As writers, we’re always on the lookout for ways to get our books into readers’ hands. With so many marketing tools and services out there, it can be overwhelming to decide where to invest your time and money. Unfortunately, not every service lives up to its promises, and this month, I want to highlight a tool that I do not recommend: Ingram ID from IngramSpark’s “Promote My Book” service.
What is Ingram ID?
Ingram ID is promoted as a service that helps authors reach millions of verified readers on platforms like Facebook and Google. For $105 per ISBN, your book is supposedly placed in front of these readers, giving it exposure and increasing your chances of making sales.
My Experience with Ingram ID
Like many authors, I’m always looking for ways to expand my book’s reach, so I decided to give Ingram ID a try. I paid $105 to have my book promoted on Facebook, feeling optimistic that such a massive platform could drive sales.
Unfortunately, the results were disheartening. Despite the promise of reaching millions of readers, the campaign resulted in zero sales. Not one. While my book may have gotten some exposure, there were no purchases. It was $105 wasted.
Why I Don’t Recommend Ingram ID
The service simply didn’t deliver. While Ingram ID promises wide exposure, it doesn’t seem to offer the targeted, strategic marketing that actually converts to sales. Especially for authors with limited budgets, every dollar counts, and I would recommend saving your money for more effective marketing tools.
Other Promotional Tools: Proceed with Caution
While I don’t recommend Ingram ID, I’d also advise caution with some other popular marketing tools.
- Amazon Ads: While Amazon Ads can be a great way to reach readers, they’re not a magic bullet. Learning how to use the platform effectively takes time, and I’ll admit that I haven’t figured it out myself. If you’re interested in Amazon Ads, I recommend researching strategies or considering courses to help you get the most out of your investment. Bryan Cohen seems to be the expert and he offers courses!
- BookBub: While BookBub used to be a highly recommended platform for all authors, it now seems to cater mostly to traditionally published authors. Indie authors may find it more difficult to get featured, so I’d hesitate to recommend this as a go-to solution unless you’re traditionally published.
What I Do Recommend
Instead of spending money on services that may not deliver, here are some alternatives that I think offer more control and potentially better results:
- Direct Social Media Engagement: Building your own audience on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Threads can be far more effective than relying on third-party services. Engaging with readers directly creates a personal connection that’s hard to replicate with paid ads.
- Email Newsletters: A well-curated email list allows you to connect directly with readers who are interested in your work. It’s a valuable marketing tool that gives you complete control over your messaging and audience.
- Collaborations with Other Authors: Partnering with other authors for cross-promotion can be a powerful way to expand your reach without spending money.
Final Thoughts
Marketing is tricky, and there are no guarantees, but some tools are definitely better than others. My experience with Ingram ID was a waste of money, and I hope sharing this helps other authors avoid making the same mistake. If you’ve found other promotional tools that work (or don’t work), I’d love to hear your thoughts! We’re all in this together, and sharing our experiences can help us all make better marketing decisions.