey, starting as a networking expert with a specialty in networking events and then later becoming a virtual event design consultant and executive Zoom producer.
[03:48] When an author receives authentic Amazon reviews, it helps build trust and create credibility for potential readers interested in their book. Robbie shares how he garnered over 200 Amazon reviews for each of his books: Break Out of Boredom, Small List Big Results, and Croissants vs. Bagels.
[08:00] Having a launch team is necessary to build awareness around a book launch. Robbie explains his process for setting up an effective launch team.
[10:37] It is widely believed that experience is the best teacher. Robbie tells a story of working with a friend on a virtual launch party, and the knowledge he gained from that experience.
[14:34] Robbie gives some advice on how to get supporters that send reviews via form or email to transition to leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads.
[17:31] There are a number of book formats that authors use to distribute their books to their launch teams. Robbie uses his own experience to provide insight into the pros and cons of sending books in print, PDF, or advance reader copies.
[20:24] Robbie sheds light on the difference between a verified and unverified book purchase.
[25:16] There are times when members of a launch team are not able to leave book reviews by the deadline set by an author. Robbie reminds everyone why it’s never too late to leave a review.
[26:46] Robbie explains how he is able to differentiate book reviews by his launch team from organic reviews.
[29:54] To maximize your network connections, it’s important to know who is most likely to lend you a helping hand. Robbie gives some insight on methods you can use to connect with the right people to garner the support you need.
Action Steps:
- Ask and ask again. Never be afraid to ask for help. You may feel that people are helping you by becoming part of your launch team or by leaving a review, but if you believe in your book and the message you’re putting out into the world, you’re helping them, too!
- Get the right people on your launch team. To start, focus on contacts within your network that would be happy to hear from you.
Resources:
- Visit Robbie’s website to connect with him and find out more about networking and growing your audience.
- Connect with Robbie on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
- Follow Robbie on Amazon to discover his books and be notified first of new releases.
Key Quotes:
Funnel all those lovely offers of support to one place…make a landing page. —Robbie Samuels
One of the things I learned early on is that my best friends and my family weren’t gonna be the people who write reviews right away. —Robbie Samuels
Friends who are professional speakers and trainers and emcees beyond the team … are the doorways with lots of opportunities. —Robbie Samuels
The best way to sell your first book is to write a second. —Robbie Samuels
You wrote a great book, right? And you believe in the value of the book, so not telling people about the book would be a shame. —Robbie Samuels
I see reviews as social proof on a sales page. —Robbie Samuels
Use the Dunbar principle, if you get the right 150 people, magic will happen. It won’t just be about the reviews about the invitations, it’ll be about the connections. The book should lead to something and the book launch should help that happen. —Robbie Samuels
To connect with Becky Robinson, send her an email here!
I am the founder/CEO of the Weaving Influence team, the author of Reach: Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause, and the host of the Book Marketing Action Podcast. I’m a wife and mom of three kids, and I enjoy running, reading, writing, coffee, and dark chocolate.