How to promote an audiobook: 5 ways to boost sales

Launching an audiobook is an exciting endeavor, but to ensure its success, you need to implement effective book marketing strategies. With the rise in audio listeners and the popularity of audiobooks, it’s crucial to explore various promotional avenues to reach your target audience and maximize sales. In this article, we will discuss how to promote your new release using key audiobook marketing tips and industry best practices to attract new listeners and become a New York Times best-seller, even as a beginner.

Why create an audiobook?

Before diving into the promotional strategies, let’s briefly discuss why creating audiobooks, in addition to print books, is a valuable endeavor. Creating an audio format version of your book offers many benefits, such as:

• Expanded audience reach — Audiobooks allow you to tap into a broader audience, including people who prefer listening over reading or those who enjoy consuming content while multitasking.
• Enhanced storytelling — A skilled narrator can bring your story to life through voice acting, capturing emotions, and immersing listeners in the narrative. This adds an extra layer of engagement and enjoyment for the audience.
• Accessibility — Audiobooks provide accessibility options for individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties, ensuring your content is inclusive and available to a wider range of people.

Features of the best audiobooks

Before promoting your audiobook, ensure it has the following features that appeal to listeners:

• Great narrator — Choose a skilled narrator who can effectively portray the characters, capture the essence of the story, and maintain listener engagement throughout the entire book.
• Good story — A compelling and well-written story is crucial for any audiobook. Make sure your content is captivating, with well-developed characters and a strong plot that keeps listeners hooked.
• Captivating book cover — The audiobook cover should be visually appealing, clearly displaying the title and author’s name. It should capture the essence of the story and entice potential listeners.
• Intriguing description — Craft a concise and intriguing book description that highlights the unique aspects of your story, piquing the curiosity of potential listeners.

Choose the right platform

To effectively promote your audiobook, choose the right platform(s) for distribution and marketing. Some popular platforms and retailers to consider include:

1. Audible — As the largest audiobook platform owned by Amazon, Audible reaches a vast audience and provides various marketing opportunities.
2. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) — ACX is an Amazon-owned platform that allows authors and publishers to produce and distribute their audiobooks, including options for self-publishing.
3. Findaway Voices — Findaway Voices is a distributor that helps authors and publishers distribute their audiobooks to various retailers, including Audible, Apple Books, Kindle and Google Play.

Top 5 ways to boost audiobook sales

Now, let’s delve into the top five strategies to boost audiobook sales and increase your book’s visibility:

1. Optimize your website

Your author website serves as a hub for promoting your audiobook. Optimize it by creating a dedicated page for your audiobook. Include an engaging book description, captivating cover image, and audio samples. Make it easy for visitors to purchase the audiobook directly from your website by providing clear links to various retailers such as Audible, Amazon, or other preferred platforms. Additionally, incorporate relevant keywords to improve search engine visibility and a clear call-to-action to encourage visitors to purchase or sign up for your email list. Building an email list is an invaluable asset for marketing your audiobook and future projects

2. Social media marketing

Harness the power of social media platforms to reach a wider audience. Create dedicated profiles for your author brand or audiobook and engage with your target audience and attract new audiobook listeners by sharing relevant content, quotes, behind-the-scenes insights, and audiobook snippets. In addition to organic content, you can also utilize advertising platforms like Facebook Ads or take advantage of influencer marketing and collaborate with influencers, bloggers, or book reviewers in your genre to promote your audiobook.

3. Offer giveaways & discounts

Running promotions and giveaways can create excitement and incentivize listeners to purchase your audiobook. Offer limited-time discounts or bundle deals where listeners can buy the audiobook along with an e-book or a printed version. Conduct contests or giveaways on social media, asking participants to share posts, tag friends, or provide feedback in exchange for a chance to win a free copy. These activities on social media platforms generate engagement and help expand your reach. You can also give away bonus content on Authors Direct or offer limited-time promo code discounts and bundle or box set deals.

4. Network

Expand your network and connect with industry professionals by hosting audiobook launch events or participating in podcast interviews, media tours, or other interviews. Reach out to podcast hosts or media outlets that cater to your target audience and offer to discuss your audiobook, writing process, or relevant industry topics. You can also utilize the resources and opportunities provided by audiobook-specific platforms and associations, such as the Audio Publishers Association, which offers networking events.

5. Seek audiobook reviews

Positive reviews play a crucial role in boosting the visibility and credibility of your audiobook. Reach out to reputable audiobook reviewers, bloggers, or websites that specialize in audiobook reviews. Provide them with complimentary copies of your audiobook and kindly request an honest review. Positive reviews not only attract new audio listeners but also increase your chances of being featured on platforms like BookBub or recommended by retailers.

Bonus tip: Create a captivating audiobook with Speechify Voice Over Studio

When producing your audiobook, consider utilizing Speechify Voice Over Studio. With over 200+ AI audiobook narrator options available across multiple languages and accents, Speechify offers an easy-to-use editing studio to polish the tone, pitch, and pronunciation of your audiobook. By ensuring high-quality narration, you enhance the listening experience and increase the chances of positive reviews and recommendations. Try Speechify Voice Over Studio for free today to create engaging narration.

FAQ

Why should I use BookBub Ads?

Make use of book page advertisements and BookBub ads to target specific audiences interested in audiobooks. These platforms allow you to reach a wide range of potential listeners and provide valuable analytics to help you track the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

What are good retailers for my audiobook?

Popular online audiobook retailers include Audible, iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon.

Why should an author build an email list?

Building an email list is an invaluable asset for marketing your audiobook and future projects. Offer a free bonus chapter, exclusive content, or a chance to win a free audiobook to incentivize visitors to sign up. Regularly communicate with your subscribers, sharing updates, promotions, and exclusive offers to keep them engaged and informed.

What are the top audiobook promotion services?

Some of the top audiobook promotion services include Audiobook Boom and AudioFile, which help Indie authors reach new listeners, secure reviews on Goodreads, and gain exposure within the audiobook community.

How do I engage with my audience as an audiobook author?

Identify and engage with communities of audio listeners on platforms like Chirp, SoundCloud, and social media. Participate in relevant discussions, share valuable content related to your audiobook’s genre, and establish yourself as a knowledgeable and approachable author. Engaging with audio listeners allows you to connect with your target audience and build a loyal following.