A Small Budget, A Hometown Proclamation, and 123% Engagement Growth

The Challenge

An author came to me with a finished manuscript — a guide to help fellow veterans navigate the VA disability claims process. He had a story worth telling and an audience that needed it, but only a very small marketing budget to work with. The goal: get the book in front of the right readers without relying on paid ads to do the heavy lifting.

What I Did

• Researched keywords and wrote an optimized book description for Amazon

• Built a dedicated Facebook page for the book, active 30 days before launch and 30 days after

• Produced a book trailer — a small, targeted investment that significantly boosted engagement

• Secured a press release placement in his hometown, which led to a formal city proclamation honoring him and his work

• Maintained consistent posting three times a week, rotating between book graphics, the trailer, and event content

The Results (launch window, no paid ad spend)

Views increased 69%

Engagement increased 123%

The press release also earned a city proclamation — a level of hometown recognition money alone couldn't buy. Proof that visibility doesn't require a big budget. It requires the right strategy.