Artwork

Content provided by Travis Chappell. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Travis Chappell or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!

Make Money by Marketing Books Like a Pro | Alex Strathdee

26:33
 
Share
 

Manage episode 484687012 series 2890804
Content provided by Travis Chappell. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Travis Chappell or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

Alex Strathdee is the founder of Shelf Life, a company he started at age 22 to fix the scam-filled book marketing world. Now 28, Alex leads a team of 17 from San Diego, generating over $1 million a year and working with top authors like Dan Heath, Nir Eyal, Lewis Howes, Reid Hoffman, and Carrie Bentley. After leaving a six-figure software job, Alex built Shelf Life into a go-to resource for authors seeking real results in book marketing. His unique journey, tech-forward approach, and deep understanding of both the publishing and marketing landscapes make him a standout guest for anyone interested in turning books into a thriving business.

On this episode we talk about:

  • How Alex started Shelf Life and transitioned from a six-figure tech job to entrepreneurship

  • The biggest challenges authors face in selling books after publishing

  • The evolution and current state of Amazon ads for book marketing

  • Leveraging podcasts as a powerful business development and networking tool

  • Creative strategies for landing high-profile clients and building credibility in a crowded market

  • Actionable book marketing tactics, including giving away free copies and building authentic relationships with readers

  • The importance of audiobooks and trends in book consumption

  • Why authors should focus on genuine marketing over vanity metrics like “bestseller” status

Top 3 Takeaways

  1. Podcasting is a Trojan horse for business development: Hosting a podcast enabled Alex to build relationships with top authors, land major clients, and learn from industry leaders—all while growing his business organically.

  2. Give value before asking for value: Offering free copies of a book to the right audience can turn readers into fans and generate authentic reviews, which is far more effective than focusing on paid bestseller campaigns or cold outreach.

  3. Tech-forward thinking wins: Understanding technology—even at a basic level—helps entrepreneurs move faster, automate processes, and stay ahead of less agile competitors in marketing and publishing.

Notable Quotes

  • "It's way easier to get someone to come on and talk to you for 30-60 minutes during an interview than it is to be like, 'Hey, can I talk to you about marketing my books?'"

  • "A book from a no-name author is an undifferentiated product from someone with no reputation. You're not just asking for their money, you're asking for their time."

  • "The second you learn how to do something, you need to learn how not to do it—that's how you grow and scale."

Connect with Alex Strathdee:

Website: https://getshelflife.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  continue reading

1084 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 484687012 series 2890804
Content provided by Travis Chappell. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Travis Chappell or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

Alex Strathdee is the founder of Shelf Life, a company he started at age 22 to fix the scam-filled book marketing world. Now 28, Alex leads a team of 17 from San Diego, generating over $1 million a year and working with top authors like Dan Heath, Nir Eyal, Lewis Howes, Reid Hoffman, and Carrie Bentley. After leaving a six-figure software job, Alex built Shelf Life into a go-to resource for authors seeking real results in book marketing. His unique journey, tech-forward approach, and deep understanding of both the publishing and marketing landscapes make him a standout guest for anyone interested in turning books into a thriving business.

On this episode we talk about:

  • How Alex started Shelf Life and transitioned from a six-figure tech job to entrepreneurship

  • The biggest challenges authors face in selling books after publishing

  • The evolution and current state of Amazon ads for book marketing

  • Leveraging podcasts as a powerful business development and networking tool

  • Creative strategies for landing high-profile clients and building credibility in a crowded market

  • Actionable book marketing tactics, including giving away free copies and building authentic relationships with readers

  • The importance of audiobooks and trends in book consumption

  • Why authors should focus on genuine marketing over vanity metrics like “bestseller” status

Top 3 Takeaways

  1. Podcasting is a Trojan horse for business development: Hosting a podcast enabled Alex to build relationships with top authors, land major clients, and learn from industry leaders—all while growing his business organically.

  2. Give value before asking for value: Offering free copies of a book to the right audience can turn readers into fans and generate authentic reviews, which is far more effective than focusing on paid bestseller campaigns or cold outreach.

  3. Tech-forward thinking wins: Understanding technology—even at a basic level—helps entrepreneurs move faster, automate processes, and stay ahead of less agile competitors in marketing and publishing.

Notable Quotes

  • "It's way easier to get someone to come on and talk to you for 30-60 minutes during an interview than it is to be like, 'Hey, can I talk to you about marketing my books?'"

  • "A book from a no-name author is an undifferentiated product from someone with no reputation. You're not just asking for their money, you're asking for their time."

  • "The second you learn how to do something, you need to learn how not to do it—that's how you grow and scale."

Connect with Alex Strathdee:

Website: https://getshelflife.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  continue reading

1084 episodes

All episodes

×
 
Loading …

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

 

Quick Reference Guide

Listen to this show while you explore
Play