The Difference Between an Ephemeral Community and a Lasting Bond
Every bookseller’s commitment to promoting their business and events on social media is evident. Simply visit their social profiles to see the effort they put into publicizing their activities and capturing the attention of current and potential customers.
However, it’s equally clear that these tools alone are no longer enough to meet the needs of a modern bookseller. It’s time to explore new avenues to cultivate a stronger, lasting community of readers.
If you’re a bookseller reading this article, you might be wondering if using a booking app could work for you. Here are some reasons to consider the real difference between relying solely on social media and embracing a sophisticated booking system.
1. Direct and Unfiltered Communication for Bookstore Events
How many times have you enthusiastically shared events and cultural initiatives on social media, only to find out later that very few people saw those posts due to increasingly restrictive algorithms forcing you to pay for sponsored ads?
A good booking platform eliminates this barrier.
Imagine having your community gathered in a dedicated space where your communication reaches every reader without filters. Timely notifications and immediate availability on the app ensure that interested customers stay informed.
📌 The key difference lies in having followers on social media versus having real, registered customers on your platform
This is the most important concept: working for YOU, not for social media. Social platforms should be used to bring more people into your own ecosystem.
2. Efficient Management of Bookstore Events
We know your bookstore is more than a place to sell books—it’s a cultural hub with meetings, events, and workshops that deserve attention. A booking app lets you manage everything efficiently, from book previews and author meetups to workshops for young readers and special events.
Using your platform equips you with tools that social media or manual management can’t provide.
(See all the features of BookyWay here)
📌 Remember that social media platforms DO NOT have your best interests in mind. Their goal is, and will always be, to push you toward paid promotions
Once a promotion ends, regardless of its immediate results (if any), it leaves no lasting value. In contrast, growing your own platform is a lasting asset that no algorithm can take away.
An app allows you to clearly communicate event details—whether they’re free or paid. If payment is required, it can be processed directly through the app. You can set specific limitations, use automated waiting lists, and let customers share event info via their preferred channels—all while simplifying internal organization and maintaining a controlled, streamlined process.

3. Faster Delivery of Invitations and Information
With a booking app, invitations to special events and updates on new arrivals reach your readers instantly. No more relying on social posts to (hopefully) reach your audience.
📌 With a dedicated app, you can be sure your communications are truly effective and timely
While newsletters remain an activity worth continuing, their visibility is significantly lower than that of push notifications. Push notifications are not subject to spam filters, arrive directly on smartphones (even in standby mode), and work even when the app is closed.
Having your bookstore’s app installed on customers’ phones also serves as a reminder of your activities—this alone deserves an in-depth article of its own (coming soon).
4. Detailed Event Statistics for Deeper Insights
Booking apps provide detailed statistics on booking trends, customer interests, and event participation. These aren’t just numbers—they offer valuable insights into your readers’ behaviors.
For example, understanding which types of users are most interested in specific events can help you personalize future initiatives, making your bookstore even more appealing to your growing community.
In Conclusion
Using a booking app isn’t just a step into the future—it’s a concrete way to strengthen the bond between your bookstore and its readers. By creating a true community, you can break free from the barriers of algorithms and adopt a system that prioritizes your community, making every initiative more accessible and engaging.
BookyWay is an international booking platform (and more) used by over 2,000 businesses across Europe and over a million users.
If you’re a bookseller interested in a free one-hour personalized consultation to explore how BookyWay can help build a community for your bookstore, email lucazivelonghi@bookyway.com
About the Author
Luca Zivelonghi, co-founder of BookyWay, conducts seminars (in-person and online) on customer retention and acquisition through booking and payment systems integrated with marketing, branding, and SEO techniques. Literature is his greatest passion.
For 27 years, his main activity at his communication agency involved studying advertising campaigns, launching new products, and marketing strategies for numerous multinational companies.
View his full profile here

“Simple, intuitive, brilliant! It has greatly improved the management of bookstore events. Customers can easily view the activity calendar on their phones and sign up for their favorite events. I can always monitor registrations and manage everything from a single app in just a few steps. I couldn’t do without it anymore!”
Francesca – Libreria Cirasa