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Picture this: Your book is climbing the charts on Amazon, racing to bestseller status before it’s even officially released. How? One of the secrets lies in the power of pre-sales.
Pre-sales is game-changing. It’s a great strategy for authors who are looking to make an impactful book launch. Not only do they build excitement and momentum, but they also help you gather sales in advance, increasing your chances of hitting bestseller status as soon as your book is released.
In this blog, we’ll dive into five proven pre-sales strategies that can turn your book launch into a massive success. If you're an author gearing up to publish, grab a notebook, and let’s unlock the power of pre-sales and get your book on the bestseller lists!
Before we do that, though, did you know that 24% of people ever write a book and only 3% ever publish? Since you’re reading this blog, I’m going to make an assumption that you are either part of the 3% or are really closing to publishing your book. If you haven’t already done so, pat yourself on the back and realize the great feat you have accomplished.
Okay, now to the power of pre-sales. 1. Create Urgency
Urgency is one of the most effective ways to drive action, and pre-sales are the perfect opportunity to tap into this psychological trigger. While I’m not one for ‘tactics’ that convince people to buy, the urgency trigger is one that helps people step into taking action.
You see, it’s our actions that help us change our lives. If you create urgency around the book/product you’re selling, people are much more likely to jump in and be glad they did. You’re providing an opportunity for them to exercise their ability to take action to transform their lives. Your book will change their life; therefore, it’s high time they jump in and never look back.
Highlight limited-time offers, exclusive bonuses, or special pricing for early buyers. Use phrases like: ● “Pre-order now and be among the first to read it!” ● “This exclusive pre-sale price ends soon!” (if you go this route, remain in integrity and make sure you raise the price soon). Urgency motivates readers to act immediately instead of waiting until after the book is released. The sooner they act, the better your pre-sale numbers—and your chances of hitting bestseller status on your book launch day.
2. Leverage Email Lists
Your email list is pure gold when it comes to pre-sales. These are people who already know and trust you, making them more likely to support your book. Send personalized, engaging emails that:
● Announce the pre-sale and share why you're excited about the book. Your why has power to move people into action.
● Offer a sneak peek of the content (like an excerpt or behind-the-scenes look).
● Include clear links for readers to pre-order your book. If you don’t make it easy for them to access, you’ve lost them. The majority of people won’t spend more than a minute hunting down your book. I recommend buying a vanity URL like we created for Big Percy’s book, From a Lil “P” to a Capital “P” (endorsed by Snoop Dogg) here http://www.bigpercybook.com. If you click on that link, you’ll see that it actually takes you to https://www.actiontakerspublishing.com/percy. But that’s harder to say when Percy is on a podcast being interviewed or just telling people about his book. It’s much easier for him to say, “Go to bigpercybook dot com to get a copy of my book.” See, we made it super easy for him to share the book and easy for people to find the book.
Be sure to create a sense of excitement and exclusivity in your messaging. If your email subscribers feel like they’re part of an inner circle, they’ll be more inclined to take action.
3. Incentivize Early Buyers
Everyone loves a good incentive, and offering pre-sale bonuses can make your readers feel like they’re getting extra value. If you make a promise, make sure you can (and do) deliver.
Consider these ideas:
● Freebies: Offer exclusive resources like a workbook, checklist, bonus chapter, or a mini-course.
● Shout-outs: Recognize pre-order buyers in your acknowledgments or on social media.
● Access: Provide early buyers with access to a private Q&A session or a live webinar.
These incentives not only encourage pre-orders but also help build a deeper connection with your readers.
4. Use Countdown Deals
Nothing sparks action like a ticking clock! Countdown deals create excitement and urgency while encouraging buyers to act quickly.
For example:
● Offer a limited-time discount for pre-orders during the first week.
● Gradually increase the price as the release date approaches, motivating readers to buy early to get the best deal.
Promote these deals on social media, in your email campaigns, and across your network to maximize visibility. Ask friends and family to help support your efforts to get your book into as many hands as possible.
5. Pre-Order Bonuses
Rewarding readers who commit early can amplify your pre-sale success. Offer bonuses that align with your book’s theme or provide additional value. Here are some great examples:
● Exclusive access: A private Facebook group for discussions or live chats about the book.
● Signed copies: Limited-edition signed physical copies. The only challenge on this could be people who aren’t local, so you might consider only offering this for those who are local.
● VIP experiences: Invitations to a virtual launch party or behind-the-scenes content. Have fun with your early buyers.
Make these bonuses available only to pre-order buyers to create exclusivity and drive more early sales.
Why Pre-Sales Matter
Pre-sales do more than just generate excitement—they provide valuable momentum for your book’s launch.
Here are a few ways they generate excitement:
● Boost Amazon rankings: Pre-orders count toward your book’s ranking on launch day, giving you a head start on the charts.
● Drive visibility: High pre-sale numbers attract Amazon’s algorithm, leading to more visibility and recommendations.
● Build credibility: A strong pre-sale campaign signals to potential readers that your book is in demand.
By focusing on these pre-sale strategies, you’re setting your book up for a strong launch and increasing your chances of hitting bestseller status.
Take Action Today!
Whether you’re an indie author or working with a publisher, pre-sales are an essential part of your book launch strategy. Use these five tips to create buzz, drive early sales, and pave the way for bestseller success.
Ready to unleash the power of pre-sales? Start implementing these strategies today and watch your book’s momentum soar! Don’t be the best kept secret until your book launch day. Get out there and spread your message with the world.
If this is something you know needs to be done, but don’t want to do it, Action Takers Publishing is here for you. Reach out to us at https://www.actiontakerspublishing.com and let us help you soar.
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