If you’ve ever watched a Twitch stream or YouTube video, you may have noticed something: At the end of every stream or video, they ask their viewers to follow or subscribe to the channel.
And guess what? People do it.
In the business world this is a CTA, or Call to Action, and it’s something that we as writers can learn from. Here are ways you can use a CTA to encourage readers to review your book:
Include a request for reviews as a sign-off in your social media posts.
This is a direct parallel to what YouTubers and Twitch streamers are doing. At the end of each video you shoot (or at the bottom of your caption for non-video posts), simply remind your audience to leave a review on their favorite review platform.
This may feel uncomfortable in the beginning, but you’ll get more confident with each video you record.
Feature positive reviews on your social media channels
People love to feel appreciated. If you received glowing feedback, make a post shouting out the reviewer and thanking them. This works in two ways: One, it reminds other readers to submit a review of your work, and two, it shows that you are actively engaged with your audience.
NOTE: Do not engage with inflammatory or negative reviews. Never call out a negative reviewer by name. Maintain professional boundaries or risk ending up the subject of the latest #authorsbehavingbadly gossip.
Ask for reviews in the back matter of your book
This is the most powerful of the three, because it encourages readers to review your book immediately, while your work is still fresh in their minds. Add a call to action on that final page of your book, where your author bio and other information usually lives. In a print book, this could be as simple as a quick line reading “What did you think? Review online to help this book find the right audience,” or you could add a QR code if you want to be really slick. In an ebook, you can include a direct link to your book’s listing on Goodreads.
What if you’re a traditionally published author? Your publisher might be open to this strategy, and it never hurts to ask – after all, everything that helps sell more books puts money in their pockets.
ACTION STEPS:
Which of these three techniques do you already practice? Which will you commit to putting into action?
Reflect and plan privately, or post a public comment committing yourself to taking action.