Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Veteran, author, marketing professional, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
With over 12 years spent working as an intelligence analyst (10 while serving honorably in the US Army), I learned to love research and analytics. A transition into marketing seemed like a natural fit. I love what I do. I love helping businesses grow. I’ve written two books to date with a few more in the queue.
My first book is The Beginner’s Guide to Facebook Advertising. This book is a relaunch of a previous version. The previous version was a quick 26 page guide, complete with snapshots to help business owners navigate Facebook advertising. After releasing it, someone had asked why it was so short and of course, the reason was to get something out there that business owners could use during the pandemic, but why couldn’t I add more?! And so, I set out to rewrite and redesign it
I’ve also recently finished penning a book on content marketing. This book covers everything from blogs, SEO basics, eBooks, podcasts, lead magnets, landing pages, infographics and so much more. You see, another area that business owners need a little help with is getting their brand in front of their target audience – the right way. This book is set to be released in October of 2020.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Beginner’s Guide to Facebook Advertising, which is my first book, the book that jump started my Beginner’s Guide to Marketing series. And here’s how it came about…
In March of 2020 the nation (and the world) came to a screeching halt thanks to COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus). The majority of businesses across the U.S. were forced to close their doors and business owners were left scrambling to find innovative ways to stay afloat and remain relevant with their customers. Many had turned to Facebook advertising as a result.
I had an advertisement come across my News Feed on Facebook for a pizza parlor a few hours away from me offering free delivery in a 5 mile radius. Being a few hours away from them, I was clearly NOT their target audience. So, I had sent them a private message on Facebook to advise them they may want to fix their ads as they were essentially flushing money down the drain. They had admitted that they’d mistakenly been targeting the entire U.S. and that they were new to Facebook advertising and not entirely sure what they were doing.
It was in that moment that inspiration struck. You see, this mom and pop pizza parlor was a small business just trying to keep their head above water. I needed to do something. And so, my book was born.
After having been asked why that first edition was so short, I set to work to revamp it and provide as much insight into Facebook advertising as I could.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write completely out of order and as inspiration strikes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love reading – always have. My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. Total fan girl for Nicholas Sparks books!! I am also a lover of weird cookbooks, comic books and books related to the marketing industry. When I got my start in the marketing industry, I consumed as many books as I could get my hands on.
What are you working on now?
After recently completing The Beginner’s Guide to Facebook Advertising and The Beginner’s Guide to Content Marketing I’ve started writing on social media marketing.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promoting my book, I like to run advertisements and have just started working with some influencers. Podcasts are also a GREAT way to gain more exposure. However, my favorite way to promote my book is through my landing page. Readers can download completely free resources to help them continue their journey in marketing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Today is a great day to start. Don’t talk yourself out of and just go for it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
What are you reading now?
Comics 😀
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing these last two books has really inspired me to keep going in writing more. I also plan to connect with local businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID to help them with their marketing services free of charge.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Hmmm….. an inspirational book to keep me motivated, Lord of the Flies (because how could you NOT take this!), any Nicholas Spark book and if I could get continually updated access to Webtoon’s comics I would be set!!
Author Websites and Profiles
Jessica Ainsworth Website
Jessica Ainsworth Amazon Profile
Jessica Ainsworth’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account