3 Simple Steps to Sell More Books on Amazon

If your book is on Amazon, your goal is to sell more. 

Optimizing for Amazon's algorithm is key to selling books. Sounds confusing? 

I offer 5 easy-to-follow steps with clear instructions to help you use the Amazon Algorithm.

Let's first describe the algorithm. The Amazon algorithm serves customers who are searching and makes relevant product recommendations.

Amazon's algorithm requires tons of product data to do its job (which in your case is a book). The more data the computer knows about your book, the more it will propose a product. Keywords, genres, reviews, sales, downloads, sales rank, and browse activity are Amazon's key book inputs. To maximize your Amazon book, optimize these algorithm inputs. This article will show you how to increase Amazon book sales.

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1. Write a book summary

Your book description tells Amazon (and potential readers) what your book is about and who will enjoy it. Every decent book description should have these elements:

Accolades

Mention any accolades or distinguishing titles (like bestseller) in your book summary. Everything is noteworthy. Now is not the time to be modest.

Comparables

Fans of best-selling authors will check out your work if you compare it to theirs. If you enjoy [renowned book], you'll like [your book], but as a writer, change it up. Sleeping Giants uses "In the tradition of..." to reference famous works and authors.

Sensational language

Be descriptive. Leave people wanting more after reading your description. Use the first few phrases from a riveting moment in your book. You might compose evocative questions like "Will she make it to the volcano in time?" or statements like "Find out if Mike is her soulmate or if he has an ulterior agenda." Don't use cliches; be innovative.

Genre-specific keywords

Different genres have different tropes. HEA stories are common in romance. Be sure to include keywords that readers in your genre will be searching for. In your book description, don't reveal the plot. Don't spoil your book's trailer. Instead, tease readers.

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2. Research Keywords and Categories

Categories and keywords help Amazon customers find your book. Your Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) account has categories and keywords.

Categories first. You can only choose two genres for each book on Amazon. Choose a category that fits your book's content. Amazon:

“A browse category is where customers can find your book on Amazon. Compare browse to bookstore sections (fiction, history, and so on). You can choose two book categories. Precise browse classification helps readers locate your book, so choose the right ones.

What's the significance? 

These categories form Amazon's charts. The category should match your ideal reader. Even if your spy thriller has a romantic element, don't choose romance as a genre. Romance consumers aren't seeking for espionage thrillers. Peruse the top rankings for your possible categories to determine where your book fits. In the example below, we logged into our KDP account (kdp.amazon.com), chose our book (a Thanksgiving cookbook), and scrolled down to the categories section. Under Cooking, we checked Seasonal and General. In those categories, our book is #1.

Keywords next. Choosing keywords people will look for is called keyword optimization. What would you type in Amazon's search bar to find a book? Consider what words the reader would use to find your book. You should do two searches for title keywords.

First, research your book's keywords. Use these words in your title and book description. Your book's URL will include keywords from your title, making it simpler to find in searches. When a reader searches for Thriller, the algorithm learns to show Hit for Hire because it contains "thriller" in the URL, title, and description.

Use KWFinder or Google's keyword planner to do this.

Say you're writing How to Make Dog Treats. "Homemade Dog Treats" gets 10 times as many searches as "How to Make Dog Treats" Your title and book description should include "Homemade Dog Treats."

Second, study Amazon keywords for your book. Choose your seven keywords for your title carefully. Dave Chesson at Kindlepreneur has a great step-by-step instruction on how to research and select keywords.

Amazon has a helpful guide on how to set keywords for your title

Amazon will better promote your book if it's categorized correctly and has the relevant keywords.

3. Reviews

Adding a review to your book description helps engage readers. 

Having multiple book reviews offers people confidence in your work, leading to higher book sales.

Book reviews are another key algorithm input, so focus here. According to our analysis, the number of reviews matters more than the average rating (as long as your average rating is over 3.5 stars).

​This indicates 25 reviews averaging 4.0 stars is better than 5 reviews averaging 5.0 stars.

Conclusion
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Amazon optimization takes time and effort. 

We know authors have little free time. It's a worthwhile investment. If you follow these five steps, you'll be on your way to selling more books on Amazon.