As an author, creating your dedicated ambassador team can significantly boost your book’s availability and sales by leveraging social media platforms. By strategically utilizing Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) teams, online street teams, and PR teams, you can generate buzz and excitement around your work and gain loyal fans to your work.
Let’s dive into how to build these teams and craft great offers to get your top supporters on board.
ARC Teams: Early readers with lasting impact
ARC teams consist of readers who will receive advance copies of your book in exchange for their honest reviews. These reviews can generate momentum for your book’s launch.
How to build an ARC team:
- Reach out to your existing reader base through your newsletter or posting across your social media platforms.
- Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers in your genre.
- Have the interested ones apply via a form of some sort. Common forms used are TypeForm and Google Forms.
- Add an opt-in on your form to allow you to add them to your email newsletter. Add the qualifying readers to your mailing list to have contact with them surrounding your ARC distributions.
- Send out your emails congratulating your selected ARC team members!
Create an enticing offer
If you choose to offer physical ARC copies to a select group of readers, you can add a separate form for these to be applied for. Be sure to segment them in your newsletter audience to keep track of your physical ARC recipients to ensure they are keeping up with your campaign.
Guide them with posting
Send out graphics and news for them to share to social media and ask that they tag you in their reviews. Be sure to include the Goodreads and Amazon link for them to leave reviews on these big websites to help your book have the best launch it can. This can help with a cohesive marketing campaign to enable you to start having brand recognition.
An important clause to feature is asking lower than a 4 star review wait until at least one month after the launch so your launch can be the best it possibly can. Encourage them to share their honest thoughts so you can grow as a writer and ensure they know they will not be penalized for not liking your book – not everything is for everyone.
Online Street Teams: Your personal cheerleaders
Street teams are growing in popularity and these are for your passionate fans that want to help promote your book across social media and online book communities.
How to build your street team:
- Invite your engaged followers from your social media platforms to be a part of your street team.
- Create an application form and add an opt in clause for your newsletter to communicate with them via email.
- Create a group for your members to be able to interact with each other and help each other promote your book. These groups are commonly on Facebook or Discord for organized team communication.
- Within your group, outline the expectations and possible rewards for participation. Ensure they get graphics and messaging to increase your brand awareness.
Create an enticing offer
Craft a PR box filled with swag that relates to your book. This could include signed bookplates, character art prints, themed merchandise, and a signed copy of your book! The visual appeal of a PR box makes them highly desirable and easily shareable on social media, which can extend your reach.
Why are these successful?
Personal Connection and Exclusivity
If you choose to send out a physical book or PR box, this creates a tangible connection between you and your most loyal fans! Giving early access and special merchandise make your team members feel valued and important.
Social Proof and Amplified Reach
Each team member on your team extends your marketing efforts to your team’s audiences. The reviews and promotions from each of your readers can boost credibility to your book.
How to Craft Your Perfect Offer
Highlight the exclusivity. Emphasize the early access to your book and behind the scenes content for your team members.
Show your appreciation. Make it clear how much you value your team members’ support. Do this often!
Set clear expectations. Outline exactly what you are looking for in terms of reviews, posts, or promotional activities. This helps to pre-filter your team members, ensuring you get qualified individuals applying.
Offer ongoing rewards. Consider long-term relationships with your team members. This can include access to future ARC copies, PR boxes, or special events you can provide to your loyal fans.
Whether you want a small team or a large team, building a strong ambassador team is important. You aren’t just promoting your book – you are creating a community of supporters and fans that can help you reach new audiences. Make sure you make them feel valued, engaged, and excited about being part of your author journey.
