31 Free Ways to Promote Your Book Online

Here’s the thing: writing a book is hard, but promoting it can feel like trying to juggle knives while blindfolded. You’re excited, you’ve hit “publish,” but suddenly you realize the world isn’t exactly lined up at your door.

And to top it off, you’re probably staring at a marketing budget that’s basically whatever’s left in your coffee fund.

Sound familiar?

Don’t worry, I’ve been there. In fact, most indie authors have. The good news? You don’t need a huge marketing budget to sell your book.

I’ve seen it, done it, and helped others do it. You just need some clever strategies and a willingness to hustle.

So, if you’re ready to get your book into the hands of eager readers without spending a small fortune, let’s dive into 31 free ways you can promote your book online, one step at a time.

1. Optimize Your Author Website

Start with the foundation—your website. Don’t underestimate how important this is. Your author website is your digital home where readers can learn more about you, your book, and how they can connect with you.

Plus, it’s the place to collect email sign-ups and build an audience for your future books.

And no, you don’t need a fancy, expensive designer to make a professional-looking website. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Weebly offer free templates you can customize yourself. Just make sure your website is:

• Simple to navigate.
• Has a strong call-to-action (like signing up for your newsletter).
• Includes a blog or section where you can share updates, interviews, or even a sneak peek into your writing process.

This is the digital equivalent of your business card—don’t skip it.

2. Use Goodreads for Free Promotions

Goodreads is basically Disneyland for book lovers, and it’s one of the most powerful tools you can use for free book promotion. But don’t just set up a profile and leave it. Here’s how you can really use it to your advantage:

• Giveaways: Use Goodreads’ giveaway tool to get people adding your book to their “Want to Read” lists. Even if they don’t win, your book stays on their radar.
• Join Groups: Find Goodreads groups that fit your book’s genre and start engaging. Don't spam your book—add value first by joining discussions, recommending other books, and then subtly introducing your own.
• Review Swaps: Connect with other indie authors on Goodreads for review swaps. You read and review theirs, they read and review yours—win-win.

3. Set Up a Virtual Book Tour

Book tours don’t have to mean hopping on planes and trains. In the digital age, a virtual book tour can give you exposure to tons of readers around the world for free. Here’s how you can do it:

• Find Book Bloggers: Reach out to book bloggers who love your genre. Offer them a free copy in exchange for an honest review, an interview, or a guest post. Bloggers are always on the hunt for fresh content.
• Guest Blogging: Write guest posts for popular book-related blogs in your genre. This not only gives you exposure but also lets you tap into an existing audience that already loves books like yours.
• Podcasts: Many podcast hosts love interviewing authors. Do some research and reach out to shows that align with your book’s themes.

4. Leverage Your Social Media Like a Pro (Without Being Annoying)

Let’s be honest: nobody likes the “Buy my book!” author who shows up on social media only to promote. Instead of shouting into the void, use your platforms to build real connections. Here’s how:

• Instagram Stories: Instead of pushing sales, show behind-the-scenes glimpses into your writing process, character development, or favorite lines. Use #Bookstagram to connect with readers who love following authors.
• TikTok #BookTok: TikTok is blowing up for authors right now. Don’t be afraid to experiment with short, funny, or interesting videos. Think quick summaries, character sketches, or “Why I wrote this book” moments.
• Engage, Don’t Sell: Reply to comments, join conversations, and share content that’s useful, funny, or inspiring to your followers. People are more likely to buy from someone they feel they know and trust.

5. Get Reviews on Free Book Review Sites

Reviews sell books. But let’s face it: getting reviews can be like pulling teeth. Instead of hoping for reviews to magically appear, you can reach out to free book review sites like:

• Reedsy Discovery: You can submit your book for a review by one of their vetted reviewers.
• BookBub: While their paid promotions are famous, they also feature tons of free reviews and content. Apply to be featured.
• NetGalley Co-ops: While individual NetGalley memberships can be expensive, co-ops allow indie authors to pool together and get reviews from professional reviewers.

6. Offer Free Samples or Chapters

This is a strategy that doesn’t get enough love. People love free stuff, and when it comes to books, free chapters or previews work wonders in convincing someone to buy the full thing.

Here’s how to make it work:

• Set up a free chapter download on your website.
• Promote it on social media, in forums, or in Facebook groups. Let people know they can grab the first chapter for free.
• Once you’ve hooked them with your writing, offer a link to purchase the rest.

7. Create a Free Book Club Kit

Book clubs are a fantastic way to get your book in front of readers. Create a free book club kit that includes:

• Discussion questions.
• Author insights into key scenes or characters.
• Bonus content like deleted chapters or alternate endings.

Make it available as a free download on your website and promote it to book clubs, online forums, and social media groups.

8. Optimize Your Amazon Page for SEO

You’ve heard of search engine optimization (SEO) for websites, but have you thought about how it applies to your Amazon book page? Amazon is a giant search engine for books, and you need to be using it to your advantage.

• Pick the right keywords for your book’s title, subtitle, and description. These should be terms readers might search for, like “mystery novel,” “women’s fiction,” or “self-help for entrepreneurs.”
• Choose the right categories. Amazon allows you to pick up to two categories, and many authors overlook this. Choose categories where your book can stand out.
• Encourage Reviews: Amazon’s algorithm favors books with higher numbers of reviews. Ask your early readers, ARC reviewers, and personal network to leave reviews.

9. Engage in Relevant Reddit Communities

Reddit is a highly engaged platform with communities for pretty much everything. The trick is to find the right subreddits where your readers hang out and engage with them—not just by promoting your book but by adding value.

For example:

• r/books: A general book-loving community where you can discuss anything book-related.
• r/selfpublish: This subreddit is great for indie authors who want to connect with other self-publishers, share tips, and occasionally promote their books.

Remember, Reddit hates spam. Engage with the community first, build relationships, and when appropriate, share your book.

10. Collaborate with Other Authors

Who says promoting your book has to be a solo venture? Collaborating with other authors can give you access to an entirely new audience. Here’s how you can partner up:

• Newsletter swaps: Find authors in your genre who have similar-sized email lists and offer to feature each other’s books.
• Cross-promote on social media: Share each other’s book launches or book news with your followers.
• Bundle books: If you’re writing in a series or have multiple books, team up with another author to bundle your books together and offer them as a special deal to readers.

11. Get Active on Bookstagram

Instagram isn’t just for selfies and food pics—Bookstagram is a thriving community dedicated to readers and book lovers. Create beautiful, engaging posts with images of your book, inspiring quotes, or even the writing process. Tag popular Bookstagrammers who might be interested in your genre and get them to share your book with their followers.

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12. Join Facebook Reader Groups

Facebook may not be as “cool” as TikTok, but reader groups on Facebook are still one of the most engaged spaces for authors. Search for groups related to your book’s genre, and instead of jumping in with self-promotion, build relationships first.

Comment on other authors’ posts, offer thoughtful recommendations, and once you’ve made genuine connections, share news about your book.

13. Run a Free Promotion with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

If you’ve published your book through KDP Select, you have access to free promotion days. For a limited time, you can offer your eBook for free, which helps you:

• Reach a broader audience.
• Boost your book’s rank on Amazon.
• Gather more reviews (and once people have read it, ask for them).

Once your free promotion is over, the reviews and buzz can translate into more paid sales.

14. Write Guest Posts on Popular Blogs

Find blogs or online magazines that cater to your audience and offer to write a guest post. But here’s the key: instead of writing a post that screams “BUY MY BOOK,” focus on adding value.

For example, if your book is about personal finance, offer tips on saving or budgeting. Then, at the end of the post, casually mention your book. This gets you exposure in front of an audience that’s already interested in your topic.

15. Create Shareable Images with Canva

Canva is a fantastic free tool for creating eye-catching graphics. You can make shareable images with quotes from your book, sneak peeks, or character profiles. These types of visuals are great for sharing on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

And the best part? Canva is free to use, and its simple design tools make it easy to create professional-quality images, even if you’re not a designer.

16. Start a Podcast or Get Interviewed

Podcasts are growing in popularity, and being a guest on one is a great way to promote your book. Find podcasts that are a natural fit for your book’s genre or theme. Many podcasters love interviewing authors and discussing books, so don’t be afraid to reach out.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even start your own podcast. Interview fellow authors, discuss your writing journey, or cover topics related to your book. It’s a great way to engage your audience on a deeper level.

17. Offer a Free Webinar or Workshop

If your book covers a nonfiction topic like business, self-help, or personal growth, offering a free webinar or workshop is a powerful way to engage potential readers. During the webinar, share valuable insights from your book and end with a call-to-action to buy it for more in-depth guidance.

This can be hosted on platforms like Zoom or even streamed live on Facebook or Instagram.

18. Use Medium to Publish Related Articles

Medium is a great platform for sharing longer-form content with an engaged audience. Write articles that relate to your book’s topic, and include a link to your book at the end. You can use Medium to build a following, showcase your expertise, and drive traffic to your book.

19. Start a YouTube Channel

YouTube is a fantastic way to build a following by sharing video content related to your book. Post videos where you:

• Read excerpts from your book.
• Share your journey as an author.
• Offer advice to other writers or readers.

Even simple, short videos can drive interest and attract readers. Plus, video content is highly shareable, which means your book can reach new audiences organically.

20. Use Pinterest for Book Marketing

Pinterest isn’t just for recipes and DIY projects—it’s a powerful tool for promoting your book. Create Pinterest boards that include visuals related to your book’s themes, quotes, or mood. Pinterest’s search engine-like structure helps users discover new content, and it can drive traffic to your website or book sales page.

21. Participate in Twitter Chats

Twitter has a vibrant writing and reading community. Participate in Twitter chats around hashtags like #AmWriting, #IndieAuthors, and #BookRecommendations. You can engage with potential readers, fellow authors, and influencers in the space, without sounding overly promotional.

22. Start an Email Newsletter

Your email list is one of the most valuable tools in your book marketing arsenal. Use a free service like Mailchimp to start a newsletter. Build your list by offering freebies (like sample chapters or bonus content) and use your newsletter to keep your readers engaged between book launches.

23. Create a Free Resource Related to Your Book

Readers love free, valuable content. If your book is nonfiction, create a free resource (like a checklist, workbook, or guide) that complements your book. Offer this resource in exchange for email sign-ups and then use your email list to promote the book down the road.

24. Get Active on LinkedIn (for Nonfiction Authors)

LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunting—it’s a powerful platform for promoting nonfiction books. Start by engaging in relevant groups and sharing posts that align with your book’s topic. You can also write LinkedIn articles that feature insights or takeaways from your book, with a link back to your Amazon page.

25. Submit Your Book to Free Book Directories

There are tons of websites dedicated to helping readers discover indie books. Submit your book to as many of these free directories as possible, such as:

• Indie Book Lounge
• The Fussy Librarian
• Indie Reader

These directories often have genre-specific lists that can put your book in front of the right audience.

26. Join Online Writing Communities

Communities like Scribophile and Wattpad allow you to connect with other writers and readers. Sharing excerpts from your book on platforms like these can lead to feedback, discussions, and even reviews from fellow writers and readers.

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27. Offer Signed Copies to Early Supporters

People love signed books, especially from indie authors. Offer signed copies of your book to your most dedicated fans, either through social media or your email list. You can do this as a giveaway or as a thank-you for their early support.

28. Participate in Book Forums

Forums like Kboards (for Kindle authors) and Absolute Write are great places to discuss writing, publishing, and marketing. While these forums are filled with other authors, they also provide a supportive network where you can promote your book without feeling salesy.

29. Submit Your Book to Influencer Reviewers

Social media influencers, especially on Instagram and TikTok, have massive audiences. Many of them focus specifically on book content (think #BookTok or #Bookstagram). Reach out to these influencers and offer them a free copy of your book in exchange for a review or feature.

30. Offer a Free eBook to Your Email Subscribers

To build your email list quickly, offer your book (or even just the first few chapters) as a free download. Not only does this grow your list, but it gives readers a taste of your writing style. If they enjoy it, they’ll be more inclined to buy the full version.

31. Collaborate with Local Bookstores (Even Virtually)

Local bookstores love featuring indie authors, especially when it comes to virtual events or book signings. Reach out to bookstores and offer to do a virtual reading or host a discussion about your book. They may even feature your book on their website or social media platforms, giving you more exposure.

No Budget? No Problem.

If you’re an indie author without a huge marketing budget, don’t worry—you’re not alone. By leveraging the free strategies listed above, you can build awareness, find readers, and sell more books without spending a fortune. The key is to be consistent, strategic, and always look for ways to engage your audience authentically.

?? Need help crafting a personal brand and book marketing strategy?

I’m here to help authors like you build a brand that resonates with readers and sells more books. Connect with me on LinkedIn and let’s get started!