Congratulations! You’ve just completed your first promotion with Written Word Media! 🎉 You’ve gained new readers, maybe even some fans, and you’re riding high on that promotional momentum. So, what now?
We know the feeling: you’ve checked your sales, celebrated the downloads, and maybe even shared the news with a few writer friends. But how do you keep this success rolling? Here’s your go-to guide, with tried-and-true tips from successful indie authors, on what to do next to keep that momentum alive.
1. 📊 Check Your Stats Weekly
You know the saying: “What gets measured gets managed.” Regularly tracking your book’s sales and downloads is key. Monitoring these numbers gives you the insight you need to adapt and refine your strategy.
- Where to track: Start with your Amazon KDP dashboard, but don’t forget other retailers where your book is listed.
- What to look for: Patterns, peaks, and valleys. Do your downloads spike on certain days like when you post on social media or send an email? Is there a noticeable drop-off? Knowing your book’s performance lets you plan your next move with confidence.
Consistency here is key – the more you check in, the better you’ll understand what’s working.
2. 💰 Experiment with Your Price
One of the top questions indie authors ask is, “What’s the best price for my book?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, testing different price points can help you discover what resonates with readers and encourages new downloads.
- Popular strategy: Try setting your price at $0.99 for a limited time to attract budget-conscious readers. You’ll likely notice more downloads and potentially more reviews.
- Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to adjust! Pricing is one of the perks of being an indie author. Experimenting allows you to find that sweet spot between reader interest and profitability.
3. 📬 Grow Your Email List
If building a loyal readership is your goal, then your email list is your golden ticket. Unlike social media, an email list gives you a direct line to readers who are already interested in what you have to say (and write).
- Get started: Encourage readers to sign up by including a call-to-action in the back of your book. Social media shout-outs can help too!
- Boost your list: Written Word Media’s Subscriber Surge Giveaways and Reader Reach Ads are a fantastic way to grow your email list while reaching new audiences. The larger your list, the easier it will be to make a splash with future book launches.
4. ⭐️ Focus on Getting Reviews
Reviews are an indie author’s best friend. Whether on Amazon, Goodreads, or other platforms, reviews build credibility and encourage more readers to take a chance on your book.
- How to get them: Consider offering Freebooksy promotions to encourage downloads. The more people who download your book, the more who’ll (hopefully!) leave feedback.
- Remember: Reviews aren’t just nice to have—they’re crucial for visibility. Platforms like Amazon factor reviews into their algorithms, so the more reviews you have, the better your book will perform.
- Don’t Forget About Editorial Reviews: Editorial reviews are a professional critique that highlights a book’s strengths, style, and appeal, helping to boost its credibility and attract more readers. You can get a free editorial review for your book from NewInBooks.
5. 🗓️ Create a Marketing Plan
The best way to keep momentum? Have a game plan. Every author should map out a 90-day marketing calendar that includes upcoming promotions, social media posts, email sends, and launches.
- For KDP Select authors: Make sure to note those all-important promotional days. You get five free days within each 90-day enrollment, so plan them strategically to maximize impact.
- Pro Tip: Use Written Word Media’s new “Recurring Promotions” feature to automate your book promotions to overlap with your KDP free days or book price drops.
- Long-term vision: The first year is often about experimenting and laying the groundwork for success. Embrace this time as an investment in building a loyal readership.
Need Help Crafting Your Strategy? We’re Here!
Whether you’re an indie author just starting out or a seasoned self-publisher, Written Word Media is here to support you. Our team loves helping authors reach their goals, and we’re always just a click away. If you’re looking to optimize your results or create a marketing plan tailored to your book, schedule a consult with us today.
Keep writing, keep promoting, and keep growing! 📚✨