Increase web site book sales?

[Jason Coleman]

As a first-time author and a "newbie" to Book Blogs, I'm curious to hear some tips and advice on how to increase book sales from our web site. We have a "hit" counter and have had over 500 unique visitors (according to Google Analytics) but have sold fewer than a dozen books. We launched our site prior to the book release, to build up interest, and have been actively updating the site. Our site is www.youramazingmarriage.com Feel free to check out the site and give honest and critical feedback, if you have ideas. It is easy to navigate, but we just can't convert. Common sense may say we have a lousy product, but our book has received very positive comments and feedback by most who have purchased it or read it. We've done 6 book signings (Borders Books mainly) and are well received at those events...something about the web site conversion though that we haven't figured out.

 

Please help!

 

Many thanks!

 

Jason Coleman

Co-author

"Discovering Your Amazing Marriage"

Available in paperback and Kindle

[Jason Coleman]

THANKS! Since you've added it to your list, the next time you are on FB would you mind going to our FB page "Discovering Your Amazing Marriage", clicking "Like", and recommending it to your FB friends?

We've done 6 radio interviews now and are receiving great feedback as I said, we're just in the initial stage of getting the word out.

Blessings to you...

[Jason Coleman]

Stephanie,

We are making some sales on Amazon, but less than 10 in the 3 months we've been on. Our best success has been talking to the event coordinators at Borders where we've sold anywhere from 3 to 8 in a two-hour period at book signing events in Seattle-area Borders stores, but that's the extent of it so far. I know we have sold approx. 200 through Ingram (retail orders), and we uploaded to Kindle just last week. So far we've had 2 Kindle sales, but to friends of ours.

We paid 3K for a 60-day media campaign which has resulted in 3 radio interviews already done and another 3-4 pending, and our press release was sent to hundreds of media outlets, but it seems as if we're getting "lost" in the high number of self-pub books that are vying for media attention. We were on the Freeman Michaels Show a couple weeks ago in Ventura, CA and the web site hits increased over the next couple days, but it didn't result in any sales. Based on the report our publicist provides, she sends out lots of queries but hasn't received too many replies. So far, the results haven't begun to pay for the campaign.

So, I've thought about the blog idea, but honestly am hesitant to start something I may not be consistent at. Afterall, I am a full-time husband, dad, have a full-time career, etc. and may not have the time to commit to a blog. Here's the question, how often does a successful blogger blog? How do you build your blog followers? We have a FB page for our book (our FB page is our book title - Discovering Your Amazing Marriage) and we have added several "fans" from other countries, but I'm still learning how to leverage FB and Twitter. We tweet several times a week @YourMarriageJC and we've gained about 30 followers. I think I'm learning that one of the most important things is to be patient and consistent, using every opportunity to get the word out.

Thanks, and I will check out your book and web site.

~ Jason

[Jason Coleman]

Thanks Stefanie for not only your helpful advice but your timely responses. I just purchased, downloaded, and read your book, all in the last half hour. We're already doing many of the things you suggest (besides blogging), but I have a renewed interest and ideas on how to leverage FB and Twitter.

To be honest, I've had more success thru my personal efforts than those of my publicist. Now, her press releases have certainly opened some doors I would not have been able to open myself, but I've arranged three radio interviews and all the book signings, which has resulted in our book making it on the shelves of the local Borders stores. I've not contacted a lot of media outlets myself; I've had her do most of that contact, but I'm going to ramp up my efforts there.

We do realize that book marketing is a marathon, not a sprint, and we've got our sleeves rolled up and willig to put in the time / effort that it will take. What you say in your book is absolutely true..."you'll give away lots of books!" So far we've given away more tha we've sold, but I look at it as sowing seeds for a future harvest.

Thanks again, and I'll be checking out your blog. Oh, one question. Was the link in your book supposed to activate the YouTube demo? It didn't appear to be an active link. Maybe I'll try it again.

~ Jason

[Jason Coleman]

Stefanie,

With all the reading & research I'm doing, I'm realizing that I do need to start blogging. You seem to be one of the "Blog Queens" in this site, so here's another question for you. Where to start? Where do you start a blog? I'm assuming there are sites that host blogger pages? I've read your book but I think I need more detailed help. Before I go Google it, I thought I'd ask the local resident authority...YOU.

Thanks ~ Jason

By the way, I added a spot on my web site where I am giving away the Foreword and the first 10 pages of our book in exchange for a name/e-mail address of those who visit my site. I'll monitor it for a period of time and see if that results in additional sales. All I know is you gotta bait the hook when you go fishing...

"Discovering Your Amazing Marriage"
www.youramazingmarriage.com

[Jason Coleman]

Stefanie...
I did it! After hearing so much on Book Blogs about the importance of blogging, and your encouragement, I started my own blog! Please check out my "blog debut" at http://youramazingmarriage.blogspot.com/.

I'll be blogging about our book "Discovering Your Amazing Marriage." Please follow my blog, and I ask for and welcome helpful ideas, comments, and constructive criticism.

Yea!!!
~ Jason Coleman

[Prem Rao]

I liked your site. I am sure sales will pick up as more people come to know of your book. A blog is very useful. You may like to blog about topics associated with your book. There are a zillion things going on which you can comment on in your blog.

I am trying to do something like that in my blog for my soon to be published debut fiction novel.

All the best!