This week we’ve covered why book reviews matter, how to request them, and where to find them. Now, let’s discuss how to leverage these reviews for marketing success. Used strategically, book reviews can boost your visibility, credibility, and ultimately, your sales.
Showcase Reviews on Your Author Website
Your author website is your online hub, the place where interested readers can learn about you and your work. Showcasing your best reviews here can boost your credibility.
Highlight Quotes: Extract powerful lines from your reviews and feature them prominently. These snippets can pique a visitor’s interest and offer proof of your book’s worth.
Create a Review Page: Consider dedicating a page to display your reviews. Update it regularly as you gather more reviews.
Use Reviews in Social Media Promotion
Sharing your reviews on social media platforms is a great way to engage your followers.
Create Graphics: Turn review snippets into eye-catching graphics using tools like Canva. Remember to tag or mention the reviewer (if their privacy policy allows it) when you share it.
Run a “Review of the Week” Series: Regularly spotlight a review on your social media profiles. It encourages engagement and shows appreciation to your reviewers.
Feature Reviews in Your Newsletter
Newsletters offer a direct line of communication with your most engaged readers.
Review Section: Include a section where you share recent reviews. This keeps your subscribers updated and may inspire them to leave a review if they haven’t already.
Include Reviewer Testimonials: If a reviewer praises not just your book, but your writing in general, share this in your newsletter. It might entice subscribers to check out your other works.
Highlight Reviews in Book Descriptions
Whether it’s on Amazon, Goodreads, or your website, integrating review quotes into your book descriptions can be highly persuasive.
Editorial Reviews Section: Amazon allows an ‘Editorial Reviews’ section on your book’s product page. You can include professional and editorial reviews here.
Integrate Quotes: Sprinkle powerful review quotes throughout your book description. This immediate proof of your book’s quality can influence potential readers at the point of purchase.
Display Reviews in Print and Promotional Material
Reviews can add credibility to print materials such as bookmarks, postcards, or flyers.
Book Cover: Featuring a quote from a glowing review or a blurb from a fellow author on your book cover can instantly attract a reader’s attention.
Press Kit: If you have a press kit, be sure to include some of your best reviews. This can catch the eye of journalists, bloggers, or event coordinators.
Handling Negative Reviews
Unfortunately, not all reviews will be positive. Here’s how to handle the less favorable ones:
- Stay Professional: Never respond negatively to a bad review. It’s essential to maintain your professionalism at all times.
- Learn and Grow: Use constructive criticism to improve your writing. Not all negative reviews are purely bad; they can provide valuable feedback.
- Emphasize the Positive: Highlight the positive reviews you receive. Most readers understand that not every book can please every reader, and a few negative reviews can even add authenticity.
Remember, each review, positive or negative, is a gift – a reader has taken the time to read your work and share their thoughts. It’s up to you to utilize these gifts to their full potential.
Keep writing, keep believing, and remember that every word you write contributes to your legacy.
