Can a meme really help promote a book? Statistics show that pictures are shared substantially more often than posts. In comparing Pinterest with Facebook, 80% of pins are shared at least once compared to only 1.5% of Facebook posts. With odds like that, why not use memes to promote your book?
Memes are incredibly easy to create. Do a search for “meme generator,” and you will find a long list of sites offering free meme creation. Or if you prefer to use a mobile device, there are plenty of free meme generator apps as well. I created the following meme for Castle Gate Press’s novel, The Day She Died, at Meme Generator.
Many meme generators offer examples for each meme, so you can scroll through the available memes to get ideas. Once you decide on the wording, click on an appropriate picture. Type in the words for the top and the bottom, click on the button to tell the site to generate your meme, and a few seconds later you have your customized meme. To save it, right click on top of the picture, click on “save picture as,” then choose a file on your computer where you want to save the picture.
Now you can post the meme just like any other picture. You can use it on your blog, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, a newsletter, or all of the above–wherever you communicate with your readers. And don’t forget to add a link to the book’s page at an on-line bookstore or your website with information about the book.
Get creative. Memes are supposed to be fun. So the more meme-like you can make your meme, the more likely it will be reposted. How many other ways can you come up with to promote your book with a meme?