We know there’s a lot of buzz about AI right now, and for good reason. AI can be a powerful tool for authors. But here’s the good news: whether you’re experimenting with AI or sticking to trusted tools, there are plenty of small, smart ways to make your marketing more manageable.
The goal isn’t to replace yourself; it’s to build a few systems that take tasks off your plate so you can stay focused on what matters most: writing your next great book.
Enter: mini automations.
These are low-lift, human-friendly workflows that can quietly hum along in the background while you focus on the big stuff—like writing, publishing, and, you know, remembering to eat lunch.
Let’s dig into five simple automations and tools that can make a big difference in your marketing life, without making things feel overwhelming or out of your hands.
1. Plan Your Content Calendar Like a Pro
Being “always online” is not a marketing strategy—it’s a fast track to burnout. Instead of chasing trends or scrambling to post last-minute updates, put together a content calendar.
This doesn’t have to be fancy. In fact, you can:
- Start with a spreadsheet or Trello board
- Plot out your posts for the month (new releases, reviews, writing updates)
- Batch-create content once a week
- Schedule posts using a tool like Metricool or Later
By organizing in advance, you make automation tools work for you—no need to draft clever captions during a midnight scroll.
💡 Tip: Reuse content across platforms. A newsletter update can become a Facebook post, an Instagram story, and a blog update with just a little tweaking.
2. Set Up a Welcome Email Series That Builds Connection
When someone signs up for your mailing list, don’t leave them in inbox limbo. Set up an automated welcome series that introduces them to you, your books, and your world.
A basic sequence might include:
- Email 1: Welcome + freebie or sample chapter
- Email 2: Your author story + what you write
- Email 3: What to expect (new releases, promos, sneak peeks)
- Email 4: A gentle call to follow you on socials or leave a review
Tools like MailerLite and ConvertKit make this simple to set up and edit over time.
🎯 Bonus: Combine this with your Reader Reach Facebook Ads strategy to keep new subscribers coming in regularly, without lifting a finger after setup.
3. Automate Your Review Requests
Social proof sells books, but most readers won’t leave a review unless you ask.
Set up a simple email flow that’s triggered a few days after a reader downloads a free book or joins your ARC team. You can build this with tools like StoryOrigin or within your email provider.
Here’s a sample email you can adapt:
💡 Pro Tip: If you run a Reader Magnet or ARC campaign, you can build your review flow directly into that journey. Just don’t forget to keep it kind, reader-first, and no pressure.
4. Let the Ads Do Some of the Work
Ads can feel overwhelming, but today’s ad platforms are designed to do the work for you—if you let them.
Here’s where you can let mini automations help:
- Amazon Ads: Use dynamic bidding and set daily budgets so your ads self-adjust to trends. Amazon will shift your bid up or down based on the likelihood of a sale.
- Meta (Facebook/Instagram): Use Advantage+ Placements and Campaign Budget Optimization to automatically allocate your spend across the best-performing placements.
- Reader Reach Ads: If managing campaigns isn’t your thing, hand it off to us! Our Reader Reach Facebook Ads and Reader Reach Amazon Ads are fully managed, so you can market while you write.
Don’t forget to install tracking pixels (Meta Pixel and Amazon Attribution Tag) on your landing pages or BookFunnel links to learn what’s working over time.
5. Keep Promo Planning on a Recurring Loop
You already know that Promos are one of the best ways to reach new readers. But remembering to actually run them? That’s another story.
Here’s how to automate your Promo planning with us:
- Choose dates in advance for Freebooksy, Bargain Booksy, or Red Feather Romance Email Promotions
- Schedule recurring promos directly in the Member Portal
- Set calendar reminders every quarter to review results and re-run what worked
- Stack your Email Promotions with Reader Reach Ads for maximum reach
This low-maintenance cycle keeps your books in front of readers, without needing a major marketing push each time.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, automation isn’t about giving up control—it’s about creating more breathing room in your creative life. Whether you’re tapping into AI, scheduling tools, or a few well-placed reminders, the goal is to stay connected to your readers without being on call 24/7.
These small systems support your work, not replace it, so you can focus on writing the stories only you can tell.
Ready to put these tools to work?
Start by scheduling your next Email Promotion or checking out our Reader Reach Ads today. Your future self (and your readers) will thank you!