Unlocking Bestseller Success: The 6 Essential Tasks Every Aspiring Author Needs to Take.

From Captivating Writing to Mastering Marketing: Actionable Steps to Build Your Profitable Book Business.

Are you ready to turn your writing into a sustainable book business? While self-publishing might look like a fast lane to success, the truth is that creating long-term growth requires actionable, strategic steps you can implement right now.

In this blog, we’ll explore six practical essentials for building your book business—from crafting an irresistible story to engaging readers through smart marketing.

Including a set of 6 actionable steps at the end, you can take today to start moving toward your goals.

Number 5 is our favourite…

1. Craft Books That Readers Cannot Put Down

Producing a high-quality book is your single most powerful investment.

In 2023 alone, more than 2 million new books were published on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), making it the most competitive book market we’ve ever seen. With so many books competing for readers’ attention, you must stand out by offering an engaging, professionally crafted story.

Quality writing is crucial, and investing in a professional editor and proofreader is worth every penny. Skipping these steps can mean poor reviews, which can tank future sales.

Readers notice when a book has been carefully crafted; in fact, a well-reviewed book is 52% more likely to gain traction with new readers. This is what is known as social proof.

Ultimately, quality will always triumph over quantity in the long run, so give yourself the time to create something you’re proud of. A book that takes longer to create but delivers on reader expectations should have better longevity in the market.

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2. Pick Just One Advertising Platform

Marketing your book effectively requires focus, and starting with one advertising platform is key.

For authors, some of the most popular options include Facebook, Amazon, BookBub, and Google. Each has its strengths, but Facebook remains the most powerful choice for authors due to its ability to drive large volumes of targeted, low-cost traffic quickly.

Facebook ads offer precise targeting based on demographics and interests, and you can start seeing results within hours. This platform can bring in highly relevant readers, especially if your genre aligns with certain demographics.

Amazon is the next best option but typically requires a bigger budget and can take longer to gain traction as it’s a crowded space. It is quite a fickle system, too.

BookBub is ideal if you are offering your book for free or heavily discounted because that’s who BookBub’s subscribers are.

By focusing on one channel initially, you can learn its ins and outs, optimize your approach, and scale as your confidence and budget grow, increasing your ROI without risking burnout.

3. Create a High-Impact Product Page

Your book product page is where potential readers decide whether to buy. Think of this page as your “storefront.” According to studies, 79% of readers don’t go past the product page when making a purchase decision. A compelling book cover, an enticing blurb, and a well-designed preview are essential elements to ensure this page works for you.

A genre-focused, eye-catching cover design can increase your book’s chance of standing out. Equally important is the “Look Inside” feature, which gives readers a preview. A strong opening chapter can hook readers and lead to more sales.

Following launch, focus on testing and tweaking your blurb and keywords, as these are often the most impactful elements. Using a tool like Publisher Rocket can really help with the latter.

Don’t underestimate the power of an optimized product page; a well-crafted page can sell books, even if your ads aren’t perfect. In fact, having a solid product page can mean the difference between wasted ad dollars and a high conversion rate.

4. Start with Amazon (KDP) to Build Early Momentum

While there are various platforms to sell your book, Amazon controls a staggering 67% of the ebook market share in the U.S., making it a logical first choice for self-published authors. With its massive reach, Amazon allows authors to get in front of millions of readers instantly. This reach and its data-rich algorithm help it to provide almost instant feedback on your book’s market performance.

Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash

Amazon’s powerful recommendation system also makes it easier for your book to reach new readers. When paired with advertising, you can amplify your book’s visibility, creating a positive cycle that can boost sales. Expanding to other retailers - such as Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Draft2Digital - can be valuable down the line. However, Amazon’s massive audience and algorithm-driven recommendations provide a solid foundation for early success.