How to Boost Branding like a Boss for Beginning Self-Publishers

guest post by Lila Diller
 
If you're thinking about starting to write for a career, you need to think about more than just your story or what you're writing. Begin with your brand.
 
When I began my author career, I didn't know where to start. The first thing I did was write my rough draft, edit it a couple of times, then impatiently self-published my book on Amazon. After I hit publish, it was time to look for help from some experts. That's when I found that I should have done that before I hit publish. Experts can get you started on the right track; but be warned: you still have to do all the hard work. In fact, I didn't get the results I expected from any of these and either asked for a refund or canceled my monthly subscriptions after I ingested all the content I could.
 
My first little tidbit of advice is to gorge yourself on a lot of free content from many different gurus. Put into practice what applies to you, and forget what doesn't.
 
Your brand tells your audience what to expect. It's the mood you set with colors, fonts, and images. Before you just pick something you think looks cool, ask yourself three questions:
 
1. Who do I want to help?
Narrow it down as much as possible.
Mine is: Christian women who love to read fiction as an escape from their less-than-fulfilling marriages.
Editor note: mine is women who want to be encouraged by fictional women who live Godly lives, and who read for enjoyment.

2. What main message do I want to get across to them?
You have to make it about the reader, or it's not going to resonate with anyone. It can't be about you. My readers need hope in their situations, to learn to lower their expectations, but be encouraged to work hard at what they can control in their relationships--themselves.
What are your readers looking for?

• If they want entertainment, go with humorous pictures and light colors.
• If they want encouragement, go with casual, down-to-earth pictures and comforting colors.
• If they want information, go with professional-looking pictures and no-nonsense colors & fonts.

3. Just get started with one book.
Don't wait until it's perfect; keep tweaking it.

If it still hasn't resonated with anyone after a set period (maybe try 6 months), then it may be time to reevaluate and choose another path.

I hope this all helps. :-)  If you have any specific questions, please contact me at dillerdesigns@gmail.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/loveisseries, and I'll try to answer your questions.
Now, go get 'em!
 
Bio
 
Lila is outnumbered by a houseful of males: husband of 15 years, two energetic boys, and a hyper dog. When not homeschooling her boys, you can find her studying the Bible, reading, singing, scrapbooking, or binge-watching Netflix. You will only find her cooking or cleaning when she can’t put it off any longer. She loves to help readers not only to escape from stress in an entertaining and believable story but also to fill their minds with the truth and hope of Jesus.
 
Find out more about Lila on her website: www.liladiller.com

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