What is a Street Team And Why Do I Need One?

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So, you've been scrolling through social media and stumbled upon the term "street team." Perhaps the first thing that came to mind was a bunch of overzealous fans waving signs with your book cover plastered on it. But in reality, a street team is a dedicated group who rally their friends, family, and social media followers to spread the word about your books and you. Imagine a fan club that's less about matching T-shirts and more about gushing over your newest release. These virtual champions promote your books with the fervor usually reserved for concert tickets or a new season of their favorite show and are an important part of your marketing strategy.

How to Start Your Own Street Team: 

1. Gather your crew

The first step in finding your team is to start with family, supportive friends, or that neighbor who seems to have a knack for borrowing your lawnmower a little too often. Call for volunteers on your blog or social media platforms if you've got a decent online following. Set clear expectations about what you want them to do and how much time they'll need to commit. Keep it simple and fun. Creating a posting schedule is also wise, especially leading up to and following a new release.

2. Make Sure They Have Enough Interest In Joining

To welcome new faces into this amazing journey, consider having them fill out a short application. We're talking about something as simple as creating a Google Form where they can share such things as their social media reach and the last three books they read. This way, you can ensure they're as excited about your type of book as you are—because nobody wants a fan who thinks your autobiography should be a horror novel.

3. Create A Meeting Place

Next up, you need to build a headquarters for your street team—because every good team needs a base of operations. You could set this up on your website or, even better, create a private Facebook group. Think of it as a cozy corner where your street team can brainstorm, share feedback, and maybe even swap pictures of their fur baby. You want it to be a lively space bustling with enthusiasm where they feel included and encouraged to dive into every aspect of your writing journey.

4. Send Out Starter Packs

Once you've gathered your team, it's time to send out some fabulous starter packs! Equip your team with fun goodies like bookmarks and fliers that they can use to spread the word about your book. And for those on the team who aren't really comfortable talking to strangers, but tech-savvy, they can comfortably sit behind their computer screen and share promotional graphics with blurbs online. 

5. Challenge The Team

To keep the momentum going, why not add a dash of excitement with some weekly quirky challenges? Nothing too complicated but just enough to encourage them to write reviews, post social media shout-outs, or even hand out fliers at their local coffee shops. Consider encouraging photos to win a prize. Try a lottery for those who actively participate? Everyone loves an incentive—whether it's a $20 Amazon gift card or from their favorite book store.

6. Your Roll As Author

You are the most important part of the street team. If you're not excited about your book, they won’t be. You must invest some time with them. Set up virtual meetups or exclusive previews of your next project; the more you engage, the more eager they will be to support you. Share something personal about you. Remember, they are readers too and love getting to know more about the authors whose books they read. So, dust off that keyboard, rally your squad, and start assembling your team. Soon you will see a whirlwind of activity around your next novel and your author brand. And if you need some more guidance on assembling your team, just reach out as we are always here to help.

Susan Berry 

Restless Hearts Publishing