🚀📚 With the book cover being revealed last week, the design team finalizing the book design, and the publishing process geared up and ready to go, all is quiet in the Macie-verse.
Well, not exactly.
While it might seem like a perfect time to catch our breath, we’ve been hard at work on a special Earth Day celebration where we will be sponsoring Macie’s Magic Veggies Bundles. Nichole Dube and Dube’s Mobile Market, our farm partner, will deliver their fresh vegetables to Pasco County children and families in need.
We will also launch “Macie and the Magic Veggies” to the local community with storytelling sessions before our official global book launch begins.
🌍Beyond Just Books
Our content extends beyond the printed page. We’re preparing to launch our website, which serves as more than just an author page—it’s a portal into the Macie-verse.
When people see the first line of Macie and the Magic Veggies, “Macie loves her veggies,” they often ask, “How did that happen? I’m still trying to get my child to try vegetables!” That story will be told in “Before the Magic: Macie and Grandpa’s Carrot Quest.”
And it’s even better than that because we’re producing an audiobook video of that story. That’s right, you and your little ones can experience Macie’s journey from refusing to eat vegetables to loving them by WATCHING the story together!
But wait, there’s more! We’re (I mean, Grandpa is) putting the finishing touches on his tips to help you support your child’s introduction to eating veggies. By joining our email community, you will be able to access “Grandpa’s Guide to Loving Veggies—No Magic Required,” which is filled with practical and fun tips to help your little ones embrace vegetables.
📘 Sneak Peek at What’s Next
I’m thrilled to share that the next installment in Macie’s book series is underway! The Macie-verse will be open to all very soon! No funky glasses will be required. Well, at least not just yet 😉
Stay tuned… 🥕💚
…And now, let me address my audience, who may have absolutely no current interest in my children’s picture book, let alone one that rhymes and was written for 2 to 5-year-olds 😂 My goal for this post is to continue generating interest and anticipation for the “Macie and the Magic Veggies” book launch while setting expectations for the content potential of the Macie-verse.
It also offers some lessons for authors and content marketers creating or building their brands, including:
Engage with Ongoing Narratives
The post begins with an update on the book’s progress, leveraging the excitement of a cover reveal and the finalization of the book’s layout. This keeps the audience informed and engaged with the book’s journey from concept to product, creating anticipation.
Incorporate Social Responsibility
The mention of sponsoring Macie’s Magic Veggies Bundles for needy families adds a layer of
social responsibility. It demonstrates a commitment to integrating social good into its narrative and overall brand.
Use Multi-Channel Storytelling
Highlighting various content formats, such as audiobooks and videos, caters to different preferences in content consumption. This approach broadens the potential audience and enriches the storytelling experience, making the characters and the brand universe more accessible.
Offer Value Beyond the Product
The post discusses offering practical tips and guides (e.g., Grandpa’s Guide to Loving Veggies) that provide additional value beyond the book. Offering resources that help solve problems or enhance the user’s lifestyle can create a loyal community around the brand.
Create Interactive Opportunities
Promoting a contest relevant to the book’s themes (educational toys and tools) encourages interaction. Contests can drive engagement and increase visibility, especially when tied closely to the brand’s core products and values.
Tease Future Projects
The announcement of the next book in the series is a teaser that keeps the audience looking forward. Continually hinting at what’s next can maintain interest and engagement, ensuring the audience stays tuned for future updates.
Build a Community
Inviting people to join an email community for exclusive access to content builds a direct line of communication with the most engaged fans. Email communities can foster a sense of belonging and loyalty, which is essential for long-term brand success.
Showcase Personality and Voice
The post uses a friendly and enthusiastic tone, which helps personalize the brand and make it relatable. An authentic, distinctive voice can help your brand stand out and resonate more deeply with your audience.
Leverage Cross-Promotions
Partnering with other brands broadens the reach and aligns the brand with other reputable names, potentially tapping into their audiences.
Utilize Visual and Emotional Appeals
Emojis and engaging visuals make the content more appealing and accessible. Emotional appeals, such as the excitement of new discoveries or the joy of sharing activities, can also enhance engagement.
These and other elements working together under a comprehensive strategic content plan can create a robust, engaging brand presence that attracts and retains a dedicated audience.
I welcome your thoughts and plan to share more lessons as I continue my “content entrepreneur” journey. (shout out to Joe Pulizzi, from whom I first heard the term.)
Peter Contardo