Does Amazon Buy Back Books?

If you’ve ever looked at your bookshelf and wondered what to do with books you no longer need, you might have considered selling them back to Amazon. But does Amazon actually buy back books? The short answer is no, but with some workarounds. Here’s everything you need to know about Amazon’s book buyback process and alternative options to make the most of your unwanted books.


Amazon’s Textbook Buyback Program (Now Retired)

Amazon used to have a formal textbook buyback program (which it started way back in 2011) where you could sell back used textbooks in exchange for Amazon gift cards. However, this program was discontinued in 2020. So, if you’re specifically looking to sell textbooks, Amazon no longer has a dedicated program for that purpose. Sorry!  Textbook Buyback is in the Amazon Graveyard, which we keep track of right here.


Can You Still Sell Books on Amazon?

Yes! While Amazon no longer runs a buyback program, you can still sell books directly on their platform. Here’s how:

1. Sell Books on Amazon as an Individual Seller

We actually have a whole article about selling books on Amazon right here. The gist is this:

You can list your books for sale on Amazon’s Marketplace as an individual seller. Here’s how:

  • Create an Amazon Seller account if you don’t have one already. There’s only a fee if you go over a certain number of transactions (or want to be a professional seller, which you probably do not). Otherwise they take the fees out of whatever you sell. https://seller.amazon.com 
  • Go to the product page of the book you want to sell.
  • Click the “Sell on Amazon” button.
  • Set your price and choose your shipping options.

Keep in mind:

  • Amazon charges selling fees (usually a percentage of the sale price).
  • You’ll need to ship the book yourself once it sells.

 

2.  Sell Books on eBay

Another surprisingly decent alternative to Amazon’s marketplace is to sell books on eBay. Yes, eBay is old school, but they have a really huge digital footprint, which basically means your listing will get found (and hopefully bought) very quickly. That’s something!

Here’s how to do that:

  • Create an eBay account. Your (or your parents) probably have an old one from the 1990s.
  • Research Pricing: Check similar listings and sold prices on eBay to set a competitive price.
  • Create a Detailed Listing: Use clear titles, honest descriptions (include condition and defects), and quality photos.
  • Choose Affordable Shipping: Use options like Media Mail (U.S.) and package books securely to avoid damage.
  • Promote Your Listings: Share on social media and consider offering free shipping or discounts to attract buyers.

3. Partner with a Third-Party Book Reseller

Some third-party services, like SellBackYourBook.com or BookScouter, work in conjunction with Amazon to help you sell books. These platforms allow you to compare buyback prices from multiple vendors, making it easy to find the best deal.


Tips for Selling Books Successfully

To maximize the value of your books, follow these tips:

  1. Check Condition: Books in excellent condition fetch higher prices. Make sure there are no torn pages, stains, or excessive wear.
  2. Research Market Value: Use tools like BookScouter to compare prices across platforms before listing your book.
  3. Bundle Sets: If you have a series, sell it as a bundle to increase its appeal to buyers.
  4. Take Good Photos: When listing books on Amazon or other platforms, clear and well-lit photos can make a big difference.

TL;DR 

While Amazon no longer has a dedicated book buyback program, it still offers avenues to sell books through its Marketplace. Additionally, third-party platforms and local options provide alternatives for selling or donating books. Whether you’re looking to clear shelf space, make a little cash, or support a good cause, there are plenty of ways to give your books a new life.

Amazon KDP Ads– the keyword/ product ad

ok!  Here we are– part 2 in the paid ads series!

I’m hoping you did every single thing on the list in this article, because if you did not, you are going to waste even more money on ads by starting keyword-specific campaigns. Please!  Go back and work your way through the list!!

I’m going to trust that you did everything on the list and then ran some low-cost automated targeting ads for a week or two. If you did that and got some conversions, great!  Let’s move on.  If you did that and didn’t get any sales, go over to this article to try to figure out why.  Does your book need a new cover? More reviews? A better description?  Is it not competitive in its genre? Don’t shoot the messenger, but I would love for you to solve any egregious problems with your book before you spend any more money on ads.

If you’re totally happy with how your initial Automated Targeting campaign went, frigging great!  Let’s proceed to the next step.

Log in to your Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) account and go over to the “Promote and Advertise” part of the specific book you’re working on, OR go to ads.amazon.com and see if they will let you log in over there. Sometimes Amazon gets their sh*t together and consolidates the logins. Worth a try!  Also, I know you know where to log in by now, because you’ve been monitoring your automated ad, right?  RIGHT?!

Anyhow, find the Automated Targeting ad you ran, click down into the ad itself (which looks like this):

Then look for this section:

You’re looking for two things:

1.  Keywords that generate clicks and sales.

2.  Products your book has performed well against, and

You’re going to use this information to create a Manual Targeting campaign:

  • Focus on high-performing keywords identified in your Automated campaign.
  • Use any product that your book converted against.
  • Use the keywords from your keyword research and anything you found on Publisher Rocket.

Go through the same interface as when you started the automated ad, then choose “keyword targeting.”

Both of these types of ads work great, and you can run them both at the same time (you’ll need to start them separately).   As with all things Amazon, the more specific you get the better, so make sure you are prepared with a good list of keywords and/ or a list of competitive titles.  As with the “Automated Targeting” rant, I will encourage you to never ever take Amazon’s default suggestions. Remember, they are trying to make money for themselves, which they do when they sell advertising clicks, not when you sell books.

Here’s an example of how they are going to try to do that in the “Manual” keyword interface:

This is hilarious.  If I click the “Add All” button and start this ad, Amazon is going to advertise this book against the words “Book,” “Cookbook,” “Free Books,” “marketing,” “sap,” “how” and “free,” and is going to charge me up to $1.21 PER CLICK for that privilege.

Again, no thank you, and please get ahold of yourself, Amazon.   I would be happy to come in for a meeting if you’d like some feedback.

The way to best use this particular interface (and to harness the magic of the Amazon suggested search algorithm) is to switch over to the “Enter list” tab.   Switch to “custom bid” and set the bid for something really low like 10 cents.  Also, uncheck “Broad” for match type, because that gets us back into “Amazon wilding out and advertising your book against random words” territory again.

Your screen will look like this:

 

ok, now enter the topic/ genre/ subject of your book, and hold on to your hat!   This part is cool.

 

 

Well, will you look at that?!  Amazon is actually being insightful and helpful.  Most of these suggestions are what my book is actually about.   I will just repeat this type of search with phrases like “how to market a book” and “marketing self-published books” until I have a list of about 50 keywords.  When you get the hang of this you can go up to 100 keywords per campaign, but for right now let’s stop at 50 and get this thing launched.

Nice!   You should have a similar list that is related to your book’s subject matter or genre.  You can use the names of other authors, other books, and anything else you think might be relevant or get someone to buy your book.   Also, if you never filled out the seven keyword slots when you published your books, take some of these great keywords and fill those out right this minute!

Next up is “Negative Targeting,” and we’re skipping that because this is our first ad and we don’t have that kind of insight yet.   I swear we’re almost done!

“Campaign bidding strategy” is after that, and I recommend that you choose “Dynamic bids, down only” because you never want to give Amazon permission to spend MORE of your money than your default bid. “Down only” is a good option because that way, Amazon can LOWER your bid to see if doing so will still yield a click.  If/ when it does, great!  You’ll know that for the future.

 

You made it! You’re on the very last choice before you can launch this ad!

I know, that was stupid complicated.    I feel your pain.

The very last thing we’re going to do is fill out the “Settings” for the ad.  Here’s what mine looks like:

Amazon has now moved this down to the very bottom, which is even more problematic for you because you are likely to be fed up by then and miss this “gotcha” moment.  The default for this screen is “No End Date,” but you should actually NEVER start a brand new ad with no end date!!  Having no end date is going to make you think you can “set it and forget it,” which you absolutely cannot ever do with paid advertising.  “No end date” is just Amazon wanting to stick their hand in your pocket and start taking your money from now on, whether or not your ads are working.  They are counting on the fact that you are a right-brained creative ADHD type and you will probably a) forget this ad is running, b) forget to check it regularly, and c) never come back to optimize it.  So, whatever they are offering you here is what’s going to happen from now on, and I promise you, you’re not going to like it when you get the bill at the end of the month. Remember, you have to pay Amazon for these ads whether or not they result in book sales. 

So— change that date  to two weeks from the day you start running the ad.  You want to schedule this like everything else in your life that costs money and needs maintenance.  You wouldn’t enter into an open-ended, paid agreement with no end date with any other company, so don’t do it here.

The second problem is that you have absolutely no idea what to set your daily budget for, and Amazon’s certainly not going to give you any guidance that might discourage you from getting in over your head.  They’ll let you set that sucker to $100 a day and spend every penny!  They do not care if you sell no books and end up cash flow negative.  They made money, so who cares about you? 

I advise people to just set this for $5- $10 dollars per day at the beginning and check it every single day. You will have ample (just, so many!) opportunities to raise your daily budget, so start small and manageable and scale up as you gain more knowledge.  There is no need to “go big or go home” at this moment in your career. 

Shockingly, YOU ARE NOW DONE with your second ad!  Hit that beautiful blue “Launch campaign” button at the bottom.

This button right here!!  I made the screenshot huge so we could celebrate this moment together.

 

 

 

This Just In: Amazon Will Disappoint You

If you’re a self-published author who’s uploaded your book to Amazon and waited for the sales to roll in… well, you’re not alone. I’m going to tell you some stuff right now that you’re probably not going to like, and for that I am very sorry.

Here it is:  just putting your book on Amazon is not enough, and it has never been enough. Amazon isn’t a magical bookstore fairy that showers visibility and readers upon every new title, and the fact that you used their book publishing service (Kindle Direct Publishing, or KDP) makes zero difference to them.  In fact, those are two completely different businesses that rarely talk to each other. Amazon is, at its core, a marketplace—a very big and busy one—and it’s your job to make sure people actually find your book.

Here’s the thing: Amazon doesn’t care if your book sells. I know, it’s harsh. But Amazon is a business, and their priority is making money from whatever products sell well—books, gadgets, even inflatable unicorn pool floats. If your book isn’t already getting traction, they’re not going to step in and help.

So, what can you do after that terrible realization? Let’s break it down.


Amazon Is a Marketplace, Not a Marketing Machine

This is where a lot of authors go wrong. They think, “I’m on Amazon. That’s exposure, right?” Well… not exactly. Being on Amazon is like putting your book on a shelf in the world’s biggest library. Sure, it’s there—but how will anyone find it among the millions of other books unless you point them to it?

Amazon’s algorithm only works for books that are already selling well or have a lot of reviews. If your book doesn’t have traction, it gets buried under the digital pile. The good news? There are ways to give it a boost.


Step One: Nail Your Keywords

Amazon does give you one important tool: keywords. These are your way of telling the algorithm what kind of readers should see your book. For example, if you’ve written a cozy mystery, your keywords might include “amateur sleuth,” “small-town mystery,” or “cat detective.” (Yes, that’s a thing.)

The key is to think like your reader. What would they type into Amazon when looking for a book like yours? If you’re not sure, use tools like Publisher Rocket or just type keywords into Amazon’s search bar and see what comes up. And don’t be afraid to experiment. If your book isn’t getting found, go back and tweak those keywords. Use Publisher Rocket to help with this. It’s a great asset.

But here’s the thing: even with the perfect keywords, you still need to do more.


Step Two: Drive External Traffic

Amazon loves it when you bring readers to their site. They reward books that generate external traffic because, at the end of the day, more traffic means more sales for them. So how do you get people to click over to your book?

1. Build an Email List

If you don’t already have an email list, start one now. Your email list is like a direct hotline to readers who already love what you do—or who are curious enough to sign up for updates.

One of the best ways to grow your list is by offering a reader magnet. This could be a free short story, a bonus chapter, or even a printable checklist related to your book’s topic. Use a service like MailerLite to set up a sign-up form and start collecting emails. Once you have a list, you can email readers about your new book, sales, or promotions.

2. Use Social Media Strategically

Social media can be a great way to connect with readers—but it works best when you’re consistent. Share behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process, post fun trivia about your book’s genre, or even just engage with readers about things you love.

When it comes time to promote your book, don’t just post a “Buy my book!” link over and over. Create engaging content, like graphics, teasers, or videos, that encourages readers to click.

3. Run Paid Ads

If you don’t have a big audience yet, paid advertising can help. Start small with Amazon Ads to target readers searching for books similar to yours. Facebook and Instagram ads can also work well if you know how to target your ideal audience. Not sure where to start? Try a small budget and test different ad copy and images to see what works.


The Cold Truth About Visibility on Amazon

Amazon is a powerful platform, but it’s not a marketing service. If you upload your book and do nothing else, chances are it’ll just sit there collecting digital dust while you become more frustrated by the day. To succeed, you need to take control of your book’s promotion.

  • Optimize Your Keywords: This helps Amazon understand where to display your book.
  • Drive Traffic: Use email lists, social media, and ads to send readers to your book’s page.
  • Build Momentum: Early reviews and consistent promotion will help your book gain traction.

In Conclusion: It’s On You

Here’s the bottom line: Amazon isn’t going to sell your book for you. That’s your job. But the good news is, you don’t need a giant marketing budget or a huge audience to get started. By focusing on the basics—keywords, traffic, and engagement—you can set your book up for success.

So don’t let your hard work go unnoticed. Take charge of your promotion, and let readers know your book exists. Amazon may not do the heavy lifting for you, but with a little effort, you can make your book stand out in the crowd.

The Ultimate Book Promotion Checklist

A successful book launch isn’t just about writing “The End” – it’s about strategically planning and executing a promotion strategy that puts your book in front of the right readers at the right time. Whether you’re a debut author or a seasoned writer, this comprehensive checklist will guide you through every stage of book promotion, from pre-launch preparations to post-release marketing.

From building your author platform and crafting compelling marketing materials to leveraging social media and organizing launch events, this checklist ensures you won’t miss any crucial promotional opportunities. We’ve also included timing guidelines to help you plan when to implement each strategy for optimal impact.

Remember, effective book promotion isn’t about doing everything possible – it’s about choosing and executing the right strategies for your specific book and target audience. Use this checklist as a flexible framework, adapting it to fit your goals, resources, and comfort level.

Let’s transform your book launch from daunting to doable with this step-by-step guide to book promotion success.

1. Prepare for Your Launch

Setting a strong foundation is crucial for your book’s success. First, you’ll finalize your manuscript, establish your online presence, and create a strategic launch plan. Whether you’re starting from zero or have an existing platform, you’ll learn how to prepare your book and build the audience it deserves. Many of these steps are also included in the Self Publishing Checklist , and depending on where you are in your book’s publication process, you might want to start over there.

1.1 Finalize Your Book

  • Complete Manuscript & Editing
    • Make sure your book is professionally edited and proofread. Upwork is a good place to find people to do this. Do not self-edit! Do not do your own proofreading!
    • This is a good time to employ beta readers if you have them!
  • Do a Competitive Analysis of the Top Selling Books in Your Niche/ Genre
    • Make note of cover design trends, pricing, reviews of bestselling books
    • Follow bestselling authors on social media
  • Finalize Cover Design
    • Invest in a high-quality, genre-appropriate cover.  This is not the place to save money!
    • Ensure any text (title, author name) is easy to read in thumbnails.
  • Do Interior Formatting
    • Format both eBook and paperback/ print-on-demand versions properly.  Use Vellum or Atticus for this.
    • Use consistent fonts, spacing, and design. You want the book to look as professional as possible!
    • Check for any layout or pagination issues in eBook and print proofs.
  • Research Metadata & Keywords
    • Set a clear title, subtitle, and author name. Decide whether to use a pen name or not.
    • Research relevant keywords to improve discoverability. Publisher Rocket can help with this.
    • Choose the most appropriate categories on retail platforms. Publisher Rocket can also help with this. 🙂
  • Perfect Author Bio & Headshot
    • Craft a concise, engaging bio.
    • Take a professional author photo to use across all platforms.

Note:  If you’re still in this phase of your book, go on over to SelfPublishingChecklist.com and make sure you’ve done everything on THAT checklist!  🙂


1.2 Set Up Essential Platforms

  1. Create Your Author Website
    • Your firstnamelastname.com
    • Keep your bio, contact info, blog, and purchase links up to date.
    • This is your hub of internet activity– all roads lead back here!
    • Some great author websites (for inspiration)
  2. Pick Your Email Service (for your Newsletter) 
    • Choose an Email Marketing Platform: Popular options include:
      • MailerLite: Easy drag-and-drop editors, affordable plans.
      • ConvertKit: Built with authors/creators in mind; powerful tagging and automation.
      • AWeber: Long-standing service, strong support, multiple templates.
      • Note:  We no longer recommend MailChimp and here is why.
    • Create a sign-up form on your website and link it to social media profiles.
    • Develop a welcome email sequence to greet new subscribers.
  3. Set Up a Reader Magnet
    • What Is It? A freebie (short story, novella, bonus chapter, or other resource) offered to readers who sign up for your mailing list.
    • How to Deliver: Use your email marketing service’s automation or third-party tools (e.g., BookFunnel, StoryOrigin) to distribute files (ePub, PDF, etc.).
    • Placement: Highlight your reader magnet on your website’s homepage, blog posts, and social media bios—anywhere potential readers can see it.
  4. Create/ Flesh Out Your Social Media Profiles
    • Optimize existing accounts (or create new ones) where your ideal readers hang out (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn). You don’t have to use them all, but you do have to be represented.
    • Use consistent branding (author photo, banner images, handle names) to maintain a professional look.
    • Just to reassure you, you don’t have to be everywhere, all the time– just fill everything out, then focus on the one you like the most. We call this the “all, then one” strategy.

Once you’ve set all this up, you’re good to set a pre-order schedule and start sending out ARCs (advanced review copies) to garner advanced reviews.  HOWEVER (and this is a big however), if you have no audience at all and are starting from zero, you will need to stop and do the “follower funnel method” outlined below. This can take six months to a year (or more), but it is absolutely vital for you to have an actual audience to launch your book to. I am not even kidding! Do not rush your book’s launch just because you “want to be a published author.” I understand the impulse, and it is great that you finished your book and want to get it out there, but if you want to be a working author, you have to build a platform. Just putting your book on Amazon isn’t going to cut it, and you don’t want to put in all that work, only to be disappointed.


1.2.1 The Follower Funnel Method (If You Have No Audience)

If you have no existing audience at all, it’s crucial to build a foundational following before moving forward with an aggressive book launch. Here’s a simplified approach often called the “Follower Funnel”:

  1. Identify Your Niche & Audience
    • Clarify who your ideal readers are (genre, demographics, interests).
    • Explore where they spend time online (specific social platforms, forums, etc.).
    • Identify the bestselling authors in that niche
  2. Choose Your Main Platform
    • Pick one social media channel where you’ll consistently engage.
    • Focus your efforts on growing a genuine following there (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, Facebook groups, etc.).
  3. Create Engaging Content
    • Post regularly about topics related to your book or genre (fun facts, snippets, research stories, personal anecdotes).
    • Use polls, questions, and interactive stories to foster engagement.
    • Offer a reader magnet in your profile link to encourage email signup.
  4. Follow the Followers of Bestselling Authors 
    • Send DMs to ask them to become your ARC readers (to read your book for free in exchange for a review)
    • Engage individually and personalize every message. You are looking to make actual connections!

Once you have a baseline of followers and a small but growing email list, you’ll be in a stronger position to execute the rest of your promotional plan.


1.3 Develop a Launch Plan

  • Determine Launch Date
    • Pick a date that allows enough time for advance reviews, final edits, and pre-launch buzz. Do not launch without followers and email subscribers (see above)
  • Set Goals & Budget
    • Clarify what success means to you (sales numbers, mailing list growth, review count).
    • Decide how much you can spend on ads, promotional tools, etc.
  • Assemble a Launch Team
    • Recruit beta readers, early reviewers, and a “street team” (friends, fans, influencers) to share about your book. Now you can see the value in taking the time to build up that audience!!
    • Offer them ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) and remind them to post reviews on launch day.
  • Create a Marketing Calendar
    • Plot all promotions on a timeline, counting backward from launch day.
    • Include social media posts, email newsletters, advertising schedules, and any interviews or guest posts.

2. Advance Review & Buzz Building

Setting a strong foundation is crucial for your book’s success. This is the phase where you’re finalizing your manuscript, establishing your online presence, and creating a strategic launch plan. Whether you’re starting from zero or have an existing platform, you’ll learn how to prepare your book and build the audience it deserves.

2.1 Advance Reader Copies (ARCs)

  • Distribute ARCs
    • Send digital or physical copies to trusted reviewers, influencers, and bloggers.
    • Consider specialized services: NetGalley, BookSprout, BookFunnel, or your own mailing list for distribution.
      • BookFunnel can automate the process of sending secure eBook files to reviewers and offers digital watermarking to discourage piracy.
    • Provide clear instructions on how to leave honest reviews on retailer sites, Goodreads, BookBub, etc.
  • Encourage Early Reviews
    • Use your street team and ARC readers to generate social proof ahead of launch.
    • Collect blurbs or quotes to use in marketing materials.

2.2 Pre-Orders

  • Set Up Pre-Order Pages
    • On Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Kobo, or Barnes & Noble Press, if available for your genre and region.
  • Announce Pre-Orders
    • Share links on social media, in your newsletter, and on your website.
    • Possibly offer exclusive early-bird bonuses (e.g., extra short stories or discount pricing).

2.3 Teaser Content

  • Cover Reveal
    • Post the cover on social media or your blog to generate excitement.
    • Encourage shares and comments by asking questions or running a small giveaway.
  • Sneak Peeks/Excerpts
    • Post brief quotes, short chapters, or behind-the-scenes tidbits on your site or social channels.
    • Use graphics or images to make the teasers more visually appealing.
  • Countdown Posts
    • As launch day approaches, create fun posts counting down the days with interesting facts or quotes from the book.

3. Launch Week Activities

Launch week is your time to shine! In this phase, you’ll optimize your retail presence (online), coordinate email campaigns, run effective social media promotions, and leverage paid advertising to create maximum visibility when your book hits the market.

3.1 Optimize Your Retail Pages

  • Book Description/Blurb
    • Write compelling copy with short paragraphs, bullet points if helpful, and a clear hook.
    • Highlight the main conflict or benefit for the reader.
  • Keywords & Categories
    • Refine metadata for improved discoverability on Amazon and other retailer sites.
    • Use keyword research tools to find relevant, high-traffic terms.
  • Author Central (Amazon)
    • Claim your author page, add bio, author photo, and any additional info.
    • Link all versions (eBook, print, audiobook) under one listing, if applicable.

3.2 Email Blast

  • Personal, Engaging Subject Line
    • Example: “It’s Here! My New Book Launches Today”
  • Launch Announcement
    • Include the book cover, short description, and direct purchase links.
    • Mention any time-limited deals or bonuses.
  • Call to Action
    • Ask readers to leave a review, share on social media, or forward the email to friends.
    • Provide buttons or easy links to do so.

3.3 Social Media Campaign(s)

  • Frequent Updates
    • Post daily (or near-daily) about the launch, including behind-the-scenes details or teasers.
    • Vary your content: videos, graphics, quotes, personal anecdotes, etc.
  • Live Video Sessions
    • Host a launch-day Q&A on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Live.
    • Encourage viewers to ask questions and comment to boost engagement.
  • Online Launch Party
    • Consider a structured virtual event on Facebook or Zoom with giveaways and interactive elements.

3.4 Paid Advertising

  • Amazon Ads
    • Run Sponsored Product or Lockscreen Ads targeting relevant keywords and similar authors.
    • Monitor performance and adjust bids regularly.
  • Facebook/Instagram Ads
    • Use eye-catching visuals and test different audiences.
    • Keep ad copy concise and targeted.
  • BookBub Ads
    • Target readers by genre, author comps, and device preference.
    • Experiment with different images and messages.
    • These can be expensive, so make sure you have the budget (and the proper setup, cannot emphasize this enough!)
  • Promotional Services/Newsletters
    • BookSends, Bargain Booksy, Freebooksy (if running a free promo), etc., depending on your budget and genre.

3.5 Giveaways & Contests

  • Goodreads Giveaway
    • An option for building awareness and garnering early reviews (though it can be pricey).
    • Decide on how many eBook or print copies to give away.
  • Social Media Contests
    • Encourage likes/shares/comments for a chance to win a signed copy or book swag.
    • Partner with other authors for bigger, cross-promotional giveaways.
  • Cross-Promo Giveaways
    • Collaborate with authors in your genre to broaden your mutual reach.
    • Bundle multiple eBooks or goodies as a collective prize.

4. Ongoing Promotion & Visibility

Whether virtual or in-person, events create meaningful connections with readers. This section guides you through organizing and maximizing both online and offline appearances, from book signings to workshops, helping you create memorable experiences that turn readers into devoted fans.

4.1 Continue Building Reviews

  • Personal Outreach
    • Politely request reviews from friends, family, and early buyers without being pushy.
    • Include a short note in the back of the eBook asking for an honest review.
  • Review Blogs & Bookstagrammers
    • Maintain a list of reviewers interested in your genre; contact them periodically with new releases or updates.
    • Be professional and courteous in all communications.
  • Author Follow-Up
    • Send periodic reminders to your mailing list or social followers about your book and the value of reviews.

4.2 Author Interviews & Guest Posts

  • Podcasts
    • Pitch relevant podcasts in your niche or genre—offer unique angles or topics for discussion.
  • Blogs & Online Magazines
    • Write guest articles or offer interviews that tie into your book’s themes or expertise.
  • Local Media
    • Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, or TV programs, especially if the book has a regional angle or human-interest story.

4.3 Book Clubs & Readers’ Groups

  • Online Book Clubs
    • Offer free copies or discounts for group reads.
    • Propose a Q&A session via Zoom or a private Facebook group.
  • Local Book Clubs
    • Provide discussion guides or questions.
    • Offer to attend in person or virtually to engage with readers.
  • Library Outreach
    • Donate copies to local libraries.
    • Suggest author talks or workshops (especially useful for non-fiction topics).

4.4 Retargeting & Ongoing Ads

  • Amazon Ads Maintenance
    • Continually adjust keyword bids and refine targeting based on performance metrics.
  • Facebook/Instagram Retargeting
    • Use the Facebook Pixel on your website to show ads to people who visited but didn’t purchase.
    • Serve them fresh creatives or limited-time discount offers.
  • Seasonal Promos
    • Tie campaigns to holidays, cultural events, or timely subjects if relevant to your book.

5. Events & Appearances

Whether virtual or in-person, events create meaningful connections with readers. This phase is about organizing and maximizing both online and offline appearances, from book signings to workshops, helping you create memorable experiences that turn readers into devoted fans. Remember to always be building that email list!

  • Virtual Book Launches
    • Host follow-up events or special readings.
    • Cross-promote with other authors if possible.
  • Webinars or Workshops
    • Great for non-fiction authors to teach concepts from the book.
    • Provide actionable value to attendees, then offer the book for deeper exploration.
  • Online Conferences
    • Look for opportunities to speak at summits or conferences related to your genre or topic.
    • Promote your session, encouraging attendees to buy or review your book.

5.2 In-Person Events (If Feasible)

  • Book Signings
    • Arrange signings at local bookstores, libraries, or coffee shops.
    • Promote the event on social media and through local press if possible.
    • These will usually only happen if you have the ability to bring people in to that bookstore or venue (meaning you have followers and people on your email list).
  • Speaking Engagements
    • Seek out literary festivals, community groups, or specialty clubs related to your book’s theme or genre.
  • Workshops
    • If your book is instructional, host a workshop at a local community center or bookstore.

5.3 Collaboration with Other Authors

  • Joint Signings or Panels
    • Split costs and audiences, creating a more appealing event.
    • Consider thematic matches (e.g., historical fiction authors, romance authors, etc.).
  • Book Fairs & Festivals
    • Share booth fees and cross-promote with fellow authors.
    • Collect email addresses from interested readers and offer them your reader magnet.
  • Cross-Promotions
    • Do newsletter swaps or social media takeovers to expose each other’s audiences to new reads.

6. Long-Term Strategy

Success in publishing is a marathon, not a sprint. Here, you’ll learn how to develop a sustainable author platform through content marketing, brand building, and data-driven decision making. This phase is where you create a foundation for long-term success and prepare for future books.

6.1 Content Marketing

  • Author Blog
    • Post regular updates, writing tips, or behind-the-scenes details of your creative process.
    • Always include a CTA to sign up for your reader magnet or check out your other books.
  • Email Newsletters
    • Continue sending valuable content (writing progress, new releases, personal stories) to keep subscribers engaged.
    • Experiment with frequency and content format.
  • Social Media
    • Maintain a consistent posting schedule, mixing personal insight, writing updates, and reader interaction.
    • Go back to the “follower funnel” method and start messaging people individually

6.2 Build an Author Brand

  • Consistent Branding
    • Use the same headshot and color scheme across platforms.
    • Maintain a cohesive tone in your content—whether formal, casual, witty, etc.
  • Public Speaking
    • Seek additional events to boost your reputation and connect with readers.
    • Share highlights or recordings on your website and social channels.
  • Networking
    • Engage with other authors, editors, agents, and industry professionals.
    • Participate in writing groups or online forums (e.g., Facebook groups, Reddit).

6.3 Track & Analyze

  • Sales Data
    • Monitor trends via retailer dashboards, focusing on spikes and dips to identify cause-effect.
    • Track income sources (Kindle Unlimited page reads, direct sales, audiobook sales, etc.).
  • Review Feedback
    • Look for patterns in reader reviews to see what resonates or could be improved.
    • Use positive quotes in marketing materials and learn from constructive criticism.
  • Platform Analytics
    • Check website traffic, email open/click rates, and social media engagement.
    • Refine your strategies based on what’s working best.

6.4 Plan Future Projects

  • Write Your Next Book
    • Keep momentum going with new releases or content.
    • Share progress updates to maintain interest between books.
  • Series & Spin-Offs
    • If your book is part of a series, start planning the next installment.
    • Consider a spin-off with popular side characters or a related theme.
  • Leverage Momentum
    • Use your existing audience as a launchpad for the next release.
    • Invite them to beta read, join ARC teams, or help name characters.

7. Bonus Tips & Reminders

  • Stay Organized
    • Use project management tools (Trello, Asana, spreadsheets) to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
  • Consistency Over Perfection
    • Marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. Aim to work steadily rather than burning out with sporadic bursts.
  • Experiment & Adapt
    • Try different tactics. Track results. Keep what works, drop what doesn’t.
  • Celebrate Wins
    • Acknowledge milestones (first 10 reviews, reaching a sales goal, finishing a new draft) to keep morale high.

Final Thoughts

Promoting a book is a multi-step, long-term process. By building or funneling in other people’s followers (if you start with zero audience), setting up your platforms (website, newsletter, reader magnet), gathering reviews, scheduling launch activities, and sustaining ongoing efforts, you can maximize your book’s exposure and build a lasting readership. Tailor these strategies to your unique goals and genre, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful book launch—and beyond!

KDP Select/ Kindle Unlimited: Everything to Know

KDP Select: A Detailed Overview

KDP Select is an optional program offered through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform that provides authors with unique promotional tools and benefits in exchange for making their eBook exclusive to Amazon. By enrolling in KDP Select, you commit to a 90-day period during which your eBook cannot be sold or distributed on any other platform, such as Kobo, Apple Books, or Google Play. While this exclusivity may seem restrictive, it unlocks a suite of features that can significantly enhance your book’s visibility and earning potential, especially for certain genres that thrive on Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited (KU) platform.


Key Features of KDP Select

One of the biggest advantages of KDP Select is access to Kindle Unlimited (KU) and the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library (KOLL). These programs allow Amazon subscribers and Prime members to borrow your book at no extra cost, dramatically expanding your potential readership. Instead of earning royalties per sale, you’ll earn based on the number of pages readers complete. The funds for these payouts come from the KDP Select Global Fund, which Amazon allocates monthly. For some authors, particularly those in genres with voracious KU readers like romance or thrillers, these page-read royalties can make up a substantial portion of their income.

KDP Select also gives you access to promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions. With Kindle Countdown Deals, you can discount your book for a limited time, while Amazon displays a countdown timer on your book’s product page to create urgency. Free Book Promotions, on the other hand, allow you to offer your book for free for up to five days during each 90-day enrollment period. These tools are invaluable for gaining visibility, attracting new readers, and boosting your sales rankings.

However, the most important factor in making KDP Select work for you is having a strong reader magnet. A reader magnet is an irresistible freebie—such as a bonus epilogue, prequel, or exclusive short story—that you offer to entice readers to join your email list. Including a clear call-to-action (CTA) in your book can help convert readers gained through KDP Select promotions into loyal fans who are excited for your next release. Building a robust email list through these efforts ensures that you’re not solely reliant on Amazon’s algorithms or policies and gives you a direct line to your audience.


Genres That Succeed in KDP Select

Certain genres thrive in KDP Select due to their alignment with Kindle Unlimited’s reader base and subscription model. These genres typically attract avid readers who consume books rapidly and favor serialized content or genre-specific tropes. The most successful genres in KDP Select include:

  • Romance: Subgenres like contemporary, paranormal, historical, and romantic suspense perform exceptionally well due to loyal readers who binge-read and love series.
  • Thriller and Suspense: Readers enjoy fast-paced plots and recurring characters, with subgenres like psychological thrillers and crime thrillers being particularly popular.
  • Science Fiction and Fantasy: Epic fantasy, urban fantasy, and niche subgenres like LitRPG excel due to immersive worlds and devoted fanbases.
  • Cozy Mysteries: These lighthearted, character-driven mysteries with amateur sleuths and small-town settings attract consistent readers.
  • Horror: Psychological and supernatural horror appeal to KU readers who enjoy high-tension, fast-paced stories.
  • Self-Help and Personal Development: Non-fiction, especially in areas like productivity, mindfulness, and entrepreneurship, finds a strong audience in KU.
  • Erotica: Steamy romance and erotica thrive due to privacy Kindle devices offer readers, though authors must adhere to Amazon’s content guidelines.
  • Young Adult (YA): Fantasy, paranormal, and dystopian YA books perform well, particularly those with crossover appeal to older readers.
  • Paranormal and Supernatural: Books featuring vampires, witches, and shapeshifters succeed in romance, urban fantasy, and horror niches.
  • LitRPG and Gamelit: This growing niche appeals to fans of video game-inspired storytelling.

Benefits of KDP Select

KDP Select offers several key benefits for authors:

  • Increased Discoverability: Being part of Kindle Unlimited exposes your book to a large audience of avid readers.
  • Additional Revenue Streams: Royalties from page reads through KU and KOLL can supplement direct sales revenue.
  • Promotional Flexibility: Tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions provide strategic opportunities to drive sales and downloads.
  • Simplified Focus: Exclusivity means focusing marketing efforts on a single platform (Amazon), which can be easier for new authors.

Drawbacks of KDP Select

While KDP Select has significant advantages, there are also limitations:

  1. Platform Dependence: Exclusivity ties your success to Amazon’s ecosystem, limiting your ability to reach readers on other platforms. If Amazon changes policies or removes your book, it can heavily impact your income.
  2. Missed Opportunities: Not distributing to platforms like Kobo, Apple Books, or Google Play means missing readers who prefer these ecosystems. Excluding your book from library systems also limits its reach.
  3. Unpredictable Earnings: Royalties from page reads depend on the KDP Select Global Fund, which fluctuates monthly. The payout rate per page read can vary.

Is KDP Select Right for You?

KDP Select is a fantastic tool for authors writing in popular Kindle Unlimited genres, especially those who are new to self-publishing or looking to gain visibility quickly. However, success depends heavily on strategic planning. Pairing KDP Select with a strong reader magnet can help you turn casual readers into long-term fans, while careful use of promotional tools can maximize visibility and sales. For authors in high-performing genres like romance, thrillers, or fantasy, KDP Select offers a powerful way to build momentum and grow your audience. If your goals align with what KDP Select offers, it can be a game-changing program for your self-publishing career.

No Book Sales on Amazon KDP? Read This

Let’s have an honest conversation about something many authors struggle with – that complicated feeling when you say you wrote your book “just for yourself,” but deep down, you’re disappointed by the lack of sales.

The Creative Contradiction

You told everyone (and yourself) that you were publishing this book purely for personal satisfaction. “I don’t care if it sells,” you said. “I just wanted to tell my story. I just want to hold my book in my hands.”

And you meant it – at least, part of you did.

But now your book is out there, and the silence is deafening. The sales report shows single-digit numbers, and suddenly, those “I’m just doing this for me” declarations feel a bit hollow. You find yourself checking your sales dashboard multiple times a day, hoping to see some movement. You’re feeling frustrated, maybe even a little hurt, and you’re probably wondering why.

If you secretly thought that just putting your book on Amazon was going to be enough and now you are disappointed and feel betrayed, we did a whole article about that right here.

Why We Tell Ourselves the “Just for Me” Story

Let’s be real – saying we’re writing “just for ourselves” is often a protective mechanism. It’s safer than admitting we hope others will read and love our work. After all, if we claim we don’t care about sales or readers, we can’t be disappointed when they don’t materialize, right?

But here’s the thing: if you truly wrote the book just for yourself, you wouldn’t have published it. You would have saved it in a private folder on your computer or printed a single copy for your bookshelf. The act of publishing inherently implies a desire to be read.

The Truth About Wanting Readers

There’s nothing wrong with wanting people to read your work. In fact, it’s completely natural. Writing is, at its core, an act of communication. When we write something, we’re trying to share a story, an idea, or an experience with others. Wanting that connection doesn’t make you less authentic or more commercial – it makes you human.

Bridging the Gap

So how do you reconcile your artistic integrity with your desire for readers? Start by being honest with yourself:

If you genuinely want to share your work with others, acknowledge that. It doesn’t diminish the personal value of your writing. You can write something deeply personal and meaningful to you while also making it accessible and appealing to others.

Consider this: some of the most beloved books in history were deeply personal to their authors, but they were also crafted with readers in mind. The personal and the commercial aren’t mutually exclusive.

Moving Forward

If you find yourself in this situation, you have two honest paths forward:

  1. Embrace the truly personal nature of your work. Accept that it might not have commercial appeal, and be genuinely okay with that. There’s nothing wrong with creating art purely for yourself.
  2. If you want readers, acknowledge that desire and learn what it takes to reach them. This might mean studying your genre, understanding reader expectations, and yes, learning about book marketing.

Finding Your Balance

Remember, there’s no shame in either choice. What matters is being honest with yourself about what you want. If you decide you do want readers, that doesn’t mean compromising your artistic vision – it means learning how to bridge the gap between your creative expression and your readers’ needs.

And if you truly did write your book just for you? That’s wonderful too. Just make sure you’re not hiding behind that statement to protect yourself from potential disappointment.

The Path Forward

Whatever you decide, own your choice. If you want readers, start learning about your target audience. Study successful books in your genre. Join writing communities. Learn about marketing. Put in the work to reach the readers you want to connect with.

If you genuinely prefer to keep your writing personal, celebrate that choice too. Not every creative endeavor needs to be monetized or widely shared to be valuable.

Just remember: there’s no wrong choice here. The only mistake is not being honest with yourself about what you really want.

Your work matters, whether it reaches one reader or one million. The key is aligning your actions with your true goals, whatever they may be.

Can You Publish a Book on Amazon for Free?

Publishing a book on Amazon has become a popular route for aspiring and established authors. The good news? Yes, you can publish a book on Amazon for free using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). This platform allows authors to upload their manuscripts and reach millions of readers worldwide without any upfront costs. Here’s a detailed look at how the process works and what you should consider.

This article is just an overview! If you are in the initial stages of self-publishing and want the most comprehensive checklist ever created (ha!), please go over to our sister site, SelfPublishingChecklist.com


How to Publish Your Book on Amazon for Free

To get started, sign up for a free account with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).  You can only have one KDP account per person!  I am so serious about this! Once you’re in, follow these steps:

First, prepare your manuscript. Amazon accepts files in Word (.docx), PDF, and several other formats. Ensure your text is properly formatted for digital reading or print, depending on your publishing goals. If you’re publishing a Kindle eBook, consider using Amazon’s free formatting resources or guides to make your manuscript reader-friendly. For print books, formatting should adhere to paperback or hardcover standards.

Next, you’ll need a book cover. If you’re on a tight budget, Amazon offers a Cover Creator tool, which is free and easy to use. However, many authors opt to hire professional designers to make their books more visually appealing, which can increase sales.

Once your manuscript and cover are ready, log into KDP and start entering your book details. This includes the title, subtitle, author name, and description. Upload your manuscript and cover files, and then preview your book to ensure everything looks perfect. KDP provides tools to preview both eBook and print formats.

Finally, set your pricing. You can choose to publish your book as a Kindle eBook, paperback, or hardcover (or all three). For eBooks, Amazon lets you set your price and offers two royalty options—70% or 35%—depending on your book’s price and distribution. For print books, royalties are calculated based on the sale price minus printing costs.

Once everything is complete, hit the “Publish” button. Your book will typically be live on Amazon within 24 to 72 hours.


Is It Really Free?

Yes!  The actual publishing on Amazon is indeed free, but there are optional costs you might consider to enhance your book’s quality and appeal. For example, professional editing and proofreading can significantly improve your manuscript, while a custom-designed cover often attracts more readers. I know this is an article about publishing for free and yes you absolutely CAN format in Google Docs, Word, or Pages, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that formatting tools like Vellum (for Mac users) or paid formatting services can make your book look polished and professional. These optional investments aren’t required, but they can help your book stand out in a crowded marketplace.


Understanding Royalties

Although there are no upfront fees to publish on Amazon, the platform takes a percentage of your book’s sales. For Kindle eBooks, you can earn either 70% or 35% royalties, depending on your book’s price and the geographic regions where it’s sold. For print books, royalties are calculated by subtracting the printing cost from the sale price.

For example, if your paperback is priced at $10 and the printing cost is $4, you’ll earn $6 per sale, minus Amazon’s fee. Understanding this structure helps you price your book competitively while maximizing your earnings.


Benefits of Publishing on Amazon for Free

Publishing on Amazon comes with several advantages beyond its zero-cost entry point. For starters, it provides global distribution, allowing your book to reach readers across multiple countries. You retain full control over your book’s rights and pricing, and you can make updates to your manuscript or cover at any time.

Amazon also offers promotional tools like KDP Select, which allows eBooks to be part of Kindle Unlimited, a subscription service that can boost your book’s visibility. Additionally, you can use Amazon Ads to target potential readers and drive sales.


Final Thoughts

Publishing a book on Amazon is an excellent way to share your story or expertise with the world, and the fact that it’s free makes it accessible to virtually anyone. While optional expenses like professional editing, cover design, and formatting can enhance your book’s appeal, the platform itself allows you to publish without any financial barriers.

Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer, Amazon’s KDP platform is a powerful tool for turning your manuscript into a published book. With careful preparation and thoughtful marketing, you can reach a wide audience and start earning royalties—all without spending a dime upfront.

How to Sell More Books on Amazon

If you’ve self-published your book on Amazon, chances are you’ve spent some time staring at your sales reports (or lack thereof), wondering when those sales are going to start rolling in. That, or you’ve been anxiously refreshing the listing page for your book, waiting for the moment when the BSR (sales rank) indicates that you’ve made some sales.

We’ve all been there. After working for what seems like forever on a book, it can be beyond heartbreaking to log in day after day to find that you’ve made zero sales. What about all that effort you put in?  What about “if you build it, they will come”?   WHY IS NO ONE BUYING YOUR BOOK?

I have many answers to this question, and I’ll start with the simplest one:  did you build an audience before you released your book?

If not, start there.   In fact, I believe in that so strongly, I’ll make it # 1.

1. Build your email list.  In this case, “audience” means email list, and if you don’t have one of those already, can I recommend that you get started on that, like, yesterday?  You need an email list to be a successful author. I would put “email list” even above websites for important things for authors to have. After all, if you don’t have any people, how are you going to get the momentum going for your book?  Many authors learn this the hard way, but just publishing a book on Amazon does not entitle you to book sales. Yes, Amazon has its own built-in audience, but you have to do something to get the momentum going. Ideally, that would mean sending out an announcement about your book to your 10,000+ person email list. an email list is an essential tool for any author who wants to connect with their readers, build their brand, and promote their books effectively. You’ll need a good reader magnet to get people to sign up.

Here is more information (in fact, a whole free book!) about how to set up your email list so people can start signing up.  Seriously.  Get on that!

2.  Put A+ content on your book’s page.  A+ content is essentially an expanded description of your book that includes images, videos, and other rich media. A+ allows authors to showcase their products in a more visually appealing and informative way

A+ content can help you sell books on Amazon in several ways. First, it can help your book stand out from the competition. A+ content provides an opportunity to create a more engaging and informative product page that helps potential customers better understand what your book is about and why they should buy it.  A+ content is free, so why wouldn’t you use it? Any space you can get for free on Amazon, you should take.

Additionally, A+ content can help improve your book’s search ranking on Amazon. By including additional keywords and rich media, you can improve the relevance and visibility of your book to potential customers.

Here is more information about A+ content!

 

3. Take out paid ads on your book (through Amazon)

In case you’re not familiar with paid ads on Amazon, Amazon KDP Advertising is a suite of advertising tools that Amazon offers to sellers and vendors on its platform. It includes several different types of ads, such as sponsored products, sponsored brands, and sponsored display ads. These ads can appear on various parts of the Amazon platform, including search results, product detail pages, and even on external websites.

Amazon Advertising can help you sell more books by increasing the visibility and discoverability of your products on Amazon. By creating targeted advertising campaigns, you can reach potential customers who are actively searching for books similar to yours, or who have shown interest in your book’s genre or topic.

One of the key benefits of Amazon Advertising is that it allows you to track the performance of your ads in real-time. This means you can adjust your campaigns as needed to optimize your ad spend and ensure that you’re getting the best possible return on investment.

To get started with Amazon Advertising, you’ll need to have a seller or vendor account on Amazon. From there, you can create advertising campaigns and set your budget and targeting criteria. Amazon also provides a range of tools and resources to help you get the most out of your advertising campaigns, including analytics and reporting tools, as well as best practices and optimization tips.

Here is more information on amazon ads!

 

4.  Use GoodReads to get the word out about your book. This will work especially well if you are an active GoodReads user, meaning you already know the interface and participate in the community.   You can create a profile on GoodReads, add your book(s), host giveaways, participate in groups, get reviews, and alot more. Plus, GoodReads is owned by Amazon, so that counts for something!  Here is some more information about GoodReads (and a great video interview).

 

How Social Media Fits Into Your Author Platform

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FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In last week’s post on author platform, I broke down the main ‘ingredients’ to your author platform. Today, and in subsequent weeks, I will break each one down into small chunks, starting with social media.

Let’s deconstruct.

What’s great about social media is that we are content curators. What does that mean? It means we share content that we feel resonates in some way with the people who follow us. It’s not the ‘all about me’ channel.

From the article: 

  • Social Media: (typically Twitter, a Facebook, Google+ (or G+ page), and one more visual channel (YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram). Many link to each other so it’s easy to say, post on Instagram and share also on Facebook or Twitter. Keep in mind that social media is not free advertising, nor is it the place to spam ‘Buy my book!’ links. It’s about connecting and building relationships.

TWITTER 

Twitter is by far my favorite social platform, because I love the amount of information and learn so much from others. I’m also able to connect with readers, book bloggers, and book reviewers, any author’s main target. Twitter (or any social media network) won’t sell books for you — it’s not free advertising (a mistake too many authors make); it’s a wonderful way to connect with your reader base, share information not related to your books (more below), and allow readers a peek, if you will, into who you are as a person. If you still think Twitter is about what you ate for lunch, you have MUCH to learn.

What I do. Here’s how I use Twitter for my author account:

  • I share something about every 2 hours (using Hootsuite primarily to schedule things in) while also live tweeting when my writing is done
  • I share quotes by favorite authors — beautiful, lyrical quotes that resonate with me in some way
  • I share links to blog posts that I’ve written on Huffington Post, here on BookPromotion.com, on my two blogs (author and business) as well as posts by others.
  • I share pictures curated from all over the web (primarily Pinterest and Flickr), anything colorful (flowers) or beautiful (landscapes or cute animals or food) that catches my eye
  • I will only very occasionally promote my current release Broken Pieces, and typically only when it’s on promotion, hit #1 on a list, or won an award
  • I’ve created some visuals out of my poetry using Pinstamatic (a great free application), which allows me to share short excerpts or lines without being overly ‘salesy.’
  • Occasional videos, if they resonate with me.

Branding is important here — you want to be consistent in what you share. So, for example, I share articles on my author account about books and book-related topics, social media, Nutella (what), sexual abuse, women’s issues, indie authors. I have created a dripfeed of relevant articles (I love Pluggio for this reason), which once a day (or more, you can set it to any schedule you want) drips news articles onto my feed. This saves me so much time and I’m still able to share ‘branded’ content that’s not all about me.

Spam. As mentioned above, spamming your links to your own books over and over is about as exciting to readers as watching Curling on the Olympics. Skip it. It’s ineffective, annoying, LOUD, and will not help your sales. Your entire platform — all the various places you share and write — plus advertising and optimization (using keywords/key phrases) will do more for your sales than spamming links on Twitter.

Timing. Though I schedule in and live tweet throughout the day, my feed is busiest in the early morning and early evening. I find that being present at those times is helpful to optimize interactions. It’s different for everyone, though. Check out (free) Tweriod for a personalized report of your optimal engagement times.

FACEBOOK 

While not a huge fan of Facebook, I’m there because my readers are. Most people have a Facebook personal account — even if they rarely use it. As authors, we are required to have a Page (where people ‘like’ it) as opposed to selling a product or service on our personal (friend) wall. Those are Facebook’s official guidelines. Creating a page isn’t difficult or really very time consuming.

I find that I connect with people at a deeper level — meaning real conversations — on my personal account. That carries over to sharing promotional news and updates on my official ‘author’ page or business page (I keep them completely separate, mostly because well, the branding is totally different).

Facebook can be very distracting for me, so I only check in a few times throughout the day. Nighttime is the most active for my friends and followers on this channel, so I spend more time there interacting, sharing, and connecting at night.

GOOGLE+

I find this platform to be helpful in that it’s a Google product, so anything I post there shows up in Google. That’s a win. I’m definitely not as interactive there as I should be, but I check in at least twice daily.

SOMETHING VISUAL 

I avoided Pinterest and Instagram for a long time because well, they seemed confusing. They’re not. I enjoy Pinterest — I find wonderful pictures to share (always giving attribution, of course) as well as utilizing it as a place to share some of my poetry and that of my favorite poets. The only limitation you will find on Pinterest is what to focus on — it’s like going to Original Cheesecake Factory and looking at their book of a menu — how does one choose?

Same branding concepts apply: create boards and pin what interests you.* It’s not difficult, but it can be a time suck. Set a time if you have to.

(*I hear a lot of whining from men that Pinterest is too girly — like any channel, it is what you make it. Yes, there are tons of wedding boards, but I don’t look at those. You can enter just about ANY topic into Search, and someone, somewhere will have pinned it. It’s a great resource and easy to share on other channels.) I also love the ‘group’ boards — a wonderful way to connect with others who have similar interests.

Instagram is easy to use on your smartphone and convenient: snap a pic, share a pic, and it goes to Facebook or Twitter if you choose. Visuals are more memorable and stimulating for us humans — pick one visual format and use it frequently. Not hourly, not even daily, but more than once every few months.

Finally, if video is your thing, YouTube is a must. Create your own videos, share relevant, related content.

TIME 

Nobody has enough time in their day to be everywhere, all the time. What you CAN do, however, is use time-saving applications (all with limited free options) like Hootsuite, Pluggio, and ManageFlitter (that’s my trifecta, right there) to schedule, follow/unfollow, find relevant articles, etc., to curate the content you want to share the most.

What are you thoughts on Twitter, Facebook, and the other channels? Have you found it to help or hurt your writing and sales? Be sure to come back next week, where I will review blogging and website optimization!

 

Using Analytics to Optimize Your Site

The first thing I do when I sit down to my computer each morning—before I check email or even Facebook—is check my site’s Web stats. Knowing who is visiting my site—and what they’re reading while they’re there isn’t just a way to indulge my voyeuristic side. Here, I uncover valuable information about which of my services are generating the most interest, how people are finding me, and who they are. You can also use the information you find in your stats to help discover what your visitors are most interested in and help them find what they’re looking for.

Google Analytics
Whenever I introduce my clients to Google Analytics, they are simultaneously awed and freaked out. If you aren’t already familiar with Analytics, it is a free service from Google to help you monitor and quantify site traffic. You place a small piece of code in your site’s header, which allows Google to collect information on visitors to your site. And how! The level of detail that you can get about your visitors is kind of astounding. You can pinpoint not only the number of daily visitors, but determine which of those folks are new and which are returning.  You see plotted on a map where your visitors are coming from and get estimates on the length of visits and the number of pages browsed per session.

Google Analytics

It’s also interesting to find how visitors are viewing your site—which Web browser (and version)—or mobile device. (This always proves to be a good incentive to get your mobile style sheets in shape.) Perhaps most interesting is the fact that you can see the typical flow a visitor takes to different pages in the site.

While all this information is fascinating, what do you do with it? Well, for starters, this information helps you identify the dead ends. For instance, if your goals are to lead visitors to your book pages, are they finding their way there? How are they getting there? Are they following through to read excerpts, and from there are they purchasing?

Choreograph their visits. If you are finding people are getting stuck on a particular page, make sure to add links to other relevant parts of the site. Is there a particularly hot blog post—even from your archives—that is pulling people in? Use that real estate to lead people to other parts of the site that they might not discover otherwise.

No discussion of analytics is complete without also addressing conversions. Google defines conversions as “the completion of an activity on your site that is important to the success of your business.” This can include completing a contact form, subscribing to a newsletter, or completing a purchase. You can use the Analytics interface to set up different goals, and then measure how you are measuring up to those goals over time.

This is just the briefest introduction to Analytics. My suggestion is to start collecting data on your visitors and make a habit of reviewing that information so you can improve the way you market yourself online.

WordPress.com Jetpack
If you are using WordPress, I strongly encourage you to enable the Jetpack stats from WordPress.com in addition to Google Analytics. While Analytics is extremely powerful, site traffic monitoring is still a relatively new science. It makes a lot of sense to cross-reference your statistics with another system to get a more complete picture about your site visitation.

Jetpack

WordPress.com users are probably already familiar with the stats program, which includes concise stats about the things that you are probably already most interested in knowing about your site—top posts and pages, search engine terms, clicks, and referrers. The stats program is now being offered to WordPress.org users as well as part of the free Jetpack plug-in, which runs the analytics in the cloud, so there is no additional load on your server.

When viewing my stats via Jetpack, I tend to compare my allover visitation to my Google Analytics numbers. And then I spend a good amount of time seeing what sites are referring users to my site. This is helpful, because in some instances, my articles have been quoted or retweeted, bringing in new traffic without my prior knowledge. This gives me the opportunity to connect with the referrer (if only to thank them) and hopefully continue to build that relationship.

I also like to see which posts and pages are the most viewed this week—and over time. This gives me an idea of what kind of services and topics there is a demand for. Plus, I get a great look into the search engine terms that are helping users find my site. This gives me a great window into what’s working—and what isn’t—for my SEO.

Stats can give you a nice peek behind the curtain of how people are using your site—information that you can use to make your site even better. Plus, seeing how people connect with your site is a gratifying way to how your work is being consumed online.

Lisa Hazen is a Chicago-based Web Designer specializing in author sites. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, or the WWW. mailto:lisa@lisahazen.com