Hello, SE’ers!
It’s Jan again with another look at the convoluted maze of book marketing.
To be honest, I don’t view LinkedIn as a place to market my books. However, that being said, there are over 800 million users on LinkedIn. That’s a pretty big platform.
When LinkedIn was created in 2003, it was the only social media platform dedicated solely to professional individuals. And what a great place to do a worldwide job search! Over the years, it has morphed into just another online place to either have a presence or not.
I was most curious about LinkedIn advertising and didn’t expect to find much. Here’s what I did find.
The headline proclaims: How to Advertise on LinkedIn – 5 EASY STEPS.
Hmm. Sounds easy enough. So, of course, me being me, I tackled it.
The steps were simple and they were right, it was easy enough. Basically, they use the same Facebook method of audience-building and targeting. You select regions in the world you want to target, then create an audience made of up relative interests, such as readers, books, eBooks, etc.
So, I decided to give it a try.
I got all the way past the audience and targeting steps before I hit a roadblock.
The error message said I must have a valid LinkedIn Company or Showcase page in order to set up an ad.
I have a public profile page, but that doesn’t qualify. I tried to set up a Showcase page using my Indie Publishing Imprint, RiJan, but it denied that one too. I shrugged my shoulders and moved on.
Here are some viable ways for us to utilize LinkedIn:
- Create a page and showcase your books in your header
- Upload a profile picture (preferably one that gives you a professional appearance)
- Make sure your headline is more than just a job title – For example, maybe you have a one-liner you use with your author name, like we do here at SE. That’s perfect)
- List all of your published books with links to where they can be found. (For convenience I simply attached my website at the link to the books.)
- Connect your blog posts to LI (This is super easy to do and each time you publish a post, it automaticlaly appears in the LinkedIn feed) It might not help, but it also can’t hurt.
- Add each new book you publish to your page.
- Visit your page once in a while and update information. Did you know you can upload book trailers and other graphics?
Here’s what I don’t like about LinkedIn.
I get invitations to connect all the time. I take a look at the profile and if they are an author or some other part of our industry, I will most likely connect. What I HATE, is the minute I connect a long message pops up in LI Messenger trying to sell me a product or service. It is a huge annoyance.
And, as with any social media platform, there are trolls.
Again, those most often show up in direct messages. If I ever find a way to block them, I will jump on it!
The bottom line for people like us just trying to sell a few books, LinkedIn is not the optimal place to do that. However, it cannot be discounted and even if you only check on, or update your page once or twice a year, it’s still a solid base to utilize.
If you are on LinkedIn and want to connect, let’s do it! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansikes/
Now, it’s your turn. Tell me your opinion/experience with LinkedIn.
And if you missed any of the other segments of this book marketing series, you can catch up below.
#MKTG Part 1 – OVERVIEW – BOOK MARKETING OPTIONS
#MKTG Part 2 – FACEBOOK ADS AND PASSION PAGES
#MKTG Part 3 – FACEBOOK ADS DETAILS
#MKTG Part 4 – TWITTER ADS
#MKTG Part 5 – INSTAGRAM
#MKTG Part 6 – PINTEREST
#MKTG Part 7 – IN-PERSON EVENTS
#MKTG Part 8 – GOODREADS
#MKTG Part 9 – AMAZON
#MKTG Part 10 – More AMAZON ADS
#MKTG Part 11 – AMAZON A+ CONTENT
Story Empire 
Pingback: #MKTG 18 – Building an Email List | Story Empire
Pingback: #MKTG 17 – TikTok | Story Empire
Pingback: #MKTG 16 – Rafflecopter | Story Empire
Pingback: MKTG #15 – Paid Book Blog Tours | Story Empire
Pingback: MKTG #14 – Book Blog Tours | Story Empire
Pingback: MKTG #13 – BOOKBUB ADS | Story Empire
Hey Jan, nice piece. I like LinkedIn, but for writers and readers it is the groups that seem the more useful. I get less messages from this platform that from FB
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Rox! Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you mentioned the groups on LinkedIn. That aspect of the platform is actually useful for authors. I appreciate your input!
LikeLike
Hi Jan, Linked In is the one social media I use for my professional profile i.e. day job. I find it irritating for the same reasons you cite and get loads of requests to connect and then those ‘sales pitch’ messages. I prefer WP, Twitter, FB and Instagram for my books. As you say though, it can’t hurt to have a LI profile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are using LinkedIn for what it was originally intended, Robbie. It is supposed to be a place for professional profiles, not spam. Sadly, it’s turning into just another social media platform. Thanks for weighing in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m with you on all you said here about Linkedin, Jan. I’m there, so are my posts and some others I put up there. But oh yes, the messages are abundant! 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you fall in the majority on this one, Debby. Honestly, if I deleted my LinkedIn account, I wouldn’t miss it. But as long as it isn’t taking away from my time and energy, I look at it as a no harm, no foul situation. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly!! 🙂
LikeLike
I do book reviews and I have a LinkedIn account but with my blog plus Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Bookbub, it takes a back seat most of the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for weighing in, Bonnie. I agree with you. LinkedIn takes a back seat in my world too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: #ReblogAlert – #TwoFer #ThisWeekOnStoryEmpire & #SmorgasbordWeeklyRoundUp | The Write Stuff
I’m on LinkedIn but I am job hunting. I automatically share my posts there, too. Honestly, the job connections are meh. I ended up going to Indeed for more interesting jobs.
As a writer, I could see it would be of minimal use to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is precisely what LinkedIn was created to do, Dale. But it’s turned into something different. I’m sure Indeed would get better job search results than LinkedIn. Thank you for adding your comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly. Like every different social media platform, it has become fuzzy about what it does. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That describes social media platforms perfectly, Dale!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are such smart cookies 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My LI experience mirrors John’s–passive, no ads, cross-post my blogs, got a few nibbles for my business but not through advertising. I enjoyed reading this post as well as everyone’s feedback on the platform.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think your LinkedIn experience mirrors most of us, Jacqui. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting piece, Jan. I had a LinkedIn account for years. I never really found a practical application for it as a book marketing tool. I don’t think I ever found a reader through the site. I deleted my account back in 2020. I deleted a few platforms back then. But I’m always open to new opportunities where marketing is concerned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you, Beem, in that LinkedIn does not seem to be a good book marketing platform. I know if I deleted my account, I wouldn’t miss it at all. And I can see where we all need to step back and take a look at the platforms that are not working for us and eliminate them. That might make for a good book marketing blog post. 🙂 Thanks for your comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think LinkedIn was a good networking tool in its early years. Lately, however, it’s degenerated into just another follow/spam/try to sell a product/service platform. I rarely accept invitations to connect any longer, because the moment I do, I get hit up with countless emails about what a great/fabulous service/product the new connection has that I need. I’ve really soured on it. And honestly, I didn’t even know there was an option to run ads!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, Mae. I totally agree with you. I hate it when the minute I accept an invitation to connect, I get hit with a long personal message to buy their products. That turns me off big time. I do love connecting with other authors and rarely does an author do that. It’s the marketing “experts” wanting to sell their services. I didn’t know there was an option for ads until I looked into it. But it was a dead-end for me. Thanks for your comment today! Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi, Jan. Thanks for highlighting your experience with LinkedIn. I’ve been a member for many years, but haven’t tried ads on this social media site yet… Also, will check out my profile etc. I don’t use LinkedIn that often, but it is connected to my blog. Sharing…
LikeLiked by 2 people
You echo what so many of us have said about LinkedIn, Bette. We have our blogs posted there but that’s about the sum of it. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post, Jan 🙂 I haven’t done much with my LinkedIn account in a long while. I completely ignore any messages, since they are usually trying to sell me something. I do still share there posts though and try to like ones of other authors I know. My blog used to automatically post there but I can’t get it to reconnect, so I do it manually for my posts and Story Empires. Never thought of advertising there, but doesn’t sound like it would work for me either. I will keep posting there and hope for the best.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your input, Denise. I get the message now and then that LinkedIn is not longer connected to my blog, but so far, it has always reconnected with one click. How wonderful of you to post them manually on LinkedIn. I do think that has some value. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan, I applaud your patience in trying to set up a book promotion within LinkedIn – I had never thought of this as a promotion site but can see that it might be useful, to a small extent. After years of lying dormant my account has been busy of late … but as you and others have found a lot of spam messages as a result!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, Annika, sadly that is the case. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment today. I truly do appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a LinkedIn account for a while, Jan, but like all social media, it requires engagement, and I just couldn’t keep up with it. I’m sorry that you didn’t get to try the advertising feature, but thanks for sharing the other ways that it supports authors. 🙂 Great series!
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Diana. You are so right about all social media. It required consistent engagement. That is why I always suggest an author pick three and consistently engage in those. Unfortunately, LinkedIn isn’t one of those platforms for me. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel clueless when it comes to LinkedIn. I have an account and have connected with numerous people, but that’s pretty much it. You’ve shared some great insights and tips, though. So thank you, Jan!! Maybe I’ll give it a proper try.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so glad you enjoyed the post, Marlena. It’s absolutely impossible to do it all, so the only advice I can give is to pick three and be consistent with those. Thank you for stopping by and have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This series has been brilliant because of it’s clear description of the processes and your honest opinion of them. It was interesting to see so many comments from others here from those who’ve had LinkedIn accounts and agreed with your summary of the downsides.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww, thank you, Trish. I am so glad you are enjoying the marketing series. It’s one of the hardest parts of being an author and I”m happy to share my experiments and knowledge. Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never even considered LinkedIn as a possible tool for marketing my books. But then again, I’ve never done anywhere near enough marketing even with tools I know work, and THAT’S something I swear I’m going to change this year. I’ve been enjoying this entire series, Jan, and I’m definitely saving this post, too, if for no other reason than to remind myself LinkedIn is probably not for me, but it’s there if I want to try it. I do shudder at the thought of increasing my emails, for one thing. My Inbox overfloweth already, and while that’s a lovely thing for the most part, it also cuts deeply into my writing time. Not so sure I want more, especially if so much of it is Spam.
Thank you for explaining just how LinkedIn works, Jan. This post is another keeper! 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Marcia. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I am in total agreement with you about the overflowing inbox. And that drives me crazy! Thank you for leaving a comment and have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You as well, Jan! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post, Jan. I closed my LinkedIn account last year because of all the requests, sales pitches, etc. You’ve captured the frustrations and some positives quite well. Thank you for sharing. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Gwen. I certainly don’t blame you for closing your LinkedIn account. It is a way to cut down on the spam, of which there is an abundance anyway. Thank you for leaving a comment!
LikeLike
My posts hit LinkedIn, but that’s about it. I have never used it for book promotion. I did get a consulting job from a LinkedIn contact, but that was five years ago. I think I have about 2500 followers but can’t say anything has come of it. Thanks for taking a stab at advertising there. A super post, Jan
LikeLiked by 2 people
Interesting, John. So, what you got from LinkedIn was exactly what it was designed to do. 2500 followers is nothing to sneeze at. At least they see your blog posts. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
I have a profile LinkedIn, but I hardly ever do anything with it…my blog posts do connect up with it, though, and occasionally someone will comment on or share them.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your input, Alethea. You’re like me in that my blog posts automatically go to LinkedIn and occasionally, I get a comment. I appreciate your input!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I fall into Craig’s camp. I’m not sure I can deal with another platform. I have an account, but I’m not active. I appreciate you sharing what you’ve discovered, Jan. It’s definitely info I will bookmark in case I ditch another platform.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am totally with you, Jill. I always say pick no more than three platforms and work them consistently. LinkedIn just isn’t that platform for me. Thanks for leaving a comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve avoided LinkedIn. It just felt like one more thing to maintain. I’ve dropped out of most social media in the last few years. My personal blog feeds there, and I occasionally surf through, but that’s about it. It all felt like screaming a message in a crowded stadium.
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s a great description, Craig. The fact that your blog feeds there is still exposure and that falls right in line with what I do on LinkedIn. I just don’t feel it’s a great platform for authors. Thanks for leaving a comment!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I joined Linked In several years ago when a cousin kept sending me invitations. Never used it much until a few years ago, I updated my profile for job-related purposes. I’ve never used it for writing and don’t intend to. I may have even deactivated my account, but as I recall they make it hard to leave. One thing that irritated me was the vast number of linked in emails I kept receiving even though I had opted out of all communications. They repeatedly ignored my requests. I think I started spamming them after that!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Exactly, Joan. I hate it when I start getting spam emails, and like you, I mark them as spam and hope they go away. Even more annoying is when the automated messages pop up trying to sell me a service. Those are annoying. Thanks for chiming in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like you, I have a LinkedIn account, but I do nothing with it. I’ve attached my blog. I haven’t updated it in a while, so I’ll work on finding time to do that. I just don’t have the time to add that to my plate, especially when it doesn’t generate any sales. Still, I’m happy you included it, Jan. Maybe someone who has learned the secrets of LinkedIn’s value for authors might chime in. Lol! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
That would be nice, Yvette. I would love for someone to chime in and tell us there is value to being active on LinkedIn, because I don’t see it. I truly appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment today! Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t realize LinkedIn had ads. Probably should have, but I didn’t.
I used to have a portfolio of work on LI, but I took it down. It was just another thing to maintain. I haven’t updated my profile in a while. Thanks for the reminder. Wonderful post and series, Jan.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are most welcome, Staci. I see LinkedIn as a place to get work, but as far as selling books, I’m not seeing it. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to use LinkedIn all the time, and it was great in the early days. However, a couple of years ago, it got way too spammy and I deleted my account. The experience had become so poor it rivalled my horrors with Facebook, lols.
Great post, Jan. Thanks for sharing your experiences 💕🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yep, Harmony, you nailed it. What LinkedIn started out to be was absolutely great. But money talks, and it wasn’t long until it was filled with spam. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment today! Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too, Jan! 💖
LikeLike