Amazon has recently changed the way it manages best-seller badges, and the move has some big implications for authors. So, today, let's unpack what these policy changes mean and how authors can still leverage best-seller status and assets to their advantage.
What Is Amazon's New Policy?
Because best-seller rankings change frequently in Amazon's online bookstore, the company has decided to prohibit the use of Amazon best-seller logos, text, or badges on book covers. Amazon believes this new policy offers the following benefits:
Accuracy: Amazon's rankings fluctuate hourly based on real-time sales data. A book that's a best seller today might not hold the same rank tomorrow.
Fairness: The new policy levels the playing field. Authors can no longer claim a potentially outdated rank on their covers. This supports fair competition and ensures that new books, or those published by lesser-known authors, get a fair chance to attract readers' attention.
Trust: Accurate representation of a book's best-seller status builds trust with readers, who can rely on current status and rankings when making their book purchase decisions.
How Can Authors Still Utilize Amazon Best-Seller Badges?
While authors can no longer display Amazon best-seller badges or text on their covers, there are still plenty of ways to effectively utilize accolades and achievements elsewhere. If your book receives any type of Amazon badge, like "Best seller," "Hot New Release," "#1 New Release," etc., take a screenshot and share it widely. You might not be able to add such kudos to your book's cover on Amazon anymore, but there are plenty of other places to share them. Awards and strong editorial reviews should also be shared. Here are some tips on how to spread the word:
1. Leverage All Accolades in Marketing
- Social Media: Take screenshots of your book’s best-seller rank and other literary accolades and then create eye-catching social posts celebrating your success. You can also talk to your audience about how hitting the best-seller list made you feel as an author. Video posts like this can be very powerful.
- Author Website: Highlight your book's best-seller status on your website. You might even consider creating a dedicated page or section where you can showcase all your book's accolades. You want to make sure you have the ability to update this content when new accomplishments come in.
- Newsletters: Send an email to your subscribers announcing your book’s latest achievement. You can include visual assets (like Amazon badges) and should also include a link to your book’s Amazon page to drive traffic and increase sales. You don't want to overdo these types of messages, but a post like this every once in a while can go a long way.
2. Spotlight Success in Promotional Materials
- Book Description: Mention your book's best-seller status in product page book descriptions. Phrases like “#1 best seller in [category]” can be incredibly persuasive to book buyers.
- Author Bios: Include the fact that you're a best-selling authors in your author bio. Whether it's your bio on your Amazon author page, your website, or other promotional sites, such accomplishment adds credibility and appeal.
3. Highlight Your Book's Status in Ad Campaigns
- Ad Copy: You need to check the rules wherever you advertise, but if allowed, use your best-seller status and other accolades in ad campaigns. This type of news can grab readers' attention quickly and effectively, increasing ad clicks and book sales.
- Press Releases: If you’re issuing a press release for your book, make sure to highlight your best-seller status and other accolades in the body text and author bio. It might attract media interest or catch the eye of book bloggers in your genre.
4. Mention Accomplishments at Book Events and Signings
- Events: Best-seller status, awards, and great reviews are all perfect talking points for authors during book readings, signings, and virtual events. Don't be shy! Share your successes.
- Bookstores: If you are working with physical bookstores, make sure the staff knows about the book's best-seller status. They might be more inclined to promote your book and use your best-seller status in their pitch to customers.
Final Thoughts
While Amazon's updated policy might seem more restrictive than in the past, the changes have been put in place to ensure fair play and accuracy. Don’t let the new rules stop you from making the most of your book's best-seller status. By strategically leveraging all accolades in your book marketing and promotions, you can still optimize your title's visibility and sales. We hope this update helps. Here’s to your next best seller!