Most readers like to read books similar to what they’ve already read. They like to continue to look for the same type over and over again. This means that they use the same keywords to find those same books.
Readers will spend hours looking for that just right book. And it’s your job as an author to do what you can to get your book in from of your reader!
This is called your buyer’s journey. Or in this case, your reader’s buyer journey.
So, let’s dive in to how understanding HOW readers search for books online helps you to help them.
How Understanding How Readers Search Online for New Books Helps Your Readers Find You!
There’s nothing like a good romance book to make your heart flutter and put you in a good mood. But how do readers find that perfect romance book they’ve been dying to read!
Romance readers have turned to the internet to find their next great read! They’ll search online until they discover THAT book they want to read. They might even check out your website to see if you have additional info that will help them evaluate and compare your book to anothers.
If they’ve decided to buy your book (or read it), your work is not done. You still need to “court” your reader and offer them content that takes them beyond your story. If you’ve done it right, they’ll become loyal fans and stick around to share with all their reader friends!
Let’s dive deeper into your reader’s buyer journey.
Step 1: Reader Will Search Online to Discover and Find a Book
The journey of your reader starts with the desire for a book to read. Let’s call this reader Diana, Discovering Diana!
Diana has finished her latest book and goes searching for another. This could be the next book in your book series, your newest release, or another from your booklist. She’ll start her search by browsing line, scanning social media recommendations, or asking friends for suggestions.
As an author, you need to make sure your book is discoverable and visible. This means having a strong online presence, including a website, social media channels, and even paid ads. It’s also important to have a catchy title, appealing book cover, and an intriguing blurb that catches your readers’ attention.
Dive deep: Learn how to sell more of your books when you optimize your book page with the right keywords.
Step 2: Reader Will Evaluate and Compare Your Book to Another
Once your reader has found a book, they just might dig deep to find out what your book is about. This is where they’ll evaluate and compare your books to others just like it. Let’s call this reader Eva, Evaluating Eva!
Eva will spend the time reading the extra content you have available on your website, check out the reviews on Amazon, read any additional articles about this particular book, maybe even read exerpts, or listen to podcasts to see if she’d like to read your book.
As an author, you need to provide additional content beyond your book itself that entices and inspires your reader to thake a chance on your book. This could include additional story excerpts, character interviews, behind-the-scenes info, and more.
Dive deep: Make your author website stand out! Offer well-designed and impressive website extras.
Step 3: Your Reader Will Buy Your Book and Read It!
Your reader doesn’t need to buy your book to read your book. So your job isn’t finished when they’ve become familiar with you or read your book.
Let’s call this reader Patty, Purchasing Patty! Patty might purchase your book from Amazon, from a bookstore or library. The best would be from your website, so it’s important to make the purchasing process as simple and seamless as possible. Offer multiple purchase options, including audiobooks and ebooks, and make sure there are no barriers to entry, like complicated checkouts or shipping fees.
Patty will also want to check out what else you have to offer because they’ll want more books to read.
Dive deep: How understanding the benefits of an individual book page just might sell your romance book.
Step 4: Reader Will Want More Books
Readers don’t read just one book. They’ll want more and more and more. This reader is a loyal reader who’ll read every single one of your books and wait on pins and needles for your new release to come out!!
Let’s call this reader Lucy, Loyal Lucy. Lucy wants all the additional content you have to offer for every book you’ve got! She’s the reader that has read every single one of your books. But they also want all the extra content you have to offer.
Your job as the author isn’t finished with your reader buying your book. You need to continue “courting” your reader with additional content that’ll entice, entertain, inspire, educate, or convince your reader to stay connected to you and your books.
This might include offering exclusive content in your email newsletters, offering educational content in your blog articles, offering entertaining or inspiring content in your social media campaigns, or inviting readers to online or offline events. No matter what you do, it’s important to provide value beyond your books themselves to keep your readers engaged and informed.
Dive deep:
Step 5: Reader Will Share a Story that Left an Impression
Once readers read your book, they’ll most likely want to share it with their reader friends. That’s what readers do!
Let’s call this reader Susan, Sharing Susan! Susan’s the type of reader that has read all your books, loves your writing and writing style, sings your praises, and is a loyal fan follower! Susan leaves glowing reviews, likes and comments on your posts and loves to engage with you on social media, and recommends your books to anyone who’d listen.
As an author, you’ll want to cultivate and encourage Susan by fostering a community around your books. This means responding to her comments, hosting online events, and creating content that encourages engagement and participation.
Conclusion
The journey of a romance reader is a long and winding road that takes them from discovery to becoming a loyal fan.
As an author, you need to understand this journey to be able to create the content that’ll engage readers and give them opportunities that keep them coming back for more.
By focusing on discoverability, extra content, and easy purchasing process, ongoing engagement, and community-building, you can turn readers into lifelong fans and advocates for your books.
Dive Even Deeper
There are others that teach how to search online. Dive deeper into learning how to search.
wikiHow: How to Search the Internet: 9 Steps (with Pictures)
Mind Tools: Seven Ways to Find What You Want on the Internet
Guardian: How to use search like a pro: 10 tips and tricks for Google and beyond
Indeed: 22 Internet Search Tips on Finding What You Need Online
Instructables: How to Properly Use a Search Engine: 16 Steps