During a panel discussion about bookselling at the Tools of Change conference this week, BookTour.com founder Kevin Smokler asked a question that all booksellers must ask in this tough book selling environment: “What is unique about your bookstore–why do I direct my meager bookbuying dollars to you?”
He also suggested a hypothetical set of partnerships to help bookstores survive in the digital age: “Why aren’t you giving away free chocolates? A local confectioner would love to make you a custom bar.” Smokler encouraged booksellers to offer coupons or special deals with neighboring record stores, flower stores, or coffee shops.
Finally, he urged booksellers to look at customers’ GoodReads pages or Facebook pages. “Can we use social networking data to become more familiar with our customers?” he asked. What innovative programs have you seen at a local bookstore?