A GUIDE to GETTING GREAT REVIEWS
A GUIDE to GETTING GREAT REVIEWS
Good reviews are essential to the success of a book, particularly on Amazon. Here are a few important things to know before you dig into writing (and requesting) reviews.
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AMAZON loves ...
AMAZON loves ...
- Verified Purchases – or an explanation if the book was received as a gift or consideration for ‘an honest review’.
- Longer reviews containing details that help other buyers decide if this book is for them.
- Photos and video from buyers
- A steady pace of purchases followed by organic “natural” reviews.
- 50+ positive reviews will improve a book’s ranking and trigger cross promotions; 75+ reviews earn email promotions to buyers of similar books.
- Clear headlines highlighting what’s most important for buyers to know.
- Proof the buyer read the book ...
- eBook pages turned
- audiobook hours heard
- eBook highlights
- audio bookmarks
- pulled quotes
- specific content references
- Editorial Reviews (a/k/a Endorsements) from recognized authorities. These are listed separately from consumer reviews.
AMAZON rejects ...
AMAZON rejects ...
Note: Amazon review policies are based on
U.S. FTC Consumer Protection Laws.
U.S. FTC Consumer Protection Laws.
- Biased Reviews – (sorry mom). Amazon can see family and close connections from your shipping history and, in some cases, social media connections.
- Affiliate reviews – Contributors who stand to profit from the product’s success must disclose the relationship.
- Fake reviews – Amazon selectively omits reviews due to unnatural timing, readership, or abnormal purchases.
- Payment or bribery only for “good” reviews.
- Review swapping “I’ll write you one if you write me one”.
- Newbies – Reviews from people who’ve spent less than $50 on Amazon in the past year
- Promotional reviews - consumers who use reviews as a veiled attempt to gain attention for their own book or brand.
NOTE: Sometimes genuine reviews are mysteriously rejected which can lead some reviewers to believe the author, not the system, rejected their review. Check in with fans and don’t assume they didn’t try. Contact Amazon Author Central if you feel reviews are being unfairly rejected
HOW to WRITE GREAT REVIEWS
HOW to WRITE GREAT REVIEWS
Many people don’t write reviews because they’re busy or not sure what to say. In most cases, they’ll be thrilled if you offer help crafting something they can edit and use with ease. Here are three helpful hacks to make writing a great review easy. (Use these same tips to draft short punchy endorsements too.)
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HACK #1 - Copy, Paste & Tweak
Find a top-ranking “helpful” review from an unrelated book and use it as a model.
Before: our Prototype
After: Our outline to fill in or send to a fan as-is to finish:
“FANTASTIC! Great book. I have been having trouble ______ and this book has helped me ______. Prior to this book, ________, but after reading this I am ______. I would highly recommend it for anyone who _______________ and needs _________. I have always known ______, but for some reason, this book just helped it click in new ways. If you purchase this book, I would highly recommend ____________ and actually doing what it says. [HOW, etc…]"
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HACK #2 - Michael Hauge’s Mini-Story Model
Follow Michael Hauge’s 6-Step Storytelling model and practice your storytelling skills.
- Setup: I was struggling with… (or I was looking for help to…)
- Crisis: I bought this book because… (or I’ve tried __ but, …)
- Pursuit: This book helped me…
- Conflict: I had to…
- Climax: I tried __ and it worked!
- Aftermath: Now I’m __ and I encourage you to follow the author’s advice too.
PRO
TIP
PRO
TIP
TIP
Don’t forget you can take a photo to go with a review – or shoot a video instead. Reviewers can help the author out by sharing the review on social media too.
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HACK #3 - The Cliff Notes version
Briefly summarize the key points of the book following the Table of Contents. Bonus points if you quote content from the book and summarize your takeaway(s).
- This book is a great guide through the process of…
- It’s perfect for anyone who…
- In Part 1, I learned… (quote)
- In Part 2, the author shares… (quote)
- In Part 3, the author…(quote)
- Overall, I found it very ___ and my key takeaway is …
PRO
TIP
PRO
TIP
TIP
Eventually Amazon reviews are also searchable by keywords. Look for ways to incorporate a couple of keywords buyers might be searching for within reviews.
and NICHE PRESS™
Indianapolis, IN
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