Goodreads is one of the most powerful social networks for authors looking to connect with readers. At 65 million members, it is the world’s largest site for book recommendations, with 68 million reviews and 2 billion books added. Why is Goodreads so popular? Because it helps people find the next book they want to read. Think of it like Pandora Radio, but for books instead of music.
Goodreads is a great place for authors to be, simply because millions of readers hang out there. However, you might be wondering how you can make use of this popular site. Here are some ways you can market your books on Goodreads.
1. Set up an Author Page
Getting an author page is the first step to connecting with your readers on Goodreads. Think of this as your Facebook page but on Goodreads. Creating an author page will give you statistics about your books and will give your readers a place to see what you are up to and what you are reading. You can find out how to join the Goodreads Author program here. This page has detailed instructions that will walk you step-by-step through the setup process.
2. Add your Blog
Blog integration is one of the perks you get when you join the Goodreads Author Program. Once you add your blog to the site, your posts will automatically appear on your author profile when you publish them, and Goodreads will email your fans once a week about all your new blog posts. This is a great way to boost readers for your blog.
3. Events
If you are doing a book signing, giving a talk, or presenting at a conference, you can promote your event on Goodreads. Events appear on your profile.
4. Post Reviews
Goodreads features books based on the number of reviews. The more reviews, the better. Don't be afraid of negative reviews—those can actually help boost sales. The most important thing these days is the number of reviews: the more popular a book looks, the more people read it.
5. Ads
Goodreads has a powerful book-advertising program that allows you to target people who have highly rated specific authors. You can target people who have rated your books in the past or have read books similar to yours. You may have fans who loved your other books and who have no idea about your latest book. Goodreads allows you to connect with those readers.
The ads can cost as little as $0.15 per click, and this is one of the cheapest ways to let your readers know about your new book.
6. Giveaways
Authors and publishers can post giveaways on Goodreads for physical books and Kindle. The print giveaway program is free; however, Goodreads will charge a fee of $119 for Kindle giveaways. The limit for giveaway books—print or Kindle—is 100.
7. List your books on Listopia
Ask your readers to list your books on Listopia. The Listopia section of Goodreads has a list for every kind of book imaginable. Make sure your books are on the appropriate lists.
8. Lead a Q&A discussion group about your book
Goodreads allows you to host a book discussion about your book. This allows your readers to ask you questions and talk with each other about your book, and you can be as involved in these book discussions as you want to be. The key is to start the conversation and then let your readers take it from there. For the steps on how to start a book discussion, visit Goodread’s Featured Books.
Want to learn other ways to successfully market your book? Get a copy of our free guide, the Book Marketing Checklist! It includes strategies every author needs to consider for marketing their book.
You can also sign up for our Book Marketing Master Class and receive over 5 hours of video training on how to maximize and grow your author platform, reach more people, and sell more books!
