Marketing steps for Releasing a Book

Marketing steps for Releasing a Book

Posted on by Archaic Media

Before releasing a book, a company should take several marketing steps to ensure that the book reaches its intended audience.

Marketing steps for Releasing a Book
  • Identify the target audience: The first step is to identify the target audience. Who is most likely to be interested in the book’s topic or genre? What age group, gender, and other demographic information is relevant?
  • Develop a marketing plan: Once the target audience is identified, the company should develop a marketing plan that outlines the strategies and tactics that will be used to promote the book. This plan should include a timeline and budget.
  • Create a website or landing page: Create a website or landing page dedicated to the book, where visitors can learn more about the book, view sample chapters or excerpts, sign up for a release newsletter, and purchase the book.
  • Use social media: Use platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with potential readers.
  • Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers: Reach out to request reviews or to offer to do interviews or guest posts. This can help generate buzz and increase exposure.
  • Offer pre-order incentives: Offer incentives for readers who pre-order the book, such as exclusive content, signed copies, or early access.
  • Consider book tours or author appearances: Plan a book tour or author appearances in bookstores or other venues to promote the book and connect with readers.

Developing a marketing plan prior to releasing a book

  1. Define your goals: The first step is to define your marketing goals. What do you want to achieve with the book? Do you want to generate buzz, increase sales, or establish the author as an expert? Knowing your goals will help you create a more effective marketing plan.
  2. Identify your target audience: Determine who your book is written for. This will help you tailor your marketing message and target your promotions.
  3. Research your competition: Identify their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you determine what sets your book apart.
  4. Determine your unique selling proposition: Identify what makes your book unique and what sets it apart from the competition.
  5. Develop your budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on marketing and what resources you have.
  6. Choose your marketing tactics: Determine what marketing tactics you will use to promote your book. This can include social media, advertising, book reviews, email marketing, book signings, and more.
  7. Set a timeline: Set a timeline for your marketing plan that includes all of the tactics you plan to use and when you will execute them.

Creative ideas for marketing a book?

  • Create a book trailer: Similar to a movie trailer, a book trailer is a short video that promotes the book and highlights its key features.
  • Host a virtual book launch: Hosting a virtual book launch can be a great way to reach a wider audience. This can include a Q&A session with the author, virtual readings, and more.
  • Create a social media campaign: Social media is a powerful tool for promoting a book. Consider creating a campaign that includes hashtags, contests, and other interactive elements.
  • Offer free sample chapters: Offer free sample chapters on your website or other platforms to give readers a taste of the book.
  • Partner with influencers: Identify influencers or bloggers in your niche who have a large following and partner with them to promote the book.
  • Create a book club: Create a book club around the book and invite readers to join. This can include virtual meetings, discussion guides, and more.
  • Use book merchandising: Create book merchandising such as bookmarks, posters, or other physical items related to the book to generate interest.

Creative ideas for marketing a fiction book

  • Create a book-themed playlist: Create a playlist on music streaming platforms like Spotify that features songs that tie in with the book’s themes.
  • Host a character Q&A: Host a virtual Q&A session with one of the book’s main characters. This can be a fun and engaging way to allow readers to interact with the book in a unique way.
  • Run a social media photo contest: Encourage readers to share photos of themselves with the book using a specific hashtag.
  • Create book-inspired merchandise: Such as t-shirts, posters, or other items that tie in with the book’s themes.
  • Create a choose-your-own-adventure game: Create a game that allows readers to experience the book’s story in a new and interactive way.
  • Partner with book clubs: Promote the book and offer exclusive content or discussions. This can help generate word-of-mouth buzz on different platforms.
  • Host a virtual reading or book club discussion: Gives the author a chance to engage with readers and generate interest.

Creative ideas for marketing a non-fiction book

  • Host a webinar: Host a webinar on a topic related to the book to generate interest and establish the author as an expert in the field.
  • Offer free resources: Offer free resources related to the book such as worksheets, templates, or other tools that readers can use to implement the book’s advice or strategies.
  • Create a social media challenge: Create a challenge related to the book’s topic or theme that readers can participate in and share on social media.
  • Partner with influencers: Identify influencers or bloggers in the book’s niche who have a large following and partner with them to promote the book.
  • Host a podcast: Host a podcast on a topic related to the book.
  • Offer a free chapter or preview: Give readers a taste of the content.
  • Host a book club discussion: Host a virtual book club discussion around the book’s topic or theme.

Pre-order incentives

  • Signed copies: Offer signed copies of the book.
  • Exclusive content: Offer exclusive content related to the book such as an extra chapter, a short story, or bonus material.
  • Discounts: Offer a discount on the book.
  • Merchandise: Offer book-related merchandise such as bookmarks, posters, or other items.
  • Personalized messages: Offer personalized messages from the author to readers who pre-order the book.

For fiction books, some additional pre-order incentives could be:

  • Character names: Offer readers the opportunity to have their name used as a character in the book.
  • Cover reveal: Offer readers a sneak peek at the book’s cover before it’s released to the public.
  • Fan fiction contest: Host a fan fiction contest related to the book and offer winners a prize or recognition in the book’s acknowledgements.

For non-fiction books, some additional pre-order incentives could be:

  • Workshops or webinars: Offer readers a free workshop or webinar related to the book’s topic.
  • Consulting sessions: Offer readers the opportunity to have a consulting session with the author.
  • Early access: Offer readers early access to additional content related to the book’s topic.

An Example of a Book Marketing Timeline

One of the biggest mistakes many indie authors make is not considering book marketing until they have finished writing. However, as the saying goes, “failing to plan is planning to fail.” By starting early and building a solid marketing plan, you will be better equipped to reach your target audience and generate buzz.

Before You Begin Writing

  • Identify your target audience: Knowing who your book is for is crucial in developing a marketing plan. Conduct market research to understand your audience’s demographics, preferences, and buying behaviors.
  • Develop a book concept: Define your book’s unique selling proposition (USP) and position it against the competition.
  • Build a platform: Establish a strong online presence by creating a website, blog, or social media account.

As You Begin Writing

As you begin writing your book, it’s important to keep your marketing plan in mind. This will help you stay focused on your target audience and ensure your content aligns with your marketing goals.

  • Create buzz: Consider sharing snippets of your book or hosting a book cover reveal to generate excitement.
  • Build an email list: Start collecting email addresses from potential readers and build an email list. This will be a valuable tool for marketing your book once it’s released.
  • Consider beta readers: Beta readers can provide valuable feedback on your book and help spread the word once it’s released.

While You’re Writing

  • Offer a sneak peek: Consider sharing the first chapter of your book on your website or blog to give readers a taste.
  • Host a contest: Offer a giveaway or contest related to your book.
  • Create a book trailer: Consider creating a video trailer for your book and sharing it on social media and your website.

While Your Book is Being Edited

  • Continue building your platform: Keep your website and social media accounts updated with new content.
  • Start planning your book launch: Consider hosting a launch party or book signing event.
  • Reach out to reviewers: Start reaching out to book bloggers and reviewers to build interest and generate reviews.

Two Weeks Before Release

  • Build anticipation: Consider creating a countdown or sharing teasers to build excitement.
  • Finalize your marketing plan: Review your marketing plan and make any necessary adjustments.
  • Plan your book launch: Start planning your book launch event and promoting it.

Release Date

  • Announce your book launch: Share the news of your book’s release.
  • Host a launch event: Organize a virtual launch party on social media platforms. Invite your followers, friends, family, and other writers to participate.
  • Organize book signings, online events, and more giveaways.
  • Continue promoting your book through social media and book reviews.

Post Release

  • Continue promoting your book to keep it relevant.
  • Participate in book clubs.
  • Attend book festivals.
  • Create new marketing strategies.
  • Monitor your book’s performance and make adjustments to your marketing plan accordingly.
Choosing a book title

Choosing a book title

Posted on by Archaic Media
Choosing a book title

A book title is the first thing that potential readers will see, and it can make or break the success of a book. A good book title should not only capture the essence of the story but also grab the attention of potential readers. It should be memorable, catchy, and evoke curiosity. A well-crafted book title can make a difference in how well a book sells.

How to Come Up with a Book Title

Step 1: Brainstorming

Brainstorming is the first step in coming up with a book title. It involves generating a list of potential titles that capture the essence of the story. This allows you to explore different possibilities and can lead to unexpected results.

Step 2: Grabbing the Reader’s Attention

The title of a book should be attention-grabbing. It should make readers want to pick up the book and read it. To do this, you can use different techniques, such as asking a question, using a pun, or creating a sense of urgency. One common technique is using an unusual or unexpected word combination that sparks curiosity.

Step 3: Being Descriptive

Description gives potential readers a clear idea of what to expect. A descriptive title can be straightforward, or it can be metaphorical. To create a descriptive title, writers should focus on the central themes, motifs, or symbols in the story.

Step 4: Consider the Genre

Different genres have different conventions and expectations. For example, a mystery novel may require a title that hints at the central mystery, while a romance novel may need a title that captures the central love story.

Step 5: Consider Keywords

Different genres and writing styles phrases and terminology that we can use as keywords. Whether we like it or not, most shopping is done online, and representing keywords in your title or subtitle can help get you more readers.

Step 6: Testing the Title

One way to test titles is to conduct a survey with potential readers and ask them which title they prefer. Another is to use a tool like Google AdWords to test different titles and see which ones get the most clicks.

Coming up with the best book title is a crucial step in the writing process.

Deciding on a book’s title requires careful consideration of the story’s themes, genres, and potential readers. Remember to brainstorm, grab the reader’s attention, be descriptive, consider the genre, and test the title to find the most effective option. With these strategies in mind, you can come up with a book title that will help you stand out in the crowded world of publishing.

Author’s Target Audience

Author’s Target Audience

Posted on by Archaic Media
Author’s Target Audience

Define what a Target Audience is

A target audience refers to a specific group of people who are most likely to be interested in and purchase a product or service. In the context of an author, the target audience is the specific group of readers who are most likely to be interested in reading their book. A target audience can be identified based on various factors like age, gender, interests, reading habits, and demographics. Understanding the target audience is important to help tailor your marketing efforts to reach the right readers.

How do I find a target audience for my book?

Basically we need to answer the following questions:

  • Where Are They?
  • Who Are They?
  • Why Do They Buy?
  • How Do They Buy?

To better understand how to answer these questions we will take a look at the following:

  1. Genre: Identify the genre of your book and determine the type of readers who are interested in that particular genre.
  2. Demographics: Analyze the demographics of your potential readers, such as age, gender, location, education, and income.
  3. Interests: Understand the interests of your potential readers, such as hobbies, preferences, and lifestyle choices.
  4. Psychographics: Analyze the psychological and behavioral factors of your potential readers, such as values, beliefs, personality traits, and attitudes.

By considering these four factors, an author can develop a better understanding of their target audience. It’s important to note that the target audience may vary depending on the type of book and the marketing strategy. Regularly revisiting and analyzing your target audience is essential to ensure that your marketing efforts are effective.

Let’s get a little more in-depth on finding our target audience

As a new author, determining your target audience is essential. To identify your target audience, you should consider the genre, style, and themes of your writing.

Start by asking yourself what kind of story you are telling, who would be interested in reading it, and why. Think about the age range, gender, and interests of your potential readers. You can also research your competitors to see who their target audience is and what kind of marketing strategies they use.

Once you have identified your target audience, tailor your efforts towards them. This can include advertising in the appropriate publications, reaching out to bloggers and influencers who appeal to that audience, and utilizing social media platforms that are popular among your target audience.

How do I identify my target audience?

To identify your target audience as an author, here are some steps you can follow:

  1. Define the genre of your book: Understanding the genre of your book is crucial and helps you identify the readers who are interested in your type of book.
  2. Determine the age group: Deciding the age group helps you tailor your marketing efforts accordingly. For example, if your book is for young adults, you can market it on social media platforms that are popular among young adults.
  3. Research the competition: Analyzing the social media pages, reviews, and book descriptions of authors who write in the same genre as you will help you determine their target audience. This will give you valuable insights into your potential readership.
  4. Analyze the themes: Identify the themes in your book and determining who they appeal to.
  5. Consider the gender: Understanding if your book appeals more to men or women or both will help you create marketing campaigns that resonate.
  6. Conduct surveys or polls: Surveys and polls can help you gather valuable information. For example, you can ask questions about your current audience’s age, gender, interests, and reading habits.
  7. Get feedback: Share your book with friends, family, and beta readers and get their feedback. Their feedback can also help you improve your book and make it more appealing to your target audience.

Once you have identified your target audience, you can tailor your marketing efforts. It’s essential to keep in mind that your target audience may shift and evolve over time. Stay open to feedback and adjust your marketing strategies accordingly. With a clear understanding of your target audience, you can focus your efforts.

Find your competitor’s target audience

  1. Identify your competitors: First, make a list of your competitors who write in the same genre. This could be authors, publishers, or websites.
  2. Analyze their social media pages: Look at your competitors’ social media pages. Analyze their posts, likes, and comments to determine who their followers are and what kind of content they engage with.
  3. Read their book descriptions: Read the book descriptions of your competitors’ books to understand the themes, plot, and characters.
  4. Analyze their reviews: Look at the reviews of your competitors’ books. Analyze the reviews to see who the readers are, what they liked about the book, and what age group they belong to.
  5. Check out their blogs and websites: Check out the blogs and websites of your competitors to see what kind of content they produce. Analyze the comments section to see who their readers are and what they are interested in.
  6. Attend book fairs and conferences: Attend book fairs and conferences related to your genre to meet and network with other authors and readers.

By your competitor’s target audience you craft a targeted marketing strategy. However, it’s important to keep in mind that your target audience may not necessarily be the same as your competitors. So, make sure to analyze and understand your readers’ preferences and interests.

MidJourney Oil Painting Optical Color Mixing and Alla Prima

Posted on by Archaic Media
MidJourney Oil Painting Optical Color Mixing and Alla Prima

We are going to use Midjourney to explore some art terms and concepts. As I create the art, I want to focus on something that is not too detailed, as this will make it easier for me to achieve consistency in my work. By keeping the level of detail low, I will be able to focus on creating cohesive overall compositions. This will make it easier for me to chop the images together after they are generated. The lower level of detail will also allow me to blend the different elements together more seamlessly. By focusing on simplicity and consistency, I hope to create art that is both visually appealing and easy to work with.

Below is a quick explanation of the terms I’m working with.

Oil Painting

Oil painting uses oil-based paints to create a range of effects and textures. The paints are made by mixing pigments (color) with a drying oil, such as linseed oil or poppyseed oil. Oil paintings are known for their ability to create smooth, blendable brushstrokes, as well as their ability to retain their vibrancy over time. Oil paintings also have a long drying time, which allows artists to work and make changes to their paintings over a longer period of time. Some of the main characteristics of oil paintings include the use of vibrant, luminous colors, the ability to create a wide range of textures, and the ability to create detailed, realistic imagery.

Optical color mixing

Optical color mixing creates the perception of new colors by overlapping or blending different primary colors. This is done by placing the primary colors side by side, so that the viewer’s eye mixes the colors together. This is in contrast to physical color mixing, which involves physically blending different pigments together to create new colors. By placing different colors next to each other, artists can create the illusion of new, more complex colors.

Alla prima

Alla prima is when the artist completes a work in one sitting, without allowing the paint to dry between layers. This allows the artist to achieve a sense of freshness and spontaneity in the finished work. Alla prima paintings are typically created with wet-on-wet brushstrokes, with the artist working quickly to build up the composition before the paint has a chance to dry. This technique is often associated with Impressionism, as it allows the artist to capture the fleeting impressions and emotions of the moment. Alla prima paintings are known for their vibrant, lively brushwork and their ability to convey a sense of immediacy and movement.

On to the A.I. Art Generating

MJ Version 3 / Base Quality / Style High

A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima (remixed)
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Alla Prima

MJ Version 4 / Base Quality / Style High

A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima (remixed)
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Alla Prima

I want to be able to frame images to work with, so I will pull in image references from pixabay.

MJ Version 3 / Base Quality / Style High

Original

Subject :: Style Reference

A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg (remixed)
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg

Reference Subject :: Style

https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima (remixed)
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Alla Prima
Original

Subject :: Style Reference

A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg (remixed)
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg

Reference Subject :: Style

https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima (remixed)
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Alla Prima

MJ Version 4 / Base Quality / Style High

Original

Subject :: Style Reference

A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg (remixed)
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg

Reference Subject :: Style

https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima (remixed)
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-3546899_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Alla Prima
Original

Subject :: Style Reference

A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg (remixed)
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg

Reference Subject :: Style

https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima (remixed)
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/monster-6889684_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Alla Prima
Original

Subject :: Style Reference

A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-4566395_1280.jpg
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-4566395_1280.jpg (remixed)
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-4566395_1280.jpg
A werewolf :: style oil painting, Alla Prima https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-4566395_1280.jpg

Reference Subject :: Style

https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-4566395_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-4566395_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing, Alla Prima (remixed)
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-4566395_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Optical Color Mixing
https://archaicmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/werewolf-4566395_1280.jpg A werewolf :: style oil painting, Alla Prima

Original Made with Version 3

a bored 50yo man in a black suit and tie slouched back in a chair, he has a dark receding hairline and is wearing sunglasses, melomental folds, no background :: style palette knife oil painting, style Edward Hopper, style Alla Prima, style premier coup, style Direct Painting https://s.mj.run/RNRqM3j9cUU https://s.mj.run/pTG35bP1zDc https://s.mj.run/k5uyxiYabqo https://s.mj.run/OrjH303e0_4

Version 2 Upscaled with MJ3

Version 2 Upscaled with MJ4

Version 4 Upscaled with MJ3

Version 4 Upscaled with MJ4

Version 2 Variations with MJ3

Version 2 Variations with MJ4

Version 4 Variations with MJ3

Version 4 Variations with MJ4

Artist Styles to Try

jay O’barr

Paul Cézanne

photobooth film strip of 4 photos

Hiroshi Nagai

daguerreotype

black and white, vector graphics

impasto

vaporwave

paper cut style, Paper cut outs to animate

Edmund Dulac Style as Paper Dolls

Black velvet painting

Simple ink sketch by Jean Jacques Champin and Adrian Tomine

Backgrounds: Nature Abstract Minimalist , Vector Illustration, National Park Landscape , colorful , 300 DPI , 8k , –q 4 –ar 3:2

watercolor pastel

pokemon background style

style of Josh Agle

fauvism

Kees van Dongen

a werewolf poster style 60s vintage illustration

#vintage illustration

Atey Ghailan

oil painting on canvas, Die Brücke, German expressionism, golden hour, impasto, knife paint

A black and white cartoon High contrast bill ward style

Alfred Kubin

Alphonse Mucha

done in art deco linocut style

What is the difference between a “target market” and a “target audience”?

What is the difference between a “target market” and a “target audience”?

Posted on by Archaic Media

When it comes to growing your business, it’s important to know who you’re talking to. A key component of that is knowing the difference between a target audience and a target market. The two terms may sound similar, but they’re actually quite different from each other. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what these terms mean and how you can use them to grow your business.

Identifying your target market and target audience

Identifying your target market and audience is critical to a successful marketing plan. However, many brands fail at this because they don’t make it clear who their ideal customer is. Instead, they use vague terms like “the consumer” or “the community.”

If you want to attract more customers and build up sales for your product or service, you need to know what type of people are most likely going to buy from you. To figure out who your ideal customer is, ask yourself these questions:

  • Who uses my product/service?
  • What do they like about the product?
  • Do they belong to an existing demographic?
  • Where do they live?
  • What income do they make?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to identifying your target audience. Each company has its own unique challenges and opportunities when it comes down to figuring out how best to reach customers. What’s most important is that you connect in an authentic way that resonates with them on a personal level.

Your target audience is the entire audience that you hope to market to

Your target audience is the group of people your business targets. It’s who you want to sell your products or services to. A target audience is typically based on factors such as age, gender, income level etc.

Your target audience can be further segmented into smaller subgroups known as target markets.

Your target audience can also be based on the industry you’re in. For example, if you run an accounting firm that specializes in small business tax preparation, your target audience would likely be small business owners.

A target market is a part of your audience that you create specific messages and marketing materials for

A target market is a group of people who share similar needs and wants, and are therefore more likely to buy your product or service. A target market can be thought of as a subset of your target audience. It’s the specific group you want to focus on in your marketing efforts.

Your target audience can be further segmented into smaller subgroups known as niche markets. A niche market is a specific segment of a larger market that can be defined by its own unique characteristics. Niche markets are often overlooked by larger businesses because they are too small to be profitable. But, they can be lucrative for small businesses that cater to their specific needs.

Having an understanding of your audience is the first step to growing your overall market

If you’re selling a type of product or service, then it’s likely that there are specific attributes, or “needs”, associated with those products/services. Its these needs that make them attractive enough for people in your target market to purchase them over your competitors.

It’s important to know the difference between a target market and a target audience. By understanding who these two groups are (and what exactly they’re looking for), you can make better decisions about how best to reach them—and grow your overall business in the process!

Grow Your Businesses Traffic with a Podcast

Grow Your Businesses Traffic with a Podcast

Posted on by Archaic Media

If you want to grow your business traffic online, you should consider creating a podcast. A podcast is an audio file that is distributed that can be downloaded and listened to on any computer or smart phone. It allows people who listen to learn about your business, as well as provide valuable information for them to use in their own lives.

Why should a business have a podcast?

For many businesses, podcasts are an effective way to reach a wider audience. Podcasts allow you to promote your business, increase sales and promote brand awareness. They can also help you gain customer loyalty and build trust with your customers. You’re able to stand out from the competition by offering something different or unique that no one else does because you have a podcast!

The best thing about starting a podcast is that it doesn’t cost much money at all! All you need is a microphone, software for recording your voice or video (Free version available), hosting for uploading files on the internet (Free version available). This makes it affordable for everyone who has something valuable to share with people around them whether they are experts in their field or just want advice on how they can improve themselves in various ways such as health/fitness related topics; cooking recipes etcetera…

Who is your audience?

When you’re producing a podcast, you’re going to want to think about your target audience. This is important because it will help you determine what content you create and how you present it.

You have to know who your customers are and what problems they have so that you can provide the solution for them. If people don’t see the value in listening to your podcast, then there’s no way they’ll continue listening once they start getting bored with what’s being said or feeling like there isn’t anything new being presented every episode (or even worse: every three episodes).

Do you have a personality and why?

You might think this is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people think they have to be someone else or something other than themselves to get ahead. The fact of the matter is that your most important asset is your ability and willingness to be yourself.

There’s nothing better than being authentic and genuine when it comes to growing your businesses traffic with a podcast because people can smell insincerity a mile away! If you aren’t being true to who you are, then why should anyone listen?

What do you want your listeners to know about your business?

You have to have a solid understanding of what you do, why you do it and who you do it for.

For example:

If I’m selling a course on how to build an online business from scratch, then I need to explain the benefits of that course. Benefits like: no previous knowledge required, people can start today and build their own online business within 30 days etc…

Once you know what your message is going to be about then everything else will fall into place around it – title, description, and images that illustrate your point.

How can you provide value to your listeners?

To provide value to your listeners, you need to give them something they can use. This can be in the form of a solution, an answer, or a new perspective on something they are already familiar with.

For example:

  • Give them a solution to a problem by providing useful information that helps them solve it.
  • Answer their questions by giving them information about what they want to know more about. This can include everything from “how do I grow my business?” or “what should I do if my website suddenly goes down?” all the way down to “is this dress blue or green?”. You just have to look around at what people need help with and then provide answers!

The podcast must be fun, or it needs to help solve a problem for the audience. If it’s not fun, you won’t have an audience.

The answer is simple: A podcast is a great way to grow your business traffic online. The best way to start is by answering these questions:

  • What does your podcast cover or how does it help solve a problem for the audience?
  • Who are they?
  • How many episodes do you want per month?
  • How many minutes per episode will each one be?
  • Do you want guests on any of these shows or just yourself talking alone in front of microphones (like Neil Patel and Alex Becker do in their podcasts)?

How long should a podcast be?

When it comes to the length of your podcast, you have a few options. Some people like to keep them short and sweet (i.e., under 10 minutes), while others prefer to go longer. It all depends on your goals for the podcast and what type of content you want to cover in each episode.

If you want to keep things short and sweet, then 5-10 minutes is a good target range for your episodes. If this sounds like too much time commitment, keep in mind that you can easily break up the podcast into multiple segments—for example: 5 minutes in one segment; 2 minutes in another; 3 minutes here…etc!

Another option is doing shorter episodes twice per week instead of one long episode per week or month. This can be helpful if someone doesn’t have as much time available but still wants new content coming out frequently.

A podcast must be fun or informational and cannot just be about you.

For a podcast to be successful, it has to be fun or informative. The first step is to make sure that you are not talking more than your guest. You may think that an interview format where you ask questions and then talk about yourself is a great way of establishing yourself as an expert in the field. However, this can backfire with listeners who want to hear about them. There are many different ways to structure your podcast.

If your podcast is about how awesome your business/product/service is or how great you are at what you do, then why would anyone listen?

A podcast is a fun easy way to grow your business traffic online.

Podcasting is a great way to get customers to know, like and trust you. They can help build your brand and increase your reach. If you are looking for a way to grow your businesses traffic then this may be the answer. By creating an informative podcast that solves problems and provides valuable information to your audience will help build trust and loyalty between them and your business.

Writing A Mystery

Writing A Mystery

Posted on by Archaic Media

I would like to write a story (a series of stories really) about Spooky Hawkshaw, an undead detective. My parents loved Mysteries and my mom was friends with two mystery writers, so it was a common topic around the house. Now days, the mystery has been over taken by the thriller, so much so that we’ve kind of lost track of what a mystery is. I may be mistaken on the exact definition, but I tend to put it like this, after reading the story, you have to ask yourself if the story left clues along the way. If it did, it’s a mystery. If not, it’s not. I realize that that is curt, but I mean no offence to the thriller. I love them too, but in the case of this instance, I would like to write a mystery.

It’s always seemed like a pretty big bag to unpack. The main issue for me is, if I need to make it confusing to the reader, it’s going to be confusing for me too. Plus I can only assume that a poor mystery would be panned pretty bad. Now that I say that, it’s not 100% mystery that I’m going for… maybe a three way split of pulp fiction, gothic romance, and mystery… I’m starting to understand why I might be having a problem here… it’s not the genre, it’s me. So, let’s get back on track.

Below I’ve put together a little comparison of what several sites say is a good structure.

Some Possible Act Structures For a Mystery Story

zaraaltair.comthreepillarauthors.comThe Three Act Structure
​Act 1: Setup and Complicate
— The Inciting Incident
— The First Plot Point (the dramatic event that must be answered in the climax)		Act 1: The Hero Accepts the Mission to Catch the Villain and Solves the Case
— Starts at the point of action and ends with the hero accepting the case, committing to solve the mystery		Act I: The Set-Up
Exposition. The status quo or ‘ordinary world’ is established.
Inciting Incident. An event that sets the story in motion.
Plot Point One. The protagonist decides to tackle the challenge head-on. She ‘crosses the threshold,’ and the story is now truly moving.
Act 2: Conflict and Rising Action in Discovery
— Pinch Point (Along the way, things don’t go smoothly)
— Midpoint (A realization of the gravity of the struggle or some advantage is taken)		Act 2 –The Hero Is Tested and Changes. Dies and Is Reborn in the Pivotal Scene
— The hero detective is tested by the new rules of this new alternate world. The villain puts the hero through a series of trials, some of which are passed, others failed.
Act 3 – The Hero Is Tested Again and Succeeds
— The cat and mouse game continues but the hero is taking on the task with a renewal and the advantage of everything they learned from the pivotal scene. Act Three ends with the discovery of the villain.		Act II: The Confrontation
Rising Action. The story’s true stakes become clear; our hero grows familiar with her ‘new world’ and has her first encounters with some enemies and allies. (see Tests, Allies, Enemies)
Midpoint. An event that upends the protagonist’s mission. (Similar to the climax in Freytag’s pyramid)
Plot Point Two. In the wake of the disorienting midpoint, the protagonist is tested — and fails. Her ability to succeed is now in doubt.
Act 3: Crisis
— Pinch Point
— Plot Point (personal change or change to new approach)		Act 4 – How the Hero Traps the Villain
— the hero is returning to the normal world, resetting the rules set up by the villain by bringing him or her to justice.
Act 4: Climax and Wrap Up
— Rising Conflict (A path to success presents itself)
— Revelation and Wrap Up (wrap up your mystery and bring your story to a quick conclusion) 		Act 5 – Shows How the Events of the Story Have Impacted the Major Characters
— A brief section after the villain is caught showing what happens to the characters after these events. We see how the changes in the characters will carry on into their everyday.		Act III: The Resolution
Pre Climax. The night is darkest before dawn. The protagonist must pull herself together and choose between decisive action and failure.
Climax. She off against her antagonist one last time. Will she prevail?
Denouement. All loose ends are tied up. The reader discovers the consequences of the climax. A new status quo is established.

It’s possible all this means nothing to you, but I find it helpful to look at. One of the hardest things for me to do is grasp all the levels. A common term in business is “The Fifty Thousand Foot View”. Basically, be aware that everything, including story writing, looks different from the sky to the trenches and it can be very difficult to switch.

Next I’ve listed out some story elements that can help a mystery. Mysteries are kind of like ska music, if it doesn’t sound exactly like ska it ain’t ska and if it doesn’t read like a mystery, it ain’t a mystery. Maybe… I dunno, I just came up with that…

Common Elements of a Mystery Story

This list is a working tool cobbled together from the following posts : thestoryreadingapeblog.com, masterclass.com, penguin.com, screenrant.com,

An isolated location or An atmospheric setting

  • And Then There Were None – set on a small tidal island off the coast of Devon, inaccessible by boat unless the tide is low;
  • Murder on the Orient Express – set on the Orient Express train, which is stopped mid-route by heavy snowfall;
  • Murder on the Nile – set on a cruise boat on the river Nile.
  • Eerie country house

A crime

Revealed in the first chapter, a crime creates the central conflict

A sleuth

Characters

The author should introduce the characters in the
story with enough information that the reader can visualize each person.

A villain

A trail of clues

Foreshadowing

Red herrings

Narrative momentum: A mystery plot is in constant motion thanks to a cat-and-mouse narrative thread. The pacing will quicken the closer the plot moves towards the climax and the closer the main character gets to solving the crime.

Possible Mystery Motives

I’ve hacked these together from whatisthatbookabout.com, writing-world.com, triskelebooks.blogspot.com,

  • To hide a secret
  • Greed, pure and simple
  • Revenge
  • Obsession, Frustration & Hate
  • Love, Sex & Jealousy
  • Crime of Passion
  • Psychosis & Mental Disorders
  • To protect personal status
  • To protect a loved one
  • Empathy or Sympathy, protecting the victims best interest
  • Covering Up Another Crime
  • Mistaken Identity

Questions to ask about the story

  • Why now? Why kill instead of settling for a less lethal resolution?
  • Why did the killer not confess? In real life, most murders are crimes of passion and the killer is rarely in doubt.
  • If the killer bonds or stonewalls the investigator, why?
  • What motivates the killer to go on as if nothing happened
  • Why doesn’t the victim sense the growing danger?
  • Why does each witness step forward or not?

Common Tropes and Possible Twists for a Mystery Story

  • Agatha Christie’s play The Mousetrap reveals that the murderer was the man pretending to be the policeman/sleuth all along;
  • J.K. Rowling’s The Cuckoo’s Calling exposes the culprit as the man who hired the detective in the first place;
  • Woody Allen’s movie The Curse of the Jade Scorpion sees an investigator discover that he himself has been committing robberies while unwittingly hypnotized.
  • A strong hook: A great mystery should invite the reader to try to solve the crime,
  • Starting with a corpse
  • A Mysterious Injury – explain away mysterious injuries as an unfortunate accident
  • The Absent Murderer – Keeping the eventual murderer absent from the main action of a plot is a useful trope in keeping the audience from guessing too early on.
  • Lights Off – While not necessarily needing to involve literally turning off the lights, this trope usually involves a reversal of fortune for the detective.
  • Everybody’s Guilty
  • The Unsympathetic Victim
  • The Faked Death
  • The Alibi
  • The Stately Home
  • The Big Reveal
  • The Red Herring

Need more tropes? Here’s a big list of them at tvtropes.org

New Charles Cartoon Book For Print

New Charles Cartoon Book For Print

Posted on by Archaic Media

CHARLES COVER

New on the chopping block is a book of cartoons written by Mark Slade and drawn by Thomas M. Malafarina. Both Mark and Thomas are prolific horror and noir authors that are now bringing their horrific senses of humor to light.

About Charles

Charles covers a new and hilarious take on the life of a serial killer through the filter of the cartoon panel. From dating and friendships to work and family, Charles is sure to make you a fan, and to second guess every weirdo you know.

About Thomas M Malafarina

Thomas M Malafarina is an author of horror fiction from Berks County, Pennsylvania. To date, he has published seven horror novels, six collections of horror short stories and a book of often-strange single-panel cartoons called “Yes I Smelled It Too; Cartoons For The Slightly Off Center”. In addition, many of the more than one hundred short stories Thomas has written have appeared in dozens of short story anthologies and e-magazines. Thomas is also an artist, musician, singer, and songwriter. He lives in Western Berks County, Pennsylvania along with his wife JoAnne. Find out more at ThomasMMalafarina.com

About Mark Slade

Mark Slade has appeared in Switchblade magazine #7 and 9, Econoclash Review #4, Weirdbook #32, Mystery Tribune, and other publications. He is the author of A Witch for Hire, Mr. Zero for Close to the Bone publishers, and Blackout City Confidential for Horrified Press. Mark Slade also writes and produces the audio dramas The sundowners, Blood Noir for Para-X radio, and Daniel Dread for Chronosphere Fiction. He lives in Williamsburg, VA with his wife and daughter. See all his books at Amazon.com

Pick up a Copy