The average business book sells less than 100 copies in its lifetime! (Industry statistics tell us this). Your book deserves better than that! You've poured your expertise, experience, and energy into writing it - now let's make sure it reaches the readers who need it.

Here are the five most common marketing mistakes I see business authors make, and more importantly, how to fix them.

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MISTAKE #1: A BOOK COVER THAT DOESN'T FIT ITS GENRE

Your book cover isn't just about looking pretty - it's your most powerful marketing tool. When potential readers are scrolling through Amazon or social media, you have mere seconds to catch their attention. A professional cover isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.

Common Cover Mistakes:

• Using standard Microsoft Word or Canva templates that scream "self-published"

• Cluttered designs with too many elements or fonts

• Images that don't resonate with your target reader

• Colours that don't match your genre (e.g., bright pink for a serious finance book)

• Poor quality images or pixelated graphics

• Font choices that are hard to read in thumbnail size

How to Fix It:

1. Research Your Genre

• Look at the top 50 bestsellers in your Amazon categories

• Note the common elements: colours, fonts, image styles

• Take screenshots of covers you love and analyse why they work

2. Invest in Professional Design

• Budget at least £500-£1000 for cover design

• Work with designers who specialise in business books

• Get multiple concepts and gather feedback

• Test your cover options with your target audience

3. Consider Your Book's Future

• Ensure your cover works across all formats (ebook, paperback, hardback)

• Think about how it will look on social media

• Make sure it aligns with your personal brand

• Consider series potential if you plan more books

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MISTAKE #2: A BORING MARKETING BLURB THAT FAILS TO HOOK READERS

Your book description needs to be as compelling as your content. This is your sales page - treat it with the same care you'd give to writing copy for your highest-priced offering.

Common Blurb Mistakes:

• Starting with your biography instead of the reader's problem

• Using academic or overly formal language

• Not including any social proof or credentials

• Failing to clearly state who the book is for

• Writing one long paragraph that's hard to scan

• Not including a clear call to action

How to Fix It:

1. Structure Your Blurb

Opening hook (1-2 sentences):

• Start with a question or statement that makes readers think "that's me!"

• Address their pain point immediately

Problem expansion (2-3 sentences):

• Describe their current situation

• Highlight the cost of not solving this problem

• Show you understand their challenges

Solution preview (3-4 sentences):

• Outline what the book delivers

• Include specific outcomes

• Mention unique frameworks or methods

Credibility boost (2-3 sentences):

• Your relevant expertise

• Results you've achieved

• Notable clients or media mentions

Call to action:

• Clear next step

• Urgency or scarcity if relevant

• Benefit of acting now

2. Format for Readability

• Use short paragraphs

• Include bullet points for key benefits

• Bold important phrases

• Add relevant keywords naturally

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MISTAKE #3: THE "BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME" MINDSET

Amazon has over 50 million books listed. The idea that yours will naturally rise to the top without promotion is like expecting to win the lottery without buying a ticket.

Why This Happens:

• Author burnout after finishing the book

• Lack of marketing knowledge

• Fear of self-promotion

• Overwhelm about where to start

• Assumption that good content sells itself

How to Fix It:

1. Create a Marketing Calendar

• Plan 90 days of content in advance

• Include multiple platforms

• Mix promotional and value content

• Schedule regular review points

2. Build Your Platform

Daily:

• Share snippets from your book

• Engage with target audience

• Monitor relevant conversations

Weekly:

• Write a blog post or article

• Create video content

• Send newsletter to subscribers

• Participate in relevant groups

Monthly:

• Guest post opportunities

• Podcast interviews

• Live events or webinars

• Review and adjust strategy

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MISTAKE #4: NOT BUILDING A PRE-LAUNCH COMMUNITY 

Launching to crickets is soul-destroying and kills momentum. Yet many authors wait until publication day to start their marketing efforts.

Why This Matters:

• Early supporters become your strongest advocates

• Pre-launch buzz creates anticipation

• Early reviews are crucial for Amazon rankings

• Launch day momentum affects long-term success

How to Fix It:

1. Start Early (2-3 months minimum before launch)

• * Create a 'book squad' of supporters

• * Set up a Facebook group for early readers

• * Build your mailing list

• * Share behind-the-scenes content

2. Engage Your Network

• Personal outreach to key contacts

• Regular updates on progress

• Share exclusive snippets

• Offer advance reader copies

3. Plan Launch Activities

• Virtual or in-person launch event

• Blog tour

• Podcast tour

• Social media campaign

• Email sequence

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MISTAKE #5: STOPPING MARKETING AFTER LAUNCH MONTH

The biggest mistake? Assuming everyone who needs your book already knows about it exists.

Why This Happens:

• Launch fatigue

• Return to client work

• Fear of boring people

• Assumption of market saturation

How to Fix It:

1. Create an Ongoing Strategy

• Schedule regular promotional activities

• Repurpose book content for social media

• Plan quarterly promotional pushes

• Monitor and adapt based on results

2. Leverage Your Author Status

• Update your professional profiles

• Include book in email signatures

• Mention in speaking engagements

• Use in proposals and pitches

3. Keep Content Fresh

• Create new angles on your book's topics

• Share reader success stories

• Link current events to book themes

• Create supplementary content

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Conclusion

Your book is a powerful asset for building your authority and reaching more people with your message. Don't let these common marketing mistakes hold it back. Start implementing these fixes today, and remember - it's never too late to revive your book's marketing strategy.

Need Support?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by book marketing, you're not alone. Many business authors prefer to focus on their expertise and client work rather than promotion. That's where professional help can make all the difference. 

Want to chat about how to get your book the attention it deserves? Book a call with me to discuss your book marketing strategy.