9 Zero-Budget Marketing Tips for Authors

Small, actionable steps to boost your ebook sales—without spending a penny.

When it comes to marketing your ebook, let me tell you - spending a fortune isn’t the only way to get noticed.

I’ve been there, trying to figure out how to make things work without a big budget, and I’ve learned a few tricks that can give you a small sales boost without breaking the bank.

Marketing in itself is a gentle ‘mental’ dance of thoughts between being an author and a reader at the same time. We must view our actions as an author constantly from the reader’s viewpoint too.

My Personal Playbook

Here’s what’s worked for me (and others):

  1. Build Your Audience First

    • Don’t jump into writing your book without building a foundation.

    • Start by creating content somewhere - LinkedIn post, Medium blog post, a blog, a YouTube channel, or even a simple Instagram page. (in my case it was a blog and a YouTube channel). This will help you create some ‘followers’ and ‘fans’ base.

    • Share free, valuable ideas and connect with people. (consistency is the key here). Build an audience before you hit publish. It makes marketing easier later.

  2. Share Free Chapter Downloads

    • Have a website or blog? Offer your book’s first chapter as a free download.

    • It’s a great way to hook readers and turn them into buyers. (I have purchased many books by just reading the first chapters and getting impressed with the content)

  3. Leverage KDP Select Promotions

    • If you’re in Amazon’s KDP Select program, use your 5 free promo days strategically. Run them together during weekends or holidays when people are more likely to grab your book.

  4. Update Your Social Media Headers

    • Make your book the star on your social media profiles. Update your headers with your book cover, a short tagline, or a call to action like “Read My Latest eBook!” Combine this with the 2nd tactic mentioned above.

  5. Embed Kindle Instant Previews

    • Amazon allows you to embed a Kindle preview of your book on your blog or website (this is not available for all books these days). It’s an easy way to let potential readers check out a free sample of your book. If you don’t find an option of ‘embed code’ on Amazon, simply share a free sample readable link using this format:

  6. Engage Beta Readers for Feedback

    • Before publishing, offer your manuscript to beta readers (Advance Reader Copy (ARC)). Ask for feedback, testimonials, or early reviews you can include in your final book. This builds credibility right from the start.

  7. Build an Email List Through Your eBook

    • Use your eBook itself to grow your audience. Add a link in your book that leads readers to a freebie - like bonus content or updates (see 8th point below) - if they choose to join your email list, which is optional by the way. Then nurture that list with consistent emails.

  8. Offer Lead Magnets

    • Create free, value-packed content related to your ebook. Think templates, checklists, or even a short video guide. Give these away to potential readers to pique their interest.

  9. Keep Experimenting

    • Honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Look at your data - what’s working, what’s not - and keep tweaking your approach. Marketing is constantly evolving, and we’ll need to stay flexible. Don’t listen to anyone promising a magic formula. Keep trying, pivoting, and learning.

Bonus Tip: Pick the Right Niche

Sure, researching popular niches is important. But here’s the thing: your niche should also align with you. It needs to fit your personality, lifestyle, and interests. It should be something that you are never tired learning about. And yes, it should have demand, but picking something you care about will keep you motivated.

That’s it for this time. Remember, you don’t need a big budget to market your ebook - you just need a plan and some persistence.

Try a couple of these ideas this week, and let me know how it goes!

Arun