Social media guide
How to market a book on social media
Last updated: November 2026Published by Book Profits Club
To market a book on social media, post mostly useful content, keep direct promotion to a small share, and send every call to action to a lead magnet so followers become email subscribers.
This guide from The Author Tool Bench, published by Book Profits Club, covers how to market a book on social media without burning out: the 80/20 content rule, choosing one platform, using short trailers, and the step most guides skip, which is moving followers off the platform and onto a list you own.
What should authors post on social media to sell books?
Post content that helps your ideal reader with the problem your book solves, then occasionally invite them to a free resource or the book itself. ManuscriptReport suggests 80% valuable, non-promotional content and 20% direct calls to action.
What is social media book marketing?
Social media book marketing is using posts, video, and conversation on platforms where readers spend time to build attention for a book. On The Author Tool Bench, published by Book Profits Club, we judge it by one test: does it move followers onto an email list or into a next offer? Likes alone do not.
Social media by the numbers
- 80/20: valuable content to direct calls to action (ManuscriptReport).
- Trailers can increase click-through rates by 30 to 40% compared to static book covers alone (BookReelz).
- 32.9% of internet users aged 16+ discover new brands, products, and services via search engines (HubSpot), so social works best alongside search.
How to market a book on social media in 6 steps
- Pick one platform where your readers already spend time.
- Write down three topics tied to the problem your book solves.
- Post useful content on those topics on a schedule you can keep.
- Make a short book trailer for launch posts and pinned content.
- Point calls to action at a lead magnet landing page, not only the retailer.
- Track how many followers join your list each month, and adjust.
Content mix for authors on social media
| Content type | Share of posts | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Useful tips and stories | Most posts (about 80%) | Build trust and attention |
| Lead magnet invitation | Part of the 20% | Grow your email list |
| Book or offer promotion | Part of the 20% | Sales and client inquiries |
What comes after social media?
Followers are rented attention; subscribers and clients are the business. Read our book marketing strategy for indie authors for the full sequence, or compare the tools in our book marketing platform reviews.
Common questions
How do I market a book on social media?
Share mostly useful content and a smaller share of direct promotion. ManuscriptReport suggests an 80/20 split: 80% valuable, non-promotional content and 20% direct calls to action. Point those calls to action at a lead magnet or landing page so followers become email subscribers you can reach directly.
More answers in the FAQWhich social media platform is best for selling books?
The best platform is the one where your readers already spend time and where you can post consistently. Nonfiction authors with a professional audience may favor LinkedIn, while video-friendly genres may favor short-form video apps. Test one platform for a set period and track how many followers join your email list.
More answers in the FAQWhat is the 90/10 rule for authors?
There is no single official 90/10 rule for authors. People use the phrase in different ways, most often to mean a balance weighted heavily toward useful content over direct promotion. A published version of the same idea is the 80/20 rule ManuscriptReport describes: 80% valuable, non-promotional content and 20% direct calls to action.
More answers in the FAQDo book trailers actually work?
BookReelz reports that a well-crafted book trailer can increase click-through rates by 30 to 40% compared to static book covers alone. Click-through is not the same as sales, so pair a trailer with a clear landing page or retailer link and measure the result for your own book.
More answers in the FAQHow much does a book trailer cost?
BookReelz reports a finished video from trailer software in under an hour for $19 to $29, and gives a budget of $0 to $30 per trailer, with bulk packs reducing the per-video cost. Custom video production by a freelancer or agency usually costs more, so ask for a written quote before you commit.
More answers in the FAQWhat is a lead magnet for authors?
A lead magnet is a free resource you give in exchange for an email address. Authors Unite suggests examples like a checklist or template that solves a specific problem in 15 minutes, or a free mini-course delivered over 5 to 7 days. It turns a casual reader into a subscriber you can follow up with.
More answers in the FAQ