Links Galore...

...Where to Put Those Newsletter Sign-Ups (All Free!)

Author2Author: Quill and Grit

I did a SoMeDoc presentation in 2024 about building your newsletter, so I thought I'd share some of these great ways in this forum.
https://doctorsonsocialmedia.com/

If you want to grow your newsletter, the first step is simple: make it easy for readers to find your sign-up link everywhere. And yes, we’re talking everywhere. Think of it like scattering little breadcrumbs across the internet—and in real life—so your readers can’t help but follow them straight to your newsletter.
Here’s your ultimate, zero-cost list of places to drop those links:

1. Your Author Website
This is the obvious one, but don’t just stop at a small “Sign up for my newsletter” button on your homepage. Pop it in the header, the footer, and even a sticky sidebar if your theme allows it. You want your newsletter offer impossible to miss.

2. Author Bios Everywhere
Your Goodreads, BookBub, and any other author profile you maintain are prime real estate. Toss your newsletter link in your bio and add a tiny teaser: “Get exclusive short stories, bonus scenes, and early book news—sign up here!”

⚠️ Note: Amazon doesn’t allow clickable links in author bios, so don’t waste your energy there.

3. Front Matter of Your Books
Right at the beginning of your book, you can offer a reader magnet—a prequel chapter, deleted scene, or character dossier—in exchange for a newsletter signup. Sneaky, but in the best way possible.

4. Back Matter of Your Books
You’ve already got your readers hooked—they finished the book. That’s the perfect moment to say: “Want more? Get exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox!” Include a direct link or again, tease a freebie reader magnet.
NOTE: You need to put it right after the end of the book--not in a new section. Most reading apps will signify the end of the book with a rating pop up, and then you've lost their attention. I end my books with a symbol signifying the end, and the next paragraph is 'join my newletter' (the one after that is a link to the next book). 

5. Your Blog
Every blog post is a chance to capture emails. End posts with a call-to-action like:
"Loved this post? Get more insider content, free short stories, and early book announcements by joining my newsletter!"

6. Podcast Notes & Guest Spots
If you’re on a podcast—or hosting one—your show notes are a perfect spot for your link. Mention it in the episode too: “For behind-the-scenes stories and free content, join my newsletter at [link].”

7. TikTok, YouTube, & Social Media
Put it in your bio and pin a video about your newsletter. Quick tip: offer a fun reason to join, like an exclusive character interview or sneak peek at the next book.

8. Physical Handouts
Don’t underestimate the power of real-life connections! Add a QR code to bookmarks, business cards, or flyers. One scan = instant sign-up. Bonus: you can hand these out at book events, coffee shops, or even slip them in books you gift friends or fans.

9. More Ideas

• Email signature (include a little nudge at the end of every email: “Get free stories & updates—join my newsletter!”)
• Online courses, workshops, or webinars
• Freebie downloads you already offer (coloring pages, planners, or guides)
• Forums or groups where your readers hang out (where self-promotion is allowed, of course)
  
  

💡 Pro Tip: Everywhere you drop a link, make it fun and irresistible. Nobody signs up for “my newsletter.” They sign up for exclusive sneak peeks, free stories, and behind-the-scenes secrets. Make it a little adventure—they’ll click.