Boosting a Sci-Fi Author's Success: A Case Study on John Spearman's Meta Ads and Mailing List Growth

John Spearman, a passionate sci-fi author, faced a common challenge: how to sell books online effectively while building a loyal reader base. Starting from scratch, he needed a clear strategy for author marketing that would connect him with his audience and grow his mailing list. For John we set up Meta ads, created a compelling landing page, and expanded his mailing list, ultimately transforming his book marketing efforts into measurable success.

John Spearman, Sci-fi Author

Setting Up Meta Ads for Targeted Reach

John’s first step was to reach readers who love sci-fi but had never heard of his work. We focused on Meta ads because of their precise targeting options and cost-effectiveness. The process included:

• Audience research: We identified sci-fi enthusiasts by interests, behaviours, and demographics.

• Ad creative: We designed eye-catching ads and concise copy that highlighted John’s unique storytelling style.

• Budget management: Starting with a modest daily budget, we tested different ad sets to find the most responsive audience.

  
  

Within the first month, John’s ads achieved a click-through rate (CTR) of 11.2%, 10x the industry average for book marketing! This early success showed that targeted Meta ads could drive quality traffic to his landing page.

Creating a Landing Page That Converts

A landing page is crucial for turning ad clicks into mailing list sign-ups and book sales. We built a landing page tailored to John’s sci-fi brand with these key features:

• Clear headline and subheadline that communicated the book’s appeal.

• Engaging book synopsis that sparked curiosity without spoilers.

• Strong call-to-action (CTA) encouraging visitors to join John’s mailing list for exclusive content and updates.

• Mobile-friendly design to ensure smooth browsing on any device.

  
  

The landing page also included a sample chapter download in exchange for email addresses, a proven tactic in author marketing. This approach helped John convert visitors into subscribers within 30 days.

John's mailing list pop-up.

Growing the Mailing List with Engaging Content

With the mailing list growing, John needed to keep his subscribers engaged. We advised him to:

• Send regular newsletters featuring behind-the-scenes insights about his writing process.

• Share exclusive short stories and sneak peeks of upcoming books.

• Offer limited-time discounts and giveaways to encourage book purchases.

  
  

This consistent communication built trust and excitement, turning subscribers into loyal readers. Over the course of six months, John’s mailing list grew from zero to over 2,500 engaged fans, significantly enhancing his book marketing efforts.

Practical Takeaways for Authors

John’s journey shows that author marketing can succeed with a clear plan and the right tools. Key lessons include:

• Use targeted Meta ads to reach the right readers without wasting budget.

• Build a landing page focused on conversion with a strong offer like a free sample chapter.

• Engage your mailing list with valuable content to maintain interest and encourage sales.

  
  

Authors looking to grow their audience and learn how to sell books online can apply these strategies to their own projects.