Random Acts of Publicity: Reviews
Reviews add credibility: they are the marketer’s tool of using a testimonial. The twist on Amazon and other sites is that celebrity testimonials don’t matter as much as just another reader’s comments. To be effective, though, the comment must ring true, they must be authentic and credible.
To go the extra mile, video testimonials are the most effective tool out there. Sure, it’s an act of love to record and post a testimonial about a friend’s book, but it would really make a difference! Or add a photo of a kid reading your friend’s book. Anything extra makes a difference.
The More Reviews the Better
I’ve looked for studies about the effect of reviews on sales, but haven’t found anything solid. But anecdotal information says that the more reviews the better. There seems to be break points at about 20-25 reviews and 100 reviews, at least. That is, over 25 reviews and there’s a bump in sales. Over 100 reviews and there’s a big bump in sales. (If anyone has seen a study to corroborate this, let me know!)
Bad reviews don’t necessarily hurt, as long as there are just a couple. In fact, I’ve seen information that says a few bad reviews make all the others seem more plausible. Too much good can be unbelievable: remember the keys are authentic and credible. No book will please everyone.
(All I know is those bad reviews still hurt! But since I read this information, I’m trying to ignore the few bad reviews that I’ve gotten.)
The More Recent the Reviews the Better
Should you review older books? Yes! The more recent the reviews the better the title does on searches.
So, here’s one strategy for reviews. Everyone knows that the best sales time is the Christmas holidays. Books are given as gifts, more books are sold in November & December than other months, etc. What you really want, then, is a concentration of reviews in September and October – recent reviews for the holiday season.
Good news: We’re just in time to help a friend’s book!
Your Random Act of Publicity Task for Today
Your task: Post at least one review of a book.
Places to post reviews:
Amazon
B&N.com
Library Thing
Good Reads
Shelfari
Any suggestions for other places to post reviews?
Please post about what you’ve done today.
Hi, Darcy! I found your JacketFlap page and then visited your blog.
Great information! Thanks.
Shannon O’Donnell
I posted 4 “first” reviews on Amazon today.
I reviewed Connie Goldsmith’s SUPERBUGS STRIKE BACK: WHEN ANTIBIOTICS FAIL on Amazon.
Jean, you went above and beyond! 4 new reviews! Totally cool!
Patricia, I’ll have to read your review of Superbugs.
I am going to post a review before the end of the evening.
Darcy
I posted three reviews on Amazon. Actually, it was fun.
Darcy
Hi,
Today I posted a review of Jackie Davies’ awesome book LOST on my blog and on Amazon. Thanks for getting us going, Darcy!
Okay – not THAT random – but I was part of the Bran Hambric Tour today: http://dulemba.com/2009/09/kaleb-nations-bran-hambric.html .
e
I’m a day behind, but I posted a review of Overboard! by Sarah Weeks. (I love the idea of random acts of publicity- I wish more people would join in.)
today a review for Waiting to Score by J.E. McLeod went up on The Write Game. Links too!