Top 5 Tips to Boost Book Sales Before Your Launch
Want to increase your book sales before your launch even begins?
Here are five tried-and-true strategies to build excitement, increase pre-orders, and make sure your launch hits the ground running.
1. Use Social Proof
Readers often look to others for confirmation before buying a book—it’s called social proof, and it’s a powerful tool.
One way to leverage it is to share screenshots of positive feedback or beta reader reactions on social media. You can also add these comments to your pre-order page (if it’s on your own website) and newsletter.
Seeing other readers’ excitement helps potential buyers feel more confident about pre-ordering or purchasing on launch day.
2. Address Your Readers’ Biggest Question
When readers see a new book, they often wonder: “Sure, others love it, but will I?”
These real reviews show potential readers that they will likely love your book, too.
3. Create a Sense of Urgency with Time-Limited Offers
Nothing gets people clicking “buy” faster than a little urgency! Offer a limited-time discount or special pre-order rate. For example, a lower price just for the first week of pre-orders can drive readers to act quickly. When they see the countdown to the deal’s expiration, they’ll be more likely to order sooner rather than later.
4. Use Limited-Quantity Offers
Limited editions or exclusive items can drive sales by creating scarcity. If you’re planning signed copies, for instance, let readers know that only the first 50 orders placed directly with you will be signed. Or if you have exclusive merch (like bookmarks or character art), offer it to the first 100 buyers.
This feeling of exclusivity can be a powerful motivator for early orders, as readers won’t want to miss out!
5. Offer Time or Quantity-Limited Bonuses
Bonuses can add an extra incentive to buy. Think of offering an exclusive short story, behind-the-scenes insights, or character backstories for those who order within the first week. You can also make this a limited-quantity offer, like “first 30 pre-orders get exclusive access to [Bonus].”
These small but special perks make early buyers feel appreciated and create excitement around your launch.
By using these five tips, you can build up anticipation, gather pre-orders, and make a powerful impact on launch day.
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When you’re ready, here’s how else I can help:
1. Join the Indie Fiction Authors Circle for just $25/year for ongoing support here
2. Take the Online Marketing Map for Indie Fiction Authors course here