Is It Possible to Have a Godly Marketing Strategy for My Book?

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMoJo68

It’s not wrong to want to be successful with our writing. Whether we’re writing devotions, Bible studies, fiction, or poetry, we want our words to reach others on a level that other writers can’t. Deep within us is a hunger to be recognized. But we also want to be recognized as His vessel, and humbleness comes with the territory. We should always desire to keep our followers’ focus on Him, not us. Maintaining a godly marketing strategy is a dichotomy we need to navigate.

Social media is an effective tool to reach so many people. We use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to post selfies, daily moments, and links to our books. We effectively share moments of our lives which turn into marketing opportunities. But when is it too much? As Christian writers, our focus should be on bringing others into God’s Kingdom. How can we do that through book sales and marketing campaigns?

“Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the LORD rather than for people.” Ephesians 6:7 NLT.

Here’s a short checklist of tasks to consider:

• Be joyous with your posts. Allow others to see and read that you love God more than you love writing.
• Pray without ceasing. Ask God to show you how to best use your media for His glory. He’ll open those doors and opportunities for you.
• Add God to your posts. Use Bible verses or stories of His hand in your daily life.
• A simple hashtag lets your followers know where you stand. #faith #God #believer

And a few things you don’t want to do:

• Don’t be a martyr. You have a group of friends you’re open and honest with. Unless it relates to your brand or project, don’t share intimate details of your spiritual struggles on your professional pages. Some will consider you a whiner, and trolls may try to push your buttons.
• Don’t be selfish. Selfies and “me” posts are great peeks into your life and allow your followers to feel connected, but staying humble is a greater draw. Include others, share links from friends, and focus more on what’s around you.
• Don’t ignore yourself. I know, this sounds like it’s in contrast to not being selfish. But it’s not. Here’s why: God gave you the creative talent burning inside you. He gave it to you to share with others. And He gave us social medial to share it on. It’s okay to post what you have available and what you’re working on. Just find that balance.

When we shift focus from “my brand” to “His Marketing” He honors us with His blessings. Anything that comes after Him is just icing on the cake.

With some sweet tea and a worldview selfie stick,

~ Happy writing.

Molly Jo

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Molly Jo is a writer, editor, social media ninja, and producer of the weekly Firsts in Fiction podcast. She has been featured in children’s magazines, on blogs and devotional websites, and her short stories have earned her awards and scholarships from nationally acclaimed writing programs. She is the founder of New Inklings Press and author of The Unemployment Cookbook: Ideas for Feeding Families One Meal at a Time, and other books available through her website and on Amazon.

Her current work in progress, NOLA, is a location mystery set in New Orleans and is scheduled for publication in late 2017.

You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and her blog, Frankly, My Dear . . .