Do Business Authors Need a PR Strategy?

You turned your vision of publishing a business book into reality. Now it’s time to share it with the world, and a solid PR strategy is an extremely effective way of making sure your publication gets the attention it deserves.

A well-crafted public relations plan can boost both first-time business authors and seasoned authorpreneurs by expanding the book’s reach, credibility, and sales. Read on to learn why a PR strategy is a must-have for authors and how you can create one that works.

Why does a PR strategy matter for business authors?

Public relations isn’t just for big corporations and Hollywood stars—it’s an essential tool for business authors looking to build visibility and establish authority in their industry. A strong PR strategy can help you:

• Increase your book’s exposure. Getting featured in media outlets, podcasts, and industry blogs puts your book in front of a larger audience.
• Boost credibility. Positive press and third-party endorsements add legitimacy to your work and build trust with readers.
• Connect with influencers. Thought leaders, bloggers, and book reviewers can amplify your message and help expand your audience.
• Drive sales. The more people hear about your book, the more likely they are to buy it.

When you build PR into your overall book marketing and promotion strategy, you’ll be on your way to the bestseller list.

Seven steps to building your business author PR strategy

Creating a PR strategy may seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process easier. Ready to start building? Let’s dive into the first of seven steps.

Define your PR strategy goals

First and foremost, ask yourself a few questions to identify your PR strategy goals:

• What do you want your PR efforts to achieve?
• Are you looking to land interviews, get book reviews, or increase social engagement?
• Will you attempt to land speaking engagements, podcasts, or other media attention?

Setting clear, manageable goals will help you focus your efforts and track your success…just like you do in your business!

Identify your target audience

Understanding who your ideal readers are will help you craft messages that resonate with them. Consider whether your message is geared toward industry newcomers or veterans, and then research your target demographic’s preferred media channels. Knowing where they go for entertainment, information, and the next business book they want to read will help you determine when and how to reach them.

Create a compelling and consistent author brand

Your author brand is more than just your book—it’s your story, your message, and your unique voice. Make sure all your media is well-crafted, aligned, and professional, including your:

• Author website
• Social media profiles
• Book cover design
• Book promotional materials

Inconsistencies can confuse potential readers and muddle your message. However, with a strong and cohesive author brand, you’ll build recognition and credibility as a business author and as an industry thought leader.

Leverage media outreach

A great PR strategy involves the media, and you might have to cast a wide net to get your business book featured in podcasts and media outlets. First, build a media list that includes industry-specific journalists, bloggers, and influencers. Next, craft personalized pitches that highlight what makes your book newsworthy. This might be a timely topic, an inspiring backstory, or a fresh perspective on solving an industry challenge.

Then the waiting game begins. It might take the media representatives some time to get back to you, but don’t get discouraged. Check in with them, send out additional pitches, and keep working on other facets of your PR and book marketing strategies.

Utilize social media

Almost 64 percent of the world’s population uses social media, and chances are your business book’s target audience is among them. Although platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X may help you reach a portion of your readers, most business authors see better results on LinkedIn.

As a social media platform geared toward business professionals, LinkedIn is a powerful venue to promote your business book. Get creative here: In addition to sharing your book description and a link to purchase a copy, entice your connections with more compelling content. Post book updates, media coverage, and even freebies like worksheets or how-to guides that align with your book’s message.

You’ll also need to dedicate some time each week to engage with your audience. Respond to the comments they leave on your posts, and ask them to spread the word about your business book. The more often you interact with them, the more quickly you’ll strengthen your network of prospective readers.

Network and collaborate

While it’s true that not all business leaders are great at networking, most of them know face-to-face events are crucial for their company’s marketing strategy—and for business authors, it’s also crucial for their PR strategy.

Look around for live networking opportunities like trade shows, conferences, and other industry events, and attend (or better yet, host!) an occasional webinar. Effective networking leads to opportunities for growth, so be on the lookout for ways to connect and work with other authors or industry names. Collaborating on a new business book, guest blog posts, and podcast interviews can all help expand your reach.

Monitor and adjust your PR strategy

It’s hard to hit the bull’s-eye on your first throw, and it’s nearly impossible to build an effective PR strategy on your first attempt. Keep track of your efforts to see what’s working and what’s not, and use tools like search engine data, social media analytics, and press tracking services to measure your impact.

If you don’t see positive results after a few months, refine your approach and adjust your PR strategy until you get the exposure and book sales that you and your business book deserve.

Let us help build a book marketing and PR strategy to lift your business book to the top of the charts!

All business authors—and their books—benefit from a strong PR strategy. These media-based book marketing efforts can make all the difference in building awareness, credibility, and sales. By defining your goals, engaging with the media, and leveraging your online presence, you can create a buzz around your book and connect with your industry’s audience.

Contact us and find out how Elite Authors can help you and your book reach more readers. Let’s make your story shine and attract the attention you deserve!