Becky Robinson's Blog

Episode 156: What Every Nonfiction Author Should Know About Publishing

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Welcome to Season 6 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully.

In this episode, Becky welcomes back Stephanie Chandler���founder and CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association and Nonfiction Writers Conference���for a deep dive into publishing paths for nonfiction authors. Stephanie shares candid advice on navigating traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing, including how to vet hybrid publishers, how to protect your creative work, and what platform-building really looks like today. If you’re trying to decide how to publish your next nonfiction book, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:35] Stephanie shares about herself and her work in the world. 

[03:58] Stephanie reveals what she has learned about selecting the ideal book publishing path. 

[05:45] Discover what Stephanie asks authors and listens for when helping them select the right path for their book.

[09:41] Stephanie talks about the timeline of hybrid publishing and what can slow it down. 

[11:26] (AD) Schedule a call with Becky Robinson to discover how Weaving Influence���s custom strategies can support your book launch. 

[12:38] With so many hybrid publishers in the world, what should an author look for when they���re selecting a partner to publish their book? Stephanie shares her expert insights. 

[15:29] Stephanie explains how her organization vets manuscripts and what they look for in manuscripts selected for publication. 

[17:03] Stephanie shares guidance for nonfiction authors who want to set their work apart from the noise of all the books that are currently being published.

[19:25] Stephanie discusses the various projects, initiatives, and opportunities that the Nonfiction Authors Association has to offer. 

Action Steps:Explore the resources below or visit the Nonfiction Authors Association website so you can learn more about what Stephanie is up to. Invest in a membership and submit your book for an award���there are numerous opportunities for nonfiction authors.Get very specific about your book���s niche. Take the time to really think about the audience you���re writing for and the angle that makes your book unique.Resources:Become a member of the Nonfiction Authors Association. Apply for a nonfiction book award. Consider attending the next Nonfiction Writers Conference.Run a book promotion or become a member of the nonfiction book club. Explore the courses offered by the Nonfiction Authors Association, including a 90-day write your book course with Stephanie. Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn.Follow the Nonfiction Authors Association on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Key Quotes:

I just love that I get to work with nonfiction writers every day, because most of us have some sort of mission to make the world a better place. ���Stephanie Chandler 

I think hybrid publishing is a great option. You maintain control of all of your work, but you’re hiring people to produce it professionally. ���Stephanie Chandler 

If you want a large book deal, you need to bring an audience to the table. ���Stephanie Chandler 

Editing is the most labor-intensive part of publishing. ���Stephanie Chandler

Vet carefully and check references as you’re selecting a publishing partner. ���Becky Robinson 

Carving out a niche is essential. ���Stephanie Chandler

We really do judge books by their covers, and design can make or break a book. ���Stephanie Chandler

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The Book Marketing Action Podcast is featured as one of the 20 best podcasts for authors on writing, publishing, and book marketing in this article from BookBub Partners.

The post Episode 156: What Every Nonfiction Author Should Know About Publishing appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 155: Building an Author Brand That Attracts the Right Readers

Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 6 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully.

In today���s episode, Becky is joined by Larissa Banting���accredited publicist, CEO of El Bee PR, and author���for a powerhouse conversation on personal branding, earned media, and strategic PR for authors. Larissa shares actionable insights on how to define your niche, pitch your personal stories, and build media momentum long before your book launches. If you���ve ever wondered how to get your story featured or how to find the right audience for your message, this episode is filled with tips you can implement right away.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:09] Larissa starts by sharing about herself, her work in the world, and her company, El Bee PR.

[02:33] Larissa reveals some of the key elements of a personal brand that actually move the needle when an author is trying to promote their book. 

[04:33] Discover the branding strategies Larissa believes solo entrepreneurs and authors should borrow from more high-profile clients and brands. 

[06:21] Larissa outlines some practical ways that authors can begin to show up as the expert on their topic before they launch their books.

[11:22] (AD) Schedule a call with Becky Robinson to discover how Weaving Influence���s custom strategies can support your book launch. 

[12:27] Larissa talks about finding media gold in a personal story, what it means, and why it is so powerful. 

[15:00] How can an author figure out which of their personal stories are worth pitching to media outlets? Larissa explains. 

[17:20] Larissa shares six ideas to get you started on finding media gold in your personal story:

Where did you go to school? What kind of hobbies do you have? How did you get started on your journey? Have you won any awards? What challenges have you overcome? Is there something timely in the news cycle that you can speak on?

[20:00] Larissa reveals one thing she wishes more authors knew about the power of PR and building a strong personal brand. 

[22:18] Larissa concludes by sharing a story about a client who ���planted the seeds��� early and found great success.

Action Steps:Think about how you can get started in the media, and be realistic with the goals you set. Start small and start far in advance of your book launch in order to get more coverage and move up to bigger media opportunities.Reflect on this question: Who are your people and where can you find them? Look for niche media opportunities where you can find the people who most want to learn from your expertise.Have a great, free, downloadable resource that will drive people to your website and help you grow your email list. Larissa has an excellent resource called ���Publicist in a Box��� that you can download here.  Resources:Explore Larissa���s website and get to know more about El Bee PR. Follow Larissa on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.Key Quotes:

You need to start building that personal brand well before you even have your book in the final draft form. ���Larissa Banting

The best brands understand that you can’t sell to everybody. ���Larissa Banting

What is your special sauce? Build your brand around that. ���Larissa Banting

I think a lot of people don’t realize that their life story has all of this beautiful pixie dust in it. ���Larissa Banting

Keep your eyes and ears open to what’s going on in the news cycle, because there may be something that you can step into as an expert in that particular field and give your opinion on, and that’s another great way to start getting your personal brand out there. ���Larissa Banting

If you try to wait until the last minute, it’s going to be really hard to get interest going because you won’t have a runway. ���Larissa Banting

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The post Episode 155: Building an Author Brand That Attracts the Right Readers appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 154: Strategic Connections That Open Doors for Authors

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Welcome to Season 6 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully.

In today���s episode, Becky is joined by Dawn Mann Sanders���author, Bible teacher, and associate minister���to discuss the power of relationships on the author journey. Dawn shares the unexpected turns in her publishing and audiobook experience, how strategic and authentic connections helped her launch her book, and what she���s learned along the way about marketing, podcasting, and trusting the process. If you���re navigating your own book launch, this conversation will leave you inspired to take action and build community around your message.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:33] Dawn shares about herself, her work in the world, and her book, When Your World Ends: God’s Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life.

[02:33] Dawn reveals that her audiobook is coming in September, one year after the launch of When Your World Ends.  

[03:32] What surprised Dawn about the journey of being a first-time author? She talks about her experience. 

[04:48] Dawn explains what went better than she expected while marketing her book. 

[05:54] She also shares some of the challenges she faced while marketing her book. 

[07:12] For authors who may be considering narrating their own audiobook, Dawn reveals what the experience was like for her.

[09:53] Dawn shares how she has continued to engage her audience after launching her book. 

[10:34] Dawn talks about what inspired her to start her own podcast. 

[11:57] Discover Dawn���s favorite part of the author journey so far. 

[12:58] Dawn provides advice for other first-time authors.

[15:13] (AD) Schedule a call with Becky Robinson to discover how Weaving Influence���s custom strategies can support your book launch. 

[16:06] Dawn outlines some of her best tips for relationship building. 

[18:40] Dawn wraps up by sharing an inspiring story about the power of strategic connections.  

Action Step:Build relationships in two ways: Form connections with anyone you can, but also choose to strategically invest in the relationships you���re building, not for what you can get out of those people, but for what you can give to others as a result. It���s important to seek relationships that fuel your author journey. Resources:Get a copy of Dawn���s book, When Your World Ends , and stay tuned for the audiobook launching on September 16. Explore Dawn���s website and take her quiz, ���What���s Your Start-Over Style?���Follow Dawn on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads.  Key Quotes:

I had to make some new connections in order to navigate the path that I felt led to follow. ���Dawn Mann Sanders

I got this idea to build relationships, which has really been instrumental in helping me secure interviews and contacts at media outlets. ���Dawn Mann Sanders

There is a comfort level that I have developed, having been on other people’s podcasts, that allows me to have a little more comfort doing my own. ���Dawn Mann Sanders

My audience came through my relationships. ���Dawn Mann Sanders

No matter when you get your audience, they’re not going to stay with you if you don’t have good stuff to give. ���Dawn Mann Sanders

I make a point whenever I can to meet people, because you just never know when you’re going to make a connection. ���Dawn Mann Sanders

Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.

The post Episode 154: Strategic Connections That Open Doors for Authors appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 153: What First-Time Authors Need to Know About Hiring Self-Publishing Support

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Welcome to Season 6 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully.

In today���s episode, Becky is joined by Michelle Garrett���public relations consultant, writer, author, and speaker. Michelle shares the candid truth about her self-publishing journey���from unmet expectations to the determination it took to launch her book. If you’re navigating the ups and downs of self-publishing, Michelle���s experience offers invaluable insights into what to ask, how to find the right partner, and why strategy���and resilience���matter.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:09] Michelle shares about herself and her work in the world. 

[02:39] Michelle talks about her expectations going into the self-publishing process and how they compared to the reality she experienced.

[03:50] Michelle describes the process of selecting her support team when self-publishing her book. 

[5:00] Discover some of the challenges and disappointments Michelle faced while working with her support team and where she felt she needed more guidance. 

[07:31] Michelle reflects on some of the questions she didn���t ask when she was selecting a support team and what she would ask now. 

[10:00] Michelle talks about the frustration of not receiving a timeline or deadlines from her support team and the importance of adhering to her goals and milestones. 

[12:50] Michelle reveals the most important qualities and characteristics that authors should look for when they���re hiring an individual or an agency to assist them on the self-publishing journey. 

[15:50] (AD) Schedule a call with Becky Robinson to discover how Weaving Influence���s custom strategies can support your book launch. 

[16:47] Michelle explains how this experience affected her confidence and momentum for bringing her book into the world, and how she moved forward from the disappointments she faced.

[18:12] If a friend asked Michelle for self-publishing advice, what would she encourage them to consider when selecting the right partner for their project? She shares her best guidance. 

[20:06] As a PR professional, Michelle discusses some of the unique challenges self-published authors face when it comes to gaining publicity. 

[23:59] Michelle outlines some PR strategies and tactics that she believes work well for self-published authors. 

[26:57] Michelle and Becky talk about the importance of being the ���Chief Marketing Officer��� for your book. 

Action Steps:If you are wading through the challenges of bringing your first book into the world, try to imagine the finished book in your hands. This vision can increase your determination and help propel you to the finish line. Think about the parts of the author journey that you can do well and where you might want to hire support. Do you enjoy creating ideas for your social media channels but need help designing graphics? Create an itemized list to keep it organized.Resources:Get a copy of Michelle���s book, B2B PR That Gets Results: A Guide to Simple and Targeted Public Relations Practices . Learn more about Michelle by exploring her website. Check out Michelle���s live stream podcast, PR Explored , where she interviews guests every month. Follow Michelle on LinkedIn, Threads, and Facebook. For any authors who may be looking for self-publishing support, our team can help you take your book from manuscript to publication! Explore our services here, then fill out the form at the bottom of the page to receive our free book production guide. Key Quotes:

You want to know who you’re going to be working with on a day-to-day basis. ���Michelle Garrett

I would picture that in my mind���what it was going to feel like to hold my book and to always have it. Once it’s out there, you’re a published author. ���Michelle Garrett

Many people try to write a book, and they never get it across the finish line. So it’s a big deal. ���Michelle Garrett

Have a plan with an itemized list of things that you need to do, and then what you need to hire someone else to do. ���Michelle Garrett

For me, the purpose of writing the book was to get more consulting work; it wasn’t necessarily to sell a lot of books. It was to draw attention to my expertise. ���Michelle Garrett

I kind of built an audience on social media over time, and that helped me immensely when it came time to write my book. ���Michelle Garrett

Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.

The post Episode 153: What First-Time Authors Need to Know About Hiring Self-Publishing Support appeared first on Weaving Influence.

How to Reach Your Marketing Goals with Webinars

Prioritizing Webinars for Book Launches

Webinars serve as a powerful marketing tool for authors who want to make a significant impact.

Offering a blend of personal connection and digital reach, webinars provide a platform to market yourself to new audiences, establish credibility, and create buzz around your book launch. 

Here���s how a webinar can add value to your book launch strategy: 

Increase exposure to new audiences. Successfully marketing your webinar will get your message in front of relevant audiences that may otherwise not know about you or your book.Boost your sales. Providing an opportunity for people to personally connect with you during a webinar can build long-term relationships. This interaction is key to creating excitement and getting people to buy your book.��Fuel email campaign efforts. The potential to grow your email list by adding webinar attendees will greatly benefit your book launch marketing efforts, allowing you to continue to share your messages with them in the long term.

Incorporating webinars as part of your book marketing techniques will allow you to focus on the content of your book, showcasing your expertise in real-time and adding a memorable learning experience for those interested in���or new to���the topic.

Research from ON24 found that webinars remain a popular and valuable way to connect your message to interested audiences. The average number of attendees for 2024 was 216 people, which is a 7% increase in attendees from the previous year.��

Let���s explore how to promote your book using webinars as part of your book launch strategy.��

Planning Your Book Launch Webinar

Planning the perfect webinar requires careful consideration of many factors.��

Timing

Hosting your webinar about a month before the official release date can significantly impact launch week success. This timeline gives you enough runway to build anticipation while ensuring your book is still fresh in attendees’ minds when it becomes available.��

���During the pre-order campaign is a good time to have a webinar. This not only builds momentum and excitement for the book launch but in offering up the chance to pre-order the book during the webinar, authors gain valuable sales that signal to Amazon that there is interest in the book. This ensures the book is stocked and ready for buyers during launch week and beyond.���
–Kelly Edmiston, Account Manager��

If time and resources allow, hosting multiple webinars increases your chances of reaching more people from varying audiences, expanding the reach of your message. 

In addition to pre-launch webinars, authors can also host webinars on launch day to boost launch week sales, as well as a month or so post-launch to fuel momentum and keep the book���s message front and center for potential readers. 

If opting to host more than one webinar, focus on making content engaging with more in-depth topic-specific webinars to cater to different audience segments. Be sure to leave room for Q&A, which lets participants feel like they���re part of the conversation.  

Technology

Another critical planning component is researching the various tools available to host an online event like a webinar. While Zoom is a popular platform used by many, you may find it doesn���t offer the features you need to present your best self. 

Consider: 

Will you need breakout rooms?��Does your presentation include interactive polls?��What chat features may you need for Q&As and other discussions?��Are there specific screen-sharing capabilities required for your presentation?Do you want automated email sequences sent to attendees?��

Whatever tools you choose should align with your technical abilities and comfort level so you can deliver your message effectively.  

Moderators

A webinar without a moderator/host or additional speakers feels like you are talking to yourself for an hour. Does that sound appealing? Probably not, for you or your audience.

Ask someone to lend a hand. A moderator can help keep the pace of the webinar moving, ask pertinent questions, run a poll, and make a sales pitch so you can focus on sharing your message. Having additional guests helps the webinar evolve into a discussion. Doing a Q&A format with multiple guests can be an exciting and informative hour. 

Bonus Offerings��

Depending on your goals, you will also want to consider bonus offerings to encourage attendees to follow through on your requests. For instance: 

If your goal is to build your email list, offer exclusive bonus content in the form of a downloadable lead magnet for webinar participants only.��If your goal is to boost sales, create special pre-orders or bulk sales bundles to incentivize participants to purchase early and in larger quantities.��

Establishing desired outcomes for your webinar and providing exclusive access to additional content can significantly fuel your book marketing goals. 

Webinar Series Success��

If opting to do a webinar series to support your book launch strategy, focus on providing value by expanding on overarching themes in each webinar. Weaving Influence supported Mark Miller, a multi-book author, with several webinars, including a three-part webinar series. Through an ongoing partnership with Weaving Influence, Mark could reach new audiences, expand the reach of his message, and ultimately establish brand loyalty as participants had the opportunity to connect with him during the real-time Q&A during each webinar.

Read the full case study here.

Remember: A webinar requires careful planning, so allow yourself 4-6 weeks before the event to create meaningful content, set up your platform, market it widely, and do a trial run. The effort you put in beforehand will allow you to show up as your most authentic self on the day of the webinar.��

Creating Compelling Webinar Content��

Your book is one big content machine, and effectively utilizing the information within its pages is central to presenting a dynamic and engaging webinar. 

As you prepare your webinar, consider how to provide value and generate interest in your book. 

Start by identifying 2-3 key themes or chapters from your book. For example, if you are a business leadership author, you may have a unique framework that you can expand on that piques attendees��� curiosity. Bonus points if they can implement the framework immediately. 

Flush out a timeline for the way the webinar will flow. The structure of the webinar is just as important as the content you���ll share. A sample format might be: 

10 minutes for introductions and building rapport��30-40 minutes to present the core content��15-20 minutes for Q&A with the audience

Add in visual elements to engage the audience. Maintaining your audience���s attention span is key to a fun learning experience. Break up your content by adding visuals like: 

Infographics with relevant statistics��Diagrams explaining complex topics��Case study highlights��Professional photos of your book��Short video clips, if appropriate��

Balance educational content with promotional content. A good rule of thumb here is to follow the 80/20 rule for content marketing: 80% of your content should focus on adding value, while 20% of your content should be book promotion. Your calls-to-action should be clear and direct but sprinkled into the presentation or saved for a slide at the end. 

Identify bonus materials to support your book. Everyone likes a freebie. When you offer supplementary content, you engage participants in a way that keeps you top of mind and encourages them to engage further with your book and message. Some ideas include: 

A workbook that accompanies the book and/or webinar��Share checklists or templates used in the presentation��Design an interactive assessment tool��Write a bonus chapter that is exclusive to attendees��Pull together a resource guide to support your book���s contents

A memorable webinar is book marketing gold, and the more time you spend creating compelling content, the better your chances are of ���sticking��� with participants beyond the live event. 

Promoting Your Webinar��

You can���t create community without involving community. 

Webinars invite people to join in a shared conversation around your book and message; however, they don���t know about the webinar until you tell them. There are a few ways to ensure people show up to the event. 

Email Marketing��

Tapping into your existing permission-based email list is a priority when promoting your book launch webinar. 

Begin your outreach 4-6 weeks before the live event date and create a series of 2-3 emails that build anticipation. 

Initial Announcement: State your value proposition. What specific problems will attendees learn to solve?Reminder Email: Not only is this a reminder to register for the event, but it���s another opportunity to spotlight the insights you���ll be sharing.��Day-Of Email: The world is a busy place. An email sent the morning of the webinar increases attendee numbers and is a final call for registrations.��

Make sure your call-to-action is clear and that the registration page is hassle-free. The easier it is to take action, the more likely someone is to sign up for your webinar. 

You could send pre-written email copy to marketing partners like your publisher so they can amplify your efforts through their vast database of book lovers.   

���The people who are signing up for your webinar want to hear from you,
and they���re interested in what you have to say. So this is a prime opportunity
for you to really get those messages out���to really teach people what
your book is about and what they can learn from it.���
–Wendy Haan, Manager, Marketing Services

Social Media��

Online spaces are noisy, so strategically planning out how you���ll promote your webinar on social media is a necessary step. 

Plan several touchpoints starting a few weeks before the webinar, varying content to fit each platform and playing into its strengths. For instance: 

You may create short teaser videos for Instagram.��On LinkedIn, you may create a professional event post.��Create a quick, 60-second thought leadership video on YouTube.

A branded book hashtag can help drive awareness in advance of your book launch and webinar to widen your reach. Using a consistent hashtag throughout the book marketing process will help you interact with webinar participants and field their questions during the event. It also allows the webinar to remain part of larger, ongoing conversations once the event is done. 

Implementing a coordinated promotional strategy across multiple platforms not only boosts registration numbers but also demonstrates the value of your book and ensures momentum that can last well beyond the webinar itself. 

Leverage Your Webinar to Reach Your Goals��

Wrapping up a webinar might feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. 

But! There are still many opportunities to promote your book to those who have signed up to be a part of the message. 

What you do after your webinar is just as important as what you do before. 

When registrants sign up for your webinar, they have opted into your email list, which is your strongest ally when it comes to content marketing.  

Continue building relationships with your attendees by nurturing them with a series of 4-5 email follow-ups post-webinar: 

24 hours after the webinar: Send a thank you email to everyone who signed up that includes a link to the webinar replay. Any additional resources you promised them in the webinar should also be included in this email. To build community in other online spaces, add your social media links or online groups to encourage connection there, too.��Three days after the webinar: Address any outstanding questions that didn���t get answered during the live event. Keep it to 2-3 questions and answer them succinctly with value-packed information from your book.����A week after the webinar: If you have a case study or success story featured in your book you can share with attendees, this can add credibility to your message and to you as an expert on the topic.��Ten days after the webinar: Get personal. Share more about your author journey and reasons for writing the book. People enjoy getting to know authors, and you never know when or with whom your story will resonate.��Two weeks after the webinar: Remind them about any bonus opportunities you have related to the book. This is an additional opportunity to remind them about launch week and any happenings you have planned.����

Don���t forget: Every email you send to webinar registrants should include a call-to-action so they can continue to be active participants in your book launch. Maybe you���ll ask them to: 

Purchase the book in bulk��Download a sample chapter��Share the book on social media��Sign up for a virtual launch party��Join an exclusive LinkedIn group��

Emails are only one part of the post-webinar equation. 

Your webinar is a powerhouse of content you can use long-term to help you achieve your marketing goals. Some ideas to repurpose this value-rich content include: 

Create a lead magnet that can be used to obtain new leads (a.k.a. get new contacts signed up for your email list).��Create short clips from the webinar recording based on talking points and then share them on social media.��Take short quotes from the webinar and use them to create graphics for social media, linking to the full webinar recording.��Ask others to share your webinar with their networks to increase your message���s reach exponentially.��

Sharing your webinar in an ongoing way, post-event, will increase your visibility and establish you as a thought leader and authority in your field. 

The Bottom Line

Webinars are a fun, value-packed tool in how to promote your book. A successful webinar requires careful planning, engaging content, and strategic follow-through, but there are big payoffs that extend beyond book sales. Building meaningful connections provides long-term support beyond book sales, which is an invaluable part of your ongoing marketing journey.��

Take Action��

If you need help developing a strategic marketing plan for your next webinar, working with a partner like Weaving Influence can help. Get in touch with us today to get started!��

The post How to Reach Your Marketing Goals with Webinars appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 152: The Long-term Impact of Strategic Book PR

Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 6 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully.

In today���s episode, Becky interviews Kourtney Jason���president and co-founder of Pacific & Court���who delves into the intricacies of book PR campaigns. Kourtney highlights successful client stories, emphasizing strategies like targeted outreach, beginning PR efforts early, and managing expectations realistically within the book marketing landscape. She underscores the importance of identifying a specific audience and building a strong author brand to achieve effective book publicity.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:10] Kourtney introduces herself and shares about her background as the leader of Pacific & Court and as an author. 

[03:09] Kourtney talks about her experience authoring five books and how that has influenced her passion for the work she does and how she supports other authors. 

[05:00] Discover Kourtney���s approach for facing rejection and how she has handled it on her own journey as well. 

[05:53] Kourtney reveals how she helps authors define and reach the audience that will be most receptive to their unique books. 

[07:34] Kourtney shares some examples of why quantity can be more important than quality when it comes to acquiring media for first-time authors. 

[08:14] How soon should an author start thinking about how they want to establish their brand and thought leadership? Kourtney shares her advice. 

[10:14] (AD) Schedule a call with Becky Robinson to discover how Weaving Influence���s custom strategies can support your book launch. 

[11:08] Kourtney discusses the long-term impact she has seen for clients who start building their brand early on. 

[12:17] Kourtney shares some of the common mistakes and assumptions authors make when setting goals for publicity, as well as guidance on how to reframe those goals. 

[15:00] Hear more of the success stories Kourtney has from her journey in book marketing. 

[15:49] Kourtney reveals what she considers to be the biggest trends in book publicity right now and how authors can adapt. 

[18:05] Kourtney wraps up by sharing her favorite social media platform. 

Action Steps:Once you start getting requests for media features as a first-time author, say yes as often as you can. The more opportunities you have to speak about your topic, the more opportunities you have to connect with potential readers of your book or clients for your business.Make sure you���re specific about the audience you want to reach with your work. Your audience can���t be everyone. Take a few moments to jot down some notes about who you���re trying to reach and the outlets that are going to help you reach them. Resources:Explore Pacific & Court���s website to learn more about the firm and the work they do, and to connect with Kourtney. Follow Pacific & Court on LinkedIn and Instagram. Key Quotes:

Writing a book is hard. It’s a very big process. ���Kourtney Jason

Sometimes no response from a media outlet is better than a response, because it could still mean they’re thinking about it and holding on to it until the time is right. ���Kourtney Jason

It is a little bit of a red flag if you’re asking an author, ���Who is your target audience?��� and they say, “Everyone.���  ���Kourtney Jason

You have to start at that D-list media to work your way up to the C-list, B-list, and then you have the cache and the expertise to really get the attention of that A-list media. ���Kourtney Jason

You can’t interview a book. It matters about who the person is behind it. ���Kourtney Jason

A successful campaign is a happy client. ���Kourtney Jason

You can do interviews, but how are you still reaching people directly? How are you building those relationships? ���Kourtney Jason

Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.

The post Episode 152: The Long-term Impact of Strategic Book PR appeared first on Weaving Influence.

The Value of Amazon Reviews��

Why Amazon Reviews Matter  

Amazon reigns supreme when it comes to book sales, accounting for an estimated 50-80% of the book market, depending on genre and format. This stronghold on the market provides incredible opportunities���and challenges���for an author trying to ���make it��� in the marketplace. 

At the center of this complex ecosystem lies a critical component that can greatly influence an author���s success: customer reviews. 

Whether you���re a traditional or self-published author, securing star ratings and customer feedback via the review platform is a powerful marketing tool that can directly impact discoverability, credibility, and, ultimately, sales. 

Read on to learn more about how Amazon reviews support your book launch strategy and should be in your arsenal of book marketing techniques for long-term success.  

Amazon Reviews Impact Visibility 

With over 44 million books available on Amazon worldwide, authors are in competition with a heap of other authors who want to get their books into readers��� hands. 

Throw in Amazon���s A9 algorithm, which is the search engine component behind the consumer-driven website, and the task of how to promote your book can become very daunting. 

The good news is that as of 2024, Amazon has 315 million active users, and that means there are plenty of people buying books; it���s just a matter of making sure your book satisfies the algorithm and appears at the top of search results for your topic/genre/category. 

The more your book reaches the top of the search, the more discoverability it has, which, in turn, produces increased visibility for your work and your message. 

So, where do Amazon reviews come into play?

When your book accumulates reviews, particularly positive reviews, Amazon���s algorithm takes notice and begins featuring your book more prominently in search results. 

This increased visibility leads to more sales, which leads to more reviews, which leads to more visibility. Unlocking this cycle isn���t easy, but it���s a prime example of how strategically incorporating reviews into your book launch strategy can have a big payoff. 

���It���s overwhelming to worry about reaching the huge number of reviews that bestsellers amass over the years. For authors on a smaller scale, it can be helpful to set and work toward modest goals. Aim for 25 reviews, then 50. Once you reach 50, you can work toward 75, and then 100 and beyond.���
Becky Robinson, CEO of Weaving Influence

Additional benefits of a robust book review profile could include: 

Being featured in the ���customers who bought this also bought������ section��Having your book featured in Amazon���s marketing emails��Becoming eligible for inclusion in special promotions on Amazon��

One important note: Getting reviews from the beginning is critical.��

Early reviews, particularly those received in the first few weeks after launch, signal to Amazon that your book deserves attention. It���s this initial momentum that launches a book from obscurity into sustainable visibility.��

This is a crucial maneuver for all authors, but first-time authors should be especially focused on their Amazon review strategy and the timing of their reviews to ensure they create the biggest splash in that sea of 44 million books. 

Let���s explore how reviews can give you, the author, an authoritative boost and, ultimately, help you secure more sales. 

Amazon Reviews Impact Credibility 

Have you ever purchased���or not purchased���a book because of a review you read? 

Reviews are word-of-mouth marketing. In vast digital marketplaces like Amazon, readers cannot pick up a book, flip through its pages, and examine it before purchasing. Instead, they lean heavily on reviews to inform their buying decisions. 

What are other people saying about this book I want to buy? 

Informed buyers often see the reviews as more important than the book���s description and will look at them to determine if the book sounds like it is for them. So, getting a respectable number of reviews in the early months after your book is released is helpful for increasing the sales of your book.

Amazon reviews provide valuable social proof about a title, demonstrating subject-matter expertise, which is a powerful trust-building mechanism that can be especially vital for first-time authors or those authors who are self-published without established reputations in the market.  

While a critical mass of early reviews can lead to more buzz for your book, don���t overlook the importance of the quality of the reviews. Reviewers can simply leave a star-rating; however, a well-crafted, thoughtful review in addition to the star-rating will carry more weight and be more influential to a potential reader. 

As you think about the quality of a review, it���s important to distinguish between verified purchases and unverified purchases when it comes to Amazon reviews. 

A verified purchaser means the reviewer bought the book on Amazon and paid a price that is available to most Amazon shoppers. Amazon checks these requirements before assigning the reviewer a ���verified purchaser��� tag. 

However, not all reviews must come from verified purchases to be published on the reviews page. Amazon still considers unverified purchases valuable as long as they meet the pre-determined guidelines. 

For example, if you establish a book launch team as part of your Network Mobilization and ask for reviews in exchange for a free copy of the book, these reviews will show up as “unverified,” but as long as they meet Amazon���s review requirements, Amazon will post them. 

For the sake of credibility, authors should aim for a mix of verified and unverified reviews, as too many unverified reviews may signal to readers that the reviews are not organic or genuine. 

Amazon Reviews Impact Sales��

There is a strong correlation between product reviews and sales conversion rates, with some studies highlighting that products with reviews are 270% more likely to be purchased than those without.

Your book is no exception. Getting a respectable number of reviews in the early months after your book is released signals to readers that there is value in your book and that it���s worth the monetary investment to read it. 

While each new review will not always lead to an immediate sale, the influence found within that review has the power to transform buyers for years to come, especially if your book launch strategy includes continued outreach efforts to cultivate new reviews as time goes on. 

You may want to consider long-term review initiatives to drive more sales like:

Following up via email sequences to anyone you know who has a copy of the book, whether gifted by you as part of the book launch or through pre-order and launch week purchases.��Featuring reader reviews in a newsletter or on social media to encourage others to post their review ��� or possibly buy the book if they haven���t!��Hosting a Goodreads giveaway or other promotional events that will attract new readers and, therefore, fresh reviews.��

Once you begin receiving reviews, you���ll better understand the key takeaways readers are getting from the book, and that knowledge is gold as you determine how to ask for more reviews and generate more sales. 

Research from Automateed found that Amazon generates $28 billion worldwide in one year from book sales alone. That���s a significant volume of books being sold. In today���s competitive publishing market, authors who understand the potential of reviews to drive sales will achieve a stronger return on investment.

Leveraging Amazon Reviews��

Reviews are a versatile marketing tool that can also be utilized outside of the Amazon platform. 

Authors should not hesitate to use reviews to create ongoing interest in their books as these reviews are authentic promotional content that will attract other potential readers.  

Feature these reviews���or at least short quotes from them���by adding them to: 

Your website��The next newsletter��Social media graphics��Additional advertising campaigns��

Having a robust number of reviews featured on your book page may also attract professional opportunities. Event organizers, podcast hosts, and media outlets frequently look at reader engagement before reaching out with collaboration ideas.  

If you���re pitching yourself as an author, thought leader, or speaker for any professional event, sharing Amazon reviews can showcase your expertise, in the same way they build trust and credibility for readers. 

Leveraging Amazon reviews is a great way to keep momentum building for your current title but they can also be foundational in future publications, whether that���s an online article or another published book. 

By treating your strongest reviews as long-term assets rather than temporary validation, you create a foundation of social proof that supports your entire author career.

The Bottom Line

Prioritizing early Amazon reviews is an essential part of the book launch strategy and can mean the difference between discoverability and obscurity. Don���t let your book or your message get lost in the depths of Amazon���s algorithm. By incorporating reviews into your book marketing techniques, you set yourself up to receive authentic, quality reviews that have long-term effects on your career as an author.��

Take Action��

Partnering with Weaving Influence to secure early Amazon reviews sets the stage for your book launch and ongoing marketing endeavors. Get in touch with us today to get started!��

The post The Value of Amazon Reviews�� appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 151: The Evolving Landscape of the Book Publishing Industry

Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 6 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully.

In today���s episode, Becky is joined by Jane Friedman���book publishing industry expert, author, and returning guest���who delves into the evolving landscape of the publishing industry, explaining how authors have taken responsibility for the marketing of their books and the impact of AI on discoverability. Jane provides listeners with her seasoned perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing authors and offers actionable insights for navigating the modern publishing landscape effectively.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:57] Jane shares about herself and her work in the world.

[03:13] Jane reveals what surprised her the most as she worked on the second edition of her book, The Business of Being a Writer. 

[04:25] Discover what Jane decided to remove completely from the first edition of the book as she revised it. 

[06:30] Jane shares insights on how she sees the role of authors evolving in today���s publishing ecosystem and how marketing is evolving as well. 

[10:00] Listen as Jane talks about the value of having an email list that you own. 

[13:24] (AD) Schedule a call with Becky Robinson to discover how Weaving Influence���s custom strategies can support your book launch. 

[14:43] Jane outlines some of the trends she���s seeing in book marketing right now that authors should keep an eye out for, particularly related to AI developments.

[21:43] Jane talks about her own journey in marketing and shares something about her book marketing efforts that might surprise listeners. 

[25:09] If Jane could correct one common misconception that authors have about the publishing industry, what would it be? She reveals the answer.

[26:50] Jane concludes by discussing her greatest wish for the new edition of her book.

Action Steps:If there is a podcast or any other type of media that you have been interested in being a part of, today is the day to send your pitch or follow up. You have agency and the power to inquire. Wherever you are in your journey of exploring AI, take the next step. See how it might impact your work in the world or how you might use it in a positive way to share your message more widely. Resources:Explore Jane���s website, where you can subscribe to her newsletters, sign up for classes, and access all of her expert resources. Get Jane���s book The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition , which just released. Connect with Jane on social media:YouTube BlueskyInstagramLinkedInFacebookThreadsKey Quotes:

I have been solely focused on the publishing industry since college. I’ve seen it from a lot of different angles. ���Jane Friedman

Authors are taking more responsibility for the marketing of their books, especially if they’re traditionally published. ���Jane Friedman

Email is an asset that I think continues to have longevity, and I think it’s going to be there in another five years, or 10 years. ���Jane Friedman

If people use AI tools instead of Google search, if they use Google’s AI summaries instead of going to websites, how much will that hurt your traffic or your visibility? How will it affect your business? ���Jane Friedman

If you plan to have a career as an author over the next five to 10 years and beyond, I think you have to pay attention to what AI is going to do to the writing and publishing environment. ���Jane Friedman

I think it deeply matters what you do to support your book or to support your writing and publishing efforts. ���Jane Friedman

Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.

The post Episode 151: The Evolving Landscape of the Book Publishing Industry appeared first on Weaving Influence.

The Effectiveness of Bulk Buy Incentives��

What Are Bulk Buy Incentives  

Selling books is really hard!

One way to sell more books is to focus your energy on bulk sales.

Bulk buy incentives represent book marketing techniques that amplify book sales by encouraging customers to purchase multiple copies of a title at once in exchange for special pricing or added value.

Do the math. You can sell books singly and add up the numbers, 1 +1 +1, or you can sell in bulk and see sales multiply 1000 X 10, or 10+10+100+1000+1500.

Authors typically don���t target individuals to obtain bulk sales. Instead, they focus on organizations, educational institutions, book clubs, and non-profits that need multiple copies for their members, employees, students, or clients.

Incentivizing these larger quantity buyers, authors can strategically increase their sales by making buying in bulk more enticing. 

Read on to see how to add bulk buy incentives to your book launch ideas.

What���s Possible with Bulk Buy Incentives 

You may want to sell thousands of books in a week to reach bestseller status on a big list, and most business books that make a bestseller list include some bulk orders.  

It���s important to keep in mind that making a bestseller list takes valiant effort and investment of both time and money. Plus, some bestseller lists might intentionally exclude bulk sales in their calculations. 

When identifying your objectives for bulk sales, be sure to do some research on the bestseller lists you���re targeting. 

Bestseller Success

Strategically implementing book marketing techniques like bulk sales is key to generating enough sales to potentially hit a bestseller list. Weaving Influence supported Mark Miller on the launch of his book, Culture Rules, helping him amass more than 5,500 pre-orders leading up to the launch, which landed him on the Wall Street Journal* and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. Mark offered incentives for orders of 11+ books that included a free one-hour virtual conversation about the book. Many of Mark���s pre-orders were bulk orders, strategically placed through Porchlight Books and independent retailers.

Read our case study about his campaign.

*Note: As of February 2024, the Wall Street Journal best-seller list has ended.

Even if you don���t want or expect you���ll make a big bestseller list, bulk sales are still a helpful way to quickly see more of your books in readers��� hands, creating more possibilities for your book and work.

As a first-time author, you may find it harder to identify bulk purchasers for your book unless you have a well-established reputation with your clients. As your work grows in the world and organizations see the value you offer, you will gather readers who are excited to buy your next book.

Most authors view a bulk sales approach as both proactive and reactive.

You are proactive when you make a list of possible organizations or individuals who would buy your book in bulk and contact them to share your bulk incentives. 

You are reactive when someone approaches you for work, and you negotiate your fee to include a bulk order of your books.

Let���s explore how to leverage bulk buy incentives to increase sales of your book.

Getting the Most from Bulk Buy Incentives

As you strategize your bulk sales offers, remember that there are many ways to add value and encourage the purchase of your book in bulk. 

Some tips include: 

Identify incentives that will compel your audience. Whatever offer you make must be congruent with your book���s content and value. Look for offers you can make that fit your audience���s needs and interests.

Be creative! Look for ways to offer unique incentives that compel people to buy more books.

Make sure your offers will scale. If you���re offering your time in exchange for bulk sales, make sure the numbers add up. You have a limited number of hours available and don���t want to over-promise your time. When possible, look for incentives that do not require your time. This could include exclusive access to a video series or other digital resources related to your book.

Use bulk sales as a negotiation tool. While most authors can���t afford to trade keynotes for book sales, you can use the purchase of a bulk order of your books as a negotiating tool in closing a keynote sale by offering your keynote for a price and allowing part of the price to be applied toward a bulk book purchase.

Ask for bulk purchases. Many authors sell thousands of books to clients of their consulting practices. Your book brings your clients your best thinking and learning in a convenient package, which can be read, re-read, and shared. If clients already pay top dollar for your knowledge and expertise, they will likely be willing to invest in buying multiple copies of your book. Consider the price of a day of training with you vs. the cost of bulk purchases of your book.

Create a landing page or PDF flyer that clearly outlines your offers and promotes/shares them widely. Don���t assume that people who want to purchase in bulk will know about your incentive offers. Proactively share your offers and make sure people can easily find them. Be open to possibilities beyond the offer to develop approaches that work for your clients.

Time these bulk buys proactively. By sending bulk sales to a site like Porchlight Books, which reports to BookScan, you can increase your chances of landing one of the big lists. Porchlight also has a monthly bestseller list, so if possible, time your bulk sales through Porchlight to land within a certain week or month. Another bulk sales resource is BulkBooks.

Pro Tip

You may be wondering about placing a bulk order through Amazon. While each book will still be counted as a sale by BookScan, Amazon���s sales ranks are fueled by the number of orders, not by the number of books in each order. A bulk order from Amazon of 20 books at once, for example, will not have the same impact on your sales rank as 20 individual book orders. Instead, it will influence your rank the same as a one-book order.

Put a time limit on your offers. If you want your bulk orders to help you land on a bestseller list, work to gather them as early as possible so that they ship during the week your book is released. This may mean timing your pre-order bulk incentives to expire about a week before launch. You can also shift or adjust your offers to continue to attract bulk orders after your book is released.

When it comes to bulk buy incentives, the sky is the limit. Be sure to relate your offerings to your target audience and ensure you have the resources (budget, time) to carry out any promised deliverables you may include. 

The Bottom Line

Whether your goal is to maximize sales for potential inclusion on a bestseller list or simply expand the reach of your message by getting more books into readers’ hands, bulk buy incentives play a vital role in your overall book launch strategy. Integrate bulk sales into your book launch timeline to transform your book from simply published to genuinely impactful, setting the foundation for long-term success. 

Take Action 

Weaving Influence can partner with you to discuss your specific sales goals related to your book launch and help you develop a bulk buy strategy that will get more books into readers’ hands. Contact us today to get started!��Bulk buy incentives represent book marketing techniques that amplify book sales by encouraging customers to purchase multiple copies of a title at once in exchange for special pricing or added value.

The post The Effectiveness of Bulk Buy Incentives�� appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Understanding Amazon Category Rankings��

What Are Amazon Category Rankings?��

Amazon category rankings are a critical yet often misunderstood component of book marketing and visibility for authors. This complex system is more than just a numerical position���it determines how easily readers can discover your book in an increasingly crowded marketplace. 

Amazon���s category rankings are designed to spotlight books that are currently performing well in specific genres and associated niches���i.e., categories. For authors, understanding these rankings is part of a long-term book launch strategy that attracts potential readers and ultimately drives sales. 

A well-ranked book appears more prominently in search results, recommendation algorithms, and bestseller lists. The importance of Amazon category rankings cannot be overlooked when thinking about how to promote your book. 

Key insights every author should understand about Amazon category rankings: 

Rankings update hourly to reflect real-time sales performance.��Rankings differ across book formats (hardcover, paperback, Kindle).��Rankings can significantly impact an author���s potential bestseller status (those orange #1 New Release banners)����

Amazon Ranking Success

Don���t underestimate the power of Amazon reviews to impact your overall Amazon category rankings. More reviews signal to Amazon���s algorithm that the book is being read by buyers, which can impact how the book is ranked in its categories. Quantity and quality of reviews also help books compete for bestseller status. Weaving Influence supported Minette Norman and Karolin Helbig on the launch of their first book, guiding them through the establishment of a book review launch team. Their combined efforts resulted in a larger-than-normal team of book reviewers, which meant they received over 100+ global reviews in the first month of their book being released. This resulted in high category rankings and at least three #1 New Release banners in three different categories.
Read the full case study here.

How Amazon Category Rankings Work��

Based on Amazon���s complex algorithms, multiple factors determine a book���s ranking performance.

Sales volume data is the key metric used to determine where your book will rank within the category, as well as overall on Amazon. Both recent and all-time sales are used to determine rankings; however, recent sales (in the last 24-48 hours) are more critical than older sales. 

Speed of sales within a short time frame will also impact algorithms and affect rankings. As a result, part of your book launch strategy should include a specified ���launch week��� to spike sudden sales and, thus, increase your chances of ranking higher and securing bestseller status. 

Consider pricing as part of your book launch strategy as it relates to Amazon category rankings. Full-price books may have a higher perceived value and can potentially create a longer-term category ranking, but discounted books can trigger a short-term sales boost that significantly impacts rankings in the moment. 

Customer engagement is another indicator that determines a book���s category ranking on Amazon. Your book launch strategy will want to incorporate an Amazon review campaign to attract reader reviews that will stimulate the algorithm. The number, quality, and recency of the reviews, as well as the sales-to-reviews ratio, are all factored in.

Additional nuanced ranking dynamics exist, but it���s important to keep in mind that Amazon intentionally keeps precise ranking calculations vague, so focusing on the four factors above is a great way to add intention and strategy to your book marketing efforts. 

Strategies for Improving Amazon Category Rankings��

The foundation of a successful Amazon category ranking strategy lies in choosing the right categories. 

There are two processes for assigning categories to your book: an Automated Process and a Strategic Process. 

Automated Process

Whether you are self-published or traditionally published, Amazon relies on metadata to put your book into categories. 

The categories are designed to help people find the book and topics they���re interested in, so putting your book into appropriate categories is important. 

The category selection is partially fueled by metadata, including keywords, your book���s description, and content.

However, there is no guarantee that you will be placed into your chosen categories. It is possible that Amazon will place you into additional categories that you didn���t select. That���s where the Strategic Process of category selections comes in. 

Strategic Process��

What many authors don���t know is that you can also strategically select categories and manually add them to each of your book���s products (Kindle, print, and audiobook). 

To select the optimal categories for your book, it���s important to know the types of Amazon book categories that exist: 

Main Genre Categories ��� These are very broad in classification and are typically more competitive due to all the books the category could entail. Example: Business & Money.��Subcategories ��� These are more targeted in classification and often represent better ranking opportunities. Example: Business & Money > Management & Leadership����Niche Categories ��� These become even more specific in classification and have a lower threshold for ranking. Example: Business & Money > Management & Leadership > Motivational��Competitive Categories ��� Consider these ���more popular��� categories that are much harder to rank in as they require more sales for ranking. Example: Business Leadership or Personal Development��

When looking at competitive categories, you���ll want to determine if your book marketing strategy can accommodate the higher sales needed to achieve ranking in that category OR see if you can niche down to a smaller category with an overarching competitive main genre category. 

How do you select the right category for your book to rank on Amazon?

Research. All successful Amazon category ranking strategies start with comprehensive market research that includes:Look at what your competitors are choosing for their categories. Like books will give you guidance on what is relevant for your book.��Study bestseller patterns in the categories you���re interested in ranking in. This will tell you what readers are searching for, which will impact sales that will, in turn, help you rank.��Category Evaluation. Use a tool like Publisher Rocket that can help you check bestseller rankings for your topic. These tools look at:How many people are searching for this category?��How competitive is this category?��How many sales does it take to rank in this category? Lower sales mean you might secure bestseller status in that category. This can be used to market your book further during your book launch.��Category Diversity. You���ll want to prioritize categories that accurately represent the content in your book. You may want to include some that are more niche (but still aligned with your book���s topic), which will increase the likelihood you���ll rank as a bestseller. In tandem, you want to rank in the most logical places people will find your book, which may include some of the more competitive categories. A balance of both niche and competitive is optimal.��

When selecting categories for each format of your book, you must understand that Amazon’s Kindle and print book rankings operate on fundamentally different algorithms, reflecting the unique characteristics of digital and physical book marketplaces.

Kindle categories: 

More dynamic��Updated hourly��Respond immediately to sales spikes��

Print categories: 

Updated every 24-48 hours��Look at sustained sales history��Consider physical inventory��

In the book launch strategy, savvy authors consider Amazon category rankings for each format and apply techniques that set each version of the book up for long-term success. 

Once you have selected your categories, monitor the rankings to ensure your book continues to be relevant in categories that are ranking highly on Amazon. 

Consider: 

Tracking performance metrics (this can be done through your Amazon Author Central account).��Monitoring competitors in your category to see how their title is moving up (or down) in the same category.��Responding to market changes that can impact how people perceive your book, genre, and accompanying categories.��Testing new category combinations to see if there is a sweet spot for ranking higher in both broad and niche categories.

It can take some time for the categories to appear,
so the earlier you research and apply strategic categories, the better.��

Keep in mind: Everything is relative. Amazon ranks compare your book to all books on Amazon (overall rank) and to books in your categories. Your book will rank higher or lower depending on how other books are selling. If you or your publisher chooses categories with fewer books, your book may rank more easily in those categories, but you have to weigh that against the relevance of the categories.

Understanding the interplay between main categories, subcategories, and niche categories provides the foundation for effective category choices and is crucial to your overall book launch strategy. 

Understanding Bestseller Badges

Every author wants the social proof and bragging rights of being a bestseller.��

For most independent or first-time authors, the Amazon bestseller banner as a new release in the category is the most attainable. Depending on your category selection, getting the new release banner may only require selling 10-20 books in any hour, while landing on other more renowned lists like the New York Times requires thousands of sales in a week.

Garnering the bestseller banner gives credibility to the title and increases the book���s discoverability. Once you���ve gained the banner, you can claim bestseller status.

Here is a quick overview to increase your chances of reaching bestseller status in your category on Amazon: 

Step 1 ��� Strategically select and apply relevant categories for each edition of your book. Using a tool like Publisher Rocket to research and select these categories is helpful. 

Step 2 ��� Ignite strategies to drive pre-orders for your book.

Step 3 ��� Concentrate on launch week sales by hosting a webinar or live event that week with strong calls to buy the book. 

Step 4 ��� Through your email list and social channels, ask as many people as you can to buy your book on launch day.

The goal is to create a period of concentrated sales activity���like launch week���that pushes your book up the rankings quickly enough to capture those valuable bestseller badges.

From the time your book is available on Amazon for pre-order through 30 days after your publication date, your book has the best opportunity to gain the bestseller banner as a new release in its categories. 

The strategic work to gain the social proof of a bestseller banner can begin far in advance of launch, but it requires that you intermittently look at your product pages to see how your book ranks. 

You can also view your book���s rank over time through your Amazon Author Central Account, but there���s no way to know when your book has the banner except by looking at your individual product pages for the various editions of your book.

While it may be a momentary win, since ranks can change hourly, the category bestseller achievement can energize an author to show up more effectively to continue to share their book���s value with the world.

Pre-Orders, Bulk Sales, and Price Drops��

Balancing pre-order sales with launch week sales is a crucial element of the book launch strategy as it pertains to Amazon category rankings. 

Pre-orders can be particularly powerful, gathering concentrated momentum that will then be applied to launch day sales. These first-day sales can trigger bestseller badges and signal strong market interest to Amazon’s algorithm. 

������While pre-orders ultimately provide great value to authors and signal retailers to order the book, a robust pre-order campaign may limit the momentum of your launch week rank, as you may cut into the launch week sales because people pre-ordered the book. 

As you plan your book marketing strategy, you need to balance the need for pre-orders with a desire to also achieve strong launch week sales.

Bulk orders, on the other hand, present a more complex scenario. 

Orders, NOT sales, drive Amazon ranking, so actual sales of more than one or two books at a time influence the sales rank the same as larger bulk orders. For this reason, it���s not advantageous to ask people to buy multiple copies of your book from Amazon to drive more sales and increase your rank. Instead, ask people to buy in bulk through a bulk retailer like Porchlight, which could land you bestseller status there.

Plus, Amazon closely monitors purchase patterns, tracking indicators like IP addresses, geographic purchase locations, and the distribution of bulk purchases to prevent manipulation of the ranking system. 

Price drops on Amazon are a good sign! 

While your publisher sets a retail price for your book, Amazon ultimately controls any discounting of your print book. If you see your book discounted below the retail price in the days after it launches, take it as another win.

Amazon discounts bestselling books more steeply than other books to drive additional sales. The price drop is a gift you can use to fuel even more momentum. 

This is especially helpful for authors whose books are released in hardcover because the gap between the hardcover (nearly $30) and the other editions (often significantly lower) may nudge someone to buy the ebook or audiobook even if they���d prefer the hardcover. 

When Amazon drops the hardcover price, the price gap decreases, which may result in more sales of the hardcover.

���A book marketing trick to try: post a screenshot of the price reduction and share it with your online communities. Frame it as good news: My book is doing so well that Amazon has just dropped the price. Order an extra copy at the lower price to share with a friend. Or if you haven���t ordered yet, now is the perfect time!���
Becky Robinson, CEO Weaving Influence

Remember: Amazon���s algorithm rewards books that demonstrate consistent, organic engagement.

The Bottom Line

Achieving strong category rankings on Amazon requires a comprehensive approach combining strategic category selection, careful timing, strong book launch execution, ongoing optimization, and targeted, supportive marketing tools. With intentional marketing efforts in place, your book launch strategy will benefit from including Amazon category rankings.  

Take Action��

Working with a partner like Weaving Influence can ensure you understand Amazon category rankings and find success with your Amazon book page. Get in touch with us today to get started!

The post Understanding Amazon Category Rankings�� appeared first on Weaving Influence.