Every author knows that a clear and compelling message is essential to attract the right readers and build community engagement. When your message resonates with your audience's desires and pain points, it captures attention and fosters a deeper connection. It allows readers to see themselves in your stories or be inspired by your themes, ultimately earning their interest, loyalty, and advocacy.

Today, we're exploring often overlooked components of crafting that clear and compelling message.

Digital marketing for authors is much more than just selling books; it's about creating lasting and meaningful connections with readers. Digital marketing can be a fulfilling journey, allowing authors to share their stories and build a community online. The process is broken down in the Roadmap to Reader Connection, which involves three phases detailed here.

Anyone can be a storyteller; in fact, most of us already are. We use stories as a tool in daily communication, parenting, business, ministry, writing, and even marketing. Even Jesus taught with parables (stories) to help listeners make sense of complex matters. Stories not only entertain; they engage us emotionally and help us remember details that might otherwise be forgotten. These are ample reasons to become a better storyteller. 

Writers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses know the frustrations of marketing. You pay for ads and work to build your social media traffic but see little impact. Instead of wondering why your promotions don’t work, it could be time to adopt storytelling in marketing.

Business owners are often reluctant to market products and services because it feels like self-promotion. We don't want to come across as arrogant or self-serving, especially in the Christian marketplace. Here I share what helped me overcome this challenge and market more like Jesus. 

As you work to bring in more business, I know it can feel tough to work through the marketing jungle. Especially when balancing marketing and advertising and all of their unique benefits to your brand. Let’s clear up the confusion because the line between marketing and advertising is often blurred. It doesn’t have to be!

I love the changes of seasons in Colorado, and I adore spring. The world is alive with the hope of new beginnings and fresh starts. After long winter months, I look forward to the newness of spring and its reminder of the redeeming work of Christ. No matter how cold and bleary our past, He makes a way for renewal and hope. Jesus reminds us, regardless of how far we feel we’ve drifted from an abiding connection to Him, that He is steadfast and longs to draw us toward spiritual growth once again.

We often feel alone and misunderstood as writers and entrepreneurs. We pour 100% of ourselves into our projects, but very few people understand what goes on behind the scenes or can grasp the significance of the milestones we celebrate. It reiterates our need for community—connecting with others with the same entrepreneurial mindset.

Nearly every small business owner understands the importance of having a good elevator pitch—a prepared introduction to your products or services that you can recite in 30 seconds or less (the time it takes to ride from floor to floor in an elevator). It’s a phenomenal tool for networking and has many other benefits as well. The problem is, it's hard to pare down what we think is important when we're passionate about our business.