I’m sure everyone has varied opinions about the difference between bragging and marketing, but for me it’s simple and basically looks like this:
Bragging – I see you’re following me on social media, so let me tell you about my award-winning, best-selling, super-hot, amazing book. Here’s a discount code for My Book, so buy it. You won’t be disappointed. Check out this page for quotes from all the reviewers who say My Book is awesome. You mean you haven’t read it yet? Get your copy and join tons of other happy readers who have loved My Book.
Marketing – If you enjoy romantic comedies and sexy alpha heroes, try my best selling novel My Book. Check out the first chapter for free by following this link. Don’t forget to connect with me on social media and let me know what you think about My Book or romantic comedies in general. I’d love to hear from you!
To me it’s not bragging to supply facts like a book is a best seller or has won an award, but the tone of the message is as important as the content, and it’s what pushes me either toward or away from a purchase. I don’t mind being offered a product. I don’t mind being asked to buy it, but I don’t like being “told” to do anything, especially if it’s because everyone else “loves” it.
Everyone is different, though, regarding what approaches they find enticing or off-putting. What’s your opinion about the difference between bragging and marketing?
Find out what other authors on the MFRW 52-Week Blog Hop think here.
Social
Good points about tone. It can be tricky, balancing blatant book-pushing with genuine reader engagement.
Excellent point about tone. In print–especially social media–it’s difficult to master. (I make no claim to such mastery here.)