Strategies for Acquiring Amazon Book Reviews
Craving a sea of positive reviews for your book on Amazon? Here's the lowdown on snagging those golden endorsements and boosting your sales.
Are Amazon Book Reviews Non-Negotiable?
In the world of e-commerce, you can't ignore the power of reviews. Zero reviews equals no sales—it's as simple as that. So, before you sink your marketing budget into eye-catching ads, make sure you've got a decent number of good reviews under your belt to avoid missing out on valuable traffic and wasted funds.
But why are Amazon book reviews crucial?
- They lend credibility to you as an author, showing that people actually read your work. Positive ratings and feedback help your book shine among mounds of competition.
- The sneaky algorithms behind Amazon's store prioritize books with reviews. Smart use of these algorithms can help you rank higher in search results. The key here is strong book metadata, such as categories, keywords, and reviews.
In short, great reviews propel sales. Remember those times you finalized a purchase after a persuasive review? Yep, we know they matter, and so do readers.
Wondering how to fetch those Amazon book reviews?
How to Secure Amazon Book Reviews
Treat this as a crucial element of your marketing plan. With your overall strategy and publishing schedule in check, you'll find countless opportunities to implement these review strategies throughout your author journey.
NB: Amazon has a fuss-budget review policy. They kick any reviews deemed misleading to customers. Don't barter positive reviews with fellow authors. Also, steer clear of directly paying for shiny reviews, including offering discounted deals or other incentives to reviewers.
1. Court editorial reviews
First up, an authoritative review you'd lust after. Editorial reviews come from editors or experts in your book's specific genre or field. These could be Amazon editors, established publications like Publishers Weekly, or official book endorsements.
If your book fits a certain niche, a colleague well-known in this field could whip you up a snazzy editorial review. Alternatively, services like Kirkus Reviews connect you with genre-spanning professional reviewers.
Amazon frowns on paying reviewers for reviews. But you can utilize reputable services like Kirkus Reviews to put your title before reviewers ethically. A positive review—not guaranteed—gives your book a solid start.
2. Embrace Paid Platforms
If you're a newbie to the self-publishing scene, dipping a toe into paid platforms can be an excellent way to secure your first wave of reviews. A smattering of pro reviews makes garnering organic ones a breeze. Plus, professional reviews bring attention to what sets your book apart, giving readers a leg up on understanding your work.
Beyond the services mentioned above, you'll find other platforms offering paid book reviews on Amazon that comply with Amazon's policies. A quick Google search will lead you astray.
Here are some platforms worth exploring:
- Midwest Book Review
- City Book Review
- US Review of Books
- Self-Publishing Review
- Independent Review of Books
- Reedsy Discovery
- Bookroar
- Booksirens
- Librarything Early Reviewers (free!)
3. Lean on Your Network
Zero cash? No worries, your best bet for procuring reviews is to hit up your peeps. That means colleagues, friends, and family. Although Amazon's review policy nixes digital relationships regarded as too close (or if the reviewer's account is newly minted), a few well-placed reviews won't go to waste. Pop your manuscript in an email attachment and watch the reviews roll in.
4. Connect with Top Reviewers, Bloggers, and Influencers
Put an hour or two aside to compile a list of top reviewers, bloggers, and influencers hailing from your book's genre. Snagging a review from a well-known name boosts your social proof and appeals to their audience.
Check out Amazon for reviewers comparable to your genre, jot down their contact info, and craft a tailored pitch. Reference previous works the reviewer has reviewed and don't forget to follow up. Reach out to book bloggers, podcasts, YouTube channels, and BookTok accounts using the same approach.
Resources to peruse:
- 23 Book Reviewers to reach out to
- The Indie Book Reviewers list
- The Best 100 Book Blogs
5. Campaign for Reviews
Implement review gathering as part of your ongoing marketing efforts. Collect Amazon book reviews at every stage of your publishing adventure by:
- Pre-launch: Assemble a list of potential reviewers to reach out to. Start building your email list or social media following, then distribute ARCs. Leverage early reviews to promote your pre-order period.
- Launch: Throw a party where you distribute free or discounted copies in exchange for a review. Attend book events and meet potential reviewers in person. Stay active in online book communities.
- Post-launch: Establish periodic campaigns to remind readers about leaving a review. Keep your marketing efforts active on social media channels and store algorithms.
Include your request for reviews in various communications:
- Add a line or two about writing a review in your social media bios.
- Embrace your Amazon store link.
- Tack a review request onto your email signature or newsletter template.
- Ask for reviews at the end of your book.
- Pass out review request cards at networking events.
And don't hold back—get as creative as your wild heart desires!
- In the realm of e-commerce, positive reviews play a significant role in increasing credibility as an author and boosting sales, especially for books on Amazon.
- To secure Amazon book reviews, authors can court editorial reviews from experts or reputable review services like Kirkus Reviews, embrace paid platforms such as Midwest Book Review and Reedsy Discovery, or simply lean on their network by reaching out to friends, family, and colleagues.
- Additionally, connecting with top reviewers, bloggers, and influencers in your book's genre, as well as indie book reviewers and top book blogs, can help secure credible reviews and attract a wider audience.
- Lastly, conducting ongoing review-gathering campaigns, whether pre-launch, launch, or post-launch, will keep your book's visibility high and help generate a steady stream of positive reviews, enhancing your book's position on Amazon.
