10 Affordable Book Marketing Tactics That Actually Work for Indie Children’s Authors
You’ve written a beautiful children’s book. You’ve navigated the maze of self-publishing. Now what?
For many indie authors, the real challenge begins after launch: getting your book into the hands of readers—parents, teachers, and little bookworms alike. The good news? You don’t need a big budget to build buzz. Here are 10 proven and affordable tactics that actually work for marketing children’s books.
1. Tap into Local Schools and Libraries
Cost: Free to Low
Offer to do a free author reading at a local primary school, early learning centre, or library. These communities are always looking for engaging literacy activities—and it’s a great way to build word-of-mouth.
Pro Tip: Bring activity sheets or colouring pages based on your book to leave behind.
2. Create a Simple Author Website
Cost: ~$10–$50/year for hosting
Your website doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to exist. Parents, educators, and media will search for you—make sure they find more than an Amazon link. Include a bio, book info, reviews, and a newsletter signup.
Tools: Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress with a clean template.
3. Build an Email List Early
Cost: Free for up to 500–1,000 subscribers
Email is still one of the most effective ways to market. Offer a free printable, bonus story, or coloring sheet in exchange for an email signup.
Tools: MailerLite, ConvertKit, or Substack.
4. Pitch to Parenting & Education Blogs
Cost: Free
Reach out to bloggers and websites that focus on parenting, literacy, or children's books. A well-timed feature, Q&A, or review can introduce your book to thousands of engaged readers.
Start with: Australian Baby Bargains, Childhood 101, Kidspot, or independent teacher blogs.
5. Use Social Media with Intention
Cost: Free
Focus on one platform where your audience is. Instagram is great for visual storytelling, while Facebook groups are packed with parenting communities. TikTok’s #BookTok and #KidsBookTok also have growing reach.
Content Ideas: Behind-the-scenes writing, author readings, kids’ reactions, or fan art.
6. Run a Giveaway
Cost: $10–$20 for shipping + book
Giveaways create buzz, generate shares, and boost engagement. Run one on Instagram, your website, or through Goodreads. Partner with a parenting influencer or another author for more reach.
7. Get on Podcasts for Parents or Authors
Cost: Free
Pitch yourself as a guest to parenting, author, or literacy-focused podcasts. It’s a powerful way to share your story, build authority, and connect with a niche audience.
Search for: “Australian parenting podcast,” “children’s book author podcast,” etc.
8. Use Amazon Ads—Strategically
Cost: As little as $2/day
Amazon Ads can be effective even on a small budget if you target the right keywords (think: “mindfulness picture books” or “books about resilience for kids”). Test and scale slowly.
Tip: Start with automatic targeting to gather data, then refine.
My eBook includes step-by-step guides on smart investment strategies, budget planning, channel prioritisation, and how to set up ads across key platforms so you can market your book with confidence and clarity.
9. Join Indie Author Communities
Cost: Free
Facebook groups, Discord servers, and author forums are goldmines for advice, cross-promotion, and support. Some great ones include:
Children’s Book Authors & Illustrators: Marketing & Tips
20BooksTo50K
The Indie Author Mindset
10. Add Value Beyond the Book
Cost: Free to Low
Create printable activities, lesson plans, or videos that enhance your book's themes. Offer them to teachers, homeschoolers, or parents via your site or email list. It keeps your book relevant beyond storytime.
Final Thoughts
Marketing your children’s book doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By combining smart strategy with a bit of hustle, you can grow your audience, generate sales, and make a meaningful impact—one reader at a time.
About the Author:
Emma Macey is the author of Matilda and the Bear and the upcoming The Independent Author's Guide to Book Marketing: Strategies for Success. She helps indie children's authors navigate the business of books with clarity and heart.