by Jas Faulkner The covers of the books in the window of Sam and Tab’s book store featured well-toned abs, beautified, decluttered homes, language lessons, and a few self-help titles. For a characteristically grim touch, Sam dragged out a skeleton and had it seated in one corner of the window display reading Jim Fixx’s “The Complete Book of Running”. Being the kind of person who will spend time looking at the titles on shelves in pictures, I sent Sam’s IPhoned photo to my email to get a better look. “What you don’t see,” she said, “is the sign next to the cash register that says we’ll give them a coupon for half off a used book if they sign a promise to not bring them
Marketing Ideas Archive
As I sit staring at my screen, it occurred to me how for granted I take the advent of the computer in my life. Up until the late 90s, I didn’t own a computer. I couldn’t type, still can’t, but I fake it. I don’t understand how a computer works, could never write whatever it is to create a website, and have no idea how the written word in the netherworld can magically appear on my screen, chapter after chapter, if I so choose. But then again, I still don’t get how TV, radios and records work. Electricity–a complete wonder. The point is–how is not an interest of mine. It’s there, I use it. Considering that I depend on a computer for a multitude of
This is a Guest Post by Maria Hughes of childrensbookstore.com Hosting activities and events at your bookstore can not only help promote literacy, it can also generate valuable business for your store, and establish you as a community place. There are a myriad of events and activities you can host, but if you’re out of ideas and all the activities you’ve been hosting seem to be a bit stale, here are a few more fresh, kid and family-oriented ideas that will help promote literacy and help you grow a customer base for your business. Host a Costume Party If a popular book such as Harry Potter or The Hunger Games is coming out, a great event to host would be a costume party. You could
We all think about invitations and press releases and publicity before a bookstore event, but what about afterward? Politicians call it “taking care of your base,” and it’s good manners as well as good business. You probably have an e-mail list from which you issue invitations to your bookstore events. Pay attention to everyone who attends, and send a follow-up e-mail after the event, thanking them for supporting your bookstore and your guest author. You will only be expressing what you truly feel. Not everyone who was invited will have attended, of course, so if you maintain a blog or other bookstore website and/or if you’re on Facebook, be sure to report the success of your event. Everyone likes success, and no one wants to
We all realize the straits independent bookshops are in. Print books can only finance the store so far. Many stores have opted to offer toys, gift items, some have opened a coffee shop within. So, with this in mind, why not utilize some of the pieces books and other items sit upon. If the piece of furniture is interesting enough, it will catch the eye, and not only sell what’s placed on it, but perhaps the furniture piece itself. Industrial pieces from TFM can be a perfect match for the indie bookseller. They specialize in offbeat, eccentric, durable, stylish coffee tables, chests, stools, and bookshelves. These pieces would work in any bookstore, especially those in places that have an industrial or avant garde feel. For