How to Make It Easy for Readers to Buy Your Books
You’ve put your heart, soul, time, energy . . . and maybe even some tears into writing your book.
Now comes the time of launching it into the world, so your readers can enjoy it, too!
However, many authors say that when it comes to marketing their books, it’s their least favorite part of the process. In fact, the actual writing is the easy part!
Not to worry if you feel similarly, because this post contains ways to get your books into readers’ hands!
Book Marketing the EASY Way
In addition to those found in the post, Book Marketing Ideas and Strategies for Indie Authors, please consider the following, perhaps less known, ways to help boost your book sales.
Sell Directly
Although it takes more work on your part, selling directly from your author website not only removes the middle man, it also builds a relationship between YOU and YOUR readers. Since reading is personal, selling directly can have a huge impact on your bottom line.
If you’ve ever been to a book signing, you know the energy is palpable, the connections instantaneous. You can facilitate this connection by having your books and any swag available for purchase directly from YOU.
Readers also want to avoid supporting the middleman and would much rather support you, especially as an indie author, directly!
To that end, make sure to use Universal Book Links everywhere! This allows your readers to purchase your books from their desired vendor, including YOU! Use Draft2Digital to create your Universal Book Links.
On your author website, be sure that when your readers click on the link to purchase your book that it opens in a separate tab. That way, your readers aren’t kicked out of your website. When they are, it’s more difficult for them to return — and continue shopping!
If all of this sounds daunting, please keep in mind that these tasks are easy to outsource to an author personal assistant (PA)!
Here’s a free guide to help you!
How To:
Physical Copies
Have multiple copies of your books on hand to mail directly to the buyer and/or to have at in-person events:
You can do this by buying print copies (look at price differences for single copies vs. cartons vs. crates) from IngramSpark or Amazon KDP and ship to an address in the US.
Then you can mail the book to the buyer via media mail.
Consider using stamps.com to print labels from home.
If you’re selling large numbers of books and/or you’re preparing to stock for a signing, look at the option of doing large print runs. This might be more economical.
Take a look at Indie Author Print on Demand. They allow you to combine bulk order copies of your various titles, rather than having to order a certain large number of a single title. This can reduce the overall cost of printing.
When you mail your book to your reader, consider including a handwritten thank you note and/or swag to build your community. It’s this connection with you that most people are seeking.
Provide a receipt that includes their email address. That way, you can follow up, ask for a review, and/or give a discount on future purchases.
Ask them to join your email list at time of purchase.
Ebooks
Here are a few options to consider when selling your ebooks directly:
BookFunnel - integrates with ThriveCart
Audiobooks
BookFunnel seamlessly transfers your audiobook to your readers.
More Advantages of Selling Directly:
You set the pricing of each of your book’s formats.
You can have incentives to buy your book, like bundling your ebook with its audio, for example.
You have access to data on your reader, so you can nurture your relationship.
More Considerations When Selling Directly:
It’s extra work to not only market your book but also to direct readers to YOUR site.
You’ll also need:
A sales page with copy and images
A privacy policy
A return policy
To connect a payment method to a bank account
Be sure to check on the sales tax laws in your location.
Be sure talk with your accountant about selling your books directly to ensure you’re in compliance.
More Easy Ways to Market Your Book:
What to Consider When Creating a Title
Avoid titles that are similar to already existing and popular books, as well as titles that have double meanings. These titles cause confusion and make it more challenging for readers to find YOU!
Cover Design
When thinking about what you want your cover to look like and to convey, study the covers of the top 100 titles. Think about what works regarding art style and font choice. Look at illustrated covers and consider whether a model would be better. Notice what works well for your genre and subgenre.
Keywords
On Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, consider the words and phrases readers are typing in when searching for your book. Look at specific tropes to see what’s trending.
Write a Strong Book Blurb
Along with your book’s cover, an attention-grabbing book blurb is critical to selling your books.
When drafting your book’s blurb, consider having it end on a cliffhanger, so your readers will want to know what happens.
Also have others read the draft of your book’s blurb and tell you what they think.
No matter where you are in your author journey or in setting up your website, I am happy to help!
Especially if selling your books directly isn’t in your wheelhouse, this could be a perfect job for an author personal assistant (PA)!
Not sure what you need? Let’s chat and plot next steps together!
Your supportive side character,
Lisa