Book sector digital marketing training programme

The Book Sector Digital Marketing Training Programme is a bespoke programme aimed at addressing digital marketing challenges and opportunities and enabling book sector professionals to position writers from Aotearoa alongside international brands and titles.

Developed in conversation with the sector, for the sector, it is delivered by digital marketing training experts The Classroom. A core course component focused on considerations book sector professionals need to understand and be aware of when it comes to digital marketing and connecting with Māori audiences will be delivered by Dawson Marama-Feagai (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa), Chief Executive of Toi Hourua.


About the programme

The programme offers a new, heightened level of professional development in book sector digital marketing. It is delivered over a six month period, in a mixture of in-person and online sessions (timetable below) and provides a longer-term, deep-dive training that the Aotearoa book sector has not had before.

The course will equip attendees with the tools and capability to improve their digital impact, book or ticket sales, and visibility. It aims to increase opportunities for publishers, event organisers, writers and booksellers.

A core objective is to enable attendees to reach new readers and gain fresh audience insights. The programme also aims to support attendees in their efforts to reach a range of readers and audiences from diverse communities – in authentic ways.

Participant numbers are restricted to 20. Alongside expanded capability and skills, this cohort will develop strong interpersonal connections and collectively learn about ways to amplify individual campaigns across Aotearoa.

Timetable

Course content

The course will feature a wide range of digital marketing strategies and tools that specifically target readers and book enthusiasts as well as aid with the identification of new audiences. This will include content that supports innovative ways to reach a range of audiences and readers throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Attendees will have the opportunity to improve their marketing across a broad range of platforms. The course will offer end-to end support through in-person and online sessions, complemented by one-on-one tailored support specific to individual attendee needs.

A core course component focusing on engaging with Māori audiences in Aotearoa and considerations book sector professionals need to understand and be aware of when it comes to digital marketing will be delivered by Dawson Marama, CEO of Toi Hourua.

Topics include:

  • Considerations for identifying and engaging with new, diverse audiences on social media

  • How to ensure your social media accounts are optimised

  • How to develop an effective social media strategy

  • How to run effective social media ads and apply analytic tools for measurement and refinement

  • How to use AI in your marketing

  • How to optimise your content for search engines and your own site and platform use for discoverability

  • How to apply analytic techniques to your website traffic and design.

The programme will be delivered by digital marketing training experts The Classroom. Learn more about The Classroom here.

Key details to note

  • Participants will pay a one-off registration fee of $300*

  • For participants based outside Auckland, The Coalition will contribute towards travel costs (airfare and accommodation) for each of the one-day Auckland-based workshops (max per person of $500 per workshop)

  • Participants commit to attending ALL sessions

  • A digital suite of course materials will be accessible to all members of The Coalition for Books at the conclusion of the programme

*The Coalition has received funding from the MCH Regeneration Fund to research and deliver the majority of this training. A registration fee will be used to cover the shortfall.


The Coalition for Books acknowledges support from the Manatū Taonga Regeneration Fund for this initiative.