Back in the infancy of social media, when you posted on Facebook, the majority of your followers saw your posts. But then Facebook began applying algorithms to determine which of your posts your followers might be most interested in—and the average user’s reach plummeted. So even though you may have lots of fans following you on your Facebook author page, many are probably not seeing your posts. According to the social media experts at Web Design Relief, the best way to reach a wider audience on Facebook and to promote your book is to utilize Facebook ads.

Facebook ads are a great way to advertise your book online. But to create a successful ad campaign, you’re going to need to master skills that many creative writers typically don’t focus on—marketing techniques. This includes writing compelling ad copy and choosing enticing imagery. Here are a few ways you can create effective Facebook ads:

Talk Up Your Book

Many writers tend to be a bit introverted and not inclined to toot their own horns. However, if you want to boost your book sales, you’re going to have to put modesty aside and grab that megaphone! Try to put yourself in the shoes of a potential reader. Why would you choose this book? What are the most interesting aspects of the book that you would like to share without giving too much away? Why should someone read YOUR book and not one of the many others out there?

Brief Is Better

Your book is your baby, and like a proud parent, you might assume everyone is fascinated with every minute detail of your baby. And you may be tempted to get your dollars’ worth by overcompensating and writing a lot of descriptive text. But more is not necessarily better when it comes to ads on Facebook. In most cases, potential readers will be scrolling through their Facebook feeds and see your ad. Dense, lengthy paragraphs are likely to dissuade potential book buyers from reading your ad. You need to grab your readers’ attention and pique their interest—fast!

And be sure there’s a clear call to action. It can be as simple as: Buy your copy today!

Media Sells The Message

Videos and images help Facebook ads stand out and grab attention in the competition for your audience’s awareness. The most obvious image choice: your book’s cover art! After all, your book cover is your best point-of-purchase sales pitch. In bookstores, the cover plays a big part in getting people to walk over and pick up your book—yes, people do judge a book by its cover. It’s the same with ads on Facebook. You might also consider using artwork or video that suggests the themes and genre of your book.

Hit Your Target

Facebook ads allow for very specific targeted marketing, which is excellent for pinpointing the audience most likely to be interested in your book. It also eliminates wasted spending. For instance, if you write strange, supernatural tales, you can target your books to fans of Neil Gaiman or Stephen King. Gather a list of other books and authors similar to you and your book, and plug them into the interests section of Facebook’s audience targeting tool to promote your ad to the widest—and most likely to be interested—audience.

Advertising your book on Facebook can be an affordable way to reach a larger audience and boost sales. In addition to creating new ads using Facebook’s ad manager tool, you can spend as little as $10 to boost an existing post!

Question: Let us know about your experience with Facebook ads! Have you found success with them or are you going to steer clear?