10 top book marketing articles from Build Book Buzz in 2021
Every December, I look forward to writing this article that lists the year’s top book marketing articles on this site.
It forces me to do something I need to do more often — study what resonates with you here, then deliver more of it.
I start the two-part process with Google Analytics.
Identifying the top book marketing articles
First, I look at the traffic for all of my content, not just what I created for 2021. There are a few perennial favorites, including one article I wrote in 2012 that continues to rank at the top.
Then I narrow the list down to content created this year. Both exercises help me:
- Identify trends
- Uncover surprises (for example, I thought you’d be really interested in “Should you sell books from your website?” You weren’t. )
- Guide what I write about in the following year
Here are the articles that interested you the most in 2021. I’m looking forward to delivering more information that helps in 2022.
1. 2021 literary calendar with 137 occasions for book lovers
This month-by-month list of occasions that celebrate all things books during the year we’re leaving behind made it easy to find opportunities you could work into your book marketing plans. It includes information on how to use the 137 special days and holidays for year-round book marketing. (And while this article ran at the end of 2020, the vast majority of traffic it attracted came in early 2021.) And, if you’re looking ahead to 2022, here’s the link to that calendar: https://buildbookbuzz.com/2022-literary-calendar/
2. Who are the best BookTubers?
“BookTube” refers to YouTube video bloggers who talk about books; the book lovers who create those videos are “BookTubers.” This article links to seven lists of the top BookTubers so you don’t have to spend hours and hours wading through searches to find the best and most popular options.
3. 11 free things you can do to buzz your book
If your goal is a high-quality book, you’re going to have to spend money on cover design, editing, and proofreading, for starters. But there are lots of effective tactics you can use to promote your book that cost nothing but time. Learn more about 11 of them in this article.
4. How to give readers a direct Amazon review link
Get more reader reviews by giving fans a link that goes directly to the “write a review” section of your book’s description page on Amazon. This demo video shows where to find that section and how to grab and use the corresponding link.
I’d like to do more of these types of “let me show you how to do that” videos, but struggle to come up with ideas for them. What can I show you how to do?
5. Amazon Verified Purchase reviews: Fact versus fiction
Some authors believe that if you didn’t purchase the book on Amazon so that it’s “verified,” you can’t review it. Others think that reviews that aren’t verified have no value and aren’t worth securing. They’re both wrong. Learn how it works in this article.
6. 3 things you need to stop doing on social media
You see people making mistakes on social media all the time, don’t you? In the early days, it was tweeting “buy my book” nonstop. Today, the faux pas are more sophisticated. Here are three that will put distance between you and your readers.
7. Use Amazon’s embed feature to preview your book anywhere
Guest blogger Walter Rhein introduces us to a little-known Amazon marketing tool that every author with an Amazon listing can use. The “here’s what it looks like” images he provides are especially helpful.
8. 3 book marketing tactics you can ignore
To help you find your focus, I’ve identified three popular tactics that aren’t going to work for most authors. There are exceptions, of course. But for most, you can ignore these activities when you see others using them.
9. 10 Amazon changes authors need to know about
In this guest column, book marketing consultant Rob Eagar outlines the 10 most important Amazon updates for authors. They involve Amazon Advertising, Author Central accounts, and self-publishing with KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).
10. Kindle Vella: Is it a good fit for you?
Kindle Vella is a new storytelling option from KDP that lets authors self-publish serialized stories, one short episode at a time. This article introduces the concept and links to detailed Kindle Vella summaries and specifics on other sites.
What’s your favorite article from this site this year? Is it on this list, or is it something else? Please tell us in a comment.
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Thank you for your good work, Sandra. I especially liked the Amazon embed post.
You’re welcome, Terri, and thank you for noticing that I try!
I like that Amazon embed post, too. I’m grateful to my friend Sonia Frontera for connecting me with Walter, and so grateful to him for being willing to share his wisdom with us.
Happy holidays!
Sandy
Another super-useful article, Sandra, so thank you. I particularly like #5 and #7. I know I read about the Amazon embed feature when the article came out earlier this year but I had forgotten so it was good to have this reminder.
I’m glad the list is helpful, Anita. Thanks for letting me know. And hey, it’s time for all of us to make use of that Amazon embed feature, right?
Happy holidays!
Sandy
Wow, I’ve put almost all your tips to good use, Sandra! Thanks for continuing to support writers. Any tips, tuts on the latest marketing trends are always helpful, especially since adverts and social media platforms constantly change. So challenging to keep up width them and juggle family, writing and marketing. Enjoy your time off with family, and thanks again for all you do!