How important is the description of your book on Amazon?
After the title, cover, and reviews? It’s right up there in importance.
But how should you format it? Should you take advantage of the basic HTML formatting options that Amazon provides? What’s important that goes first?
According to Derek Murphy, a master independent publisher marketer, we could try putting (1) social proof and (2) positioning first.
Social Proof
Show that others have enjoyed it and how they did. In other words, copy in very brief quotes.
Positioning
Help the reader with what type of book you’re writing. Is it a children’s book for young boys between 8 and 12? Or is it for teenage girls? Make it clear.
Here’s what I did after taking Derek’s advice with my first book, The Secret of Kite Hill.
I’ll keep an eye on how it might change any sales!
Before
Long sentences, no social proof, jumping right into the story.
Don’t just tell the story. Which is exactly what I did here.
After
Start with social proof, give a one-line, staccato teaser. Then a bolded hook.
That’s it. Let’s see how it goes!
How about stars and beginning with reviews? Chopping it up in smaller pieces. Let’s see how it works.
