For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers

The Value of an Idea

I am currently in the process of writing an article about perceived value and its importance in the marketplace. In my article, I discuss this often overlooked component to successful branding and marketing, and why it is absolutely vital for a book marketer or self-publisher to understand the importance of perceived value. Not only how it can increase sales, and produce loyal readers, but how, if not properly managed, it can undermine the integrity of your brand, and cause more damage than good.

Well, I have been unable to dedicate the time to finishing my article, because so many people have decided to take me up on my offer and ask me anything (and everything!), about improving their book marketing efforts. Now, don't get me wrong, I am absolutely loving it, and I have enjoyed researching each and everyone of you, and telling you, as honestly as I can, where I feel your marketing efforts are failing and where they are flourishing.

But, I got to thinking, while I feel that I am giving you some great insight into your personal marketing efforts, and am trying to give you some fresh ideas and new avenues to explore, am I really providing you anything of value?

Like I state at the top of the page, there are no strings attached, and I am just doing this because I love it. I feel this, in of itself, adds value to my service, considering that you are getting something for nothing. At least I feel I am giving you something, but how do you feel? Are my emails of ideas providing you any value? Am I helping to twist your ideas into new directions and create a sense of optimism in your marketing efforts? If so, let me know. If not, how come? What could I do better? What are my short comings?

In the meantime keep the questions coming, my article can wait, your marketing can't.

Joshua Van Horsen

Next Post >

Comment

You need to be a member of The Book Marketing Network to add comments!

Join The Book Marketing Network

Comment by Charlotte McPherson on September 30, 2007 at 6:40am: Thanks Josh for the invite and for your posting. How is the article coming along? Look forward to reading it and also visiting your website in the next couple of days. I write as a columnist for an English newspaper in Turkey --if you have time --click and read:
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/yazarAd.do?kn=68
It is challenging to do business in another culture.
Have a good weekend! Charlotte

Comment by AuthorLunaCarrol on July 16, 2007 at 12:15pm: Thanks for sharing, Josh. I'm also enjoying the responses you have received. Blogging and posting are definitely an effective means of promotion, no?

Comment by Julie Eller on July 7, 2007 at 8:36am: Thanks for posting, Josh. I'm looking forward to "picking your brain" and gleaning some great insights!

Blessings--
Julie

Comment by Anita on June 4, 2007 at 7:59pm: When I first published "The Goddess Guide to Chakra Vitality" I set the price at AUD$13 (cheap!) because I wanted it to be accessable to 100% of my membership base. What I found was, that b/c the book was so cheap, many members became "suspicious" -- "what's wrong with it? why is it so cheap? can't be good quality if it's so cheap..." and so on. So I raised the price to better reflect its true value, and wa-la, sales sky-rocketed. Yay! Yes, a big fan of realising "true value" and reconciling it with "perceived value".

Good study Josh, great work! Interested in reading your article when it's done :-)
Anita

Comment by Cristina Andersson on April 21, 2007 at 3:04am: Dear Joshua!

Thank you for inviting me to your network and also thank you for this article. People who help others are the MVP:s in the global playground.

Sometimes (often) the most difficult thing is to ask the right question. I wish to find that question :)

Blessings
Cristina