BookBub-vs-Amazon-vs-FB ads, Social Proof, Free webinar, – Booklinker January 2026 Broadcast #2
1/21/2026
Hello!
When I sit down to write a Broadcast, I want to share encouragement and marketing insights. I want to give you strategies to use right away so you can say to yourself, “I got this!”
Most of time I truly am excited about marketing my books. I look at it all as a puzzle to figure out; understanding the pieces and deciding where they fit. I like the challenge of it.
But I must admit, there are times when I do get frustrated. Last month was not the best month for books sales. Considering the amount of promotions, TikTok videos, a book launch and newsletter swaps I did, I really did expect more sales.
I gave myself a couple days to wallow in my self-pity, then it was time re-evaluate and create an overall plan for 2026. With everything I did in December, I think I burned myself out.
That being said, I knew I couldn’t complete stop marketing, because if I did, then sales would surely go down even more. But I also knew I needed to recharge a bit.
I decided I would have a different primary focus each quarter allowing me to put all my energy into one area of my marketing. From January through March, my focus is going to be on building my newsletter list. Using a reader magnet, I will sign up for newsletter swaps, group promos and giveaways through sites like CraveBooks. With my TikTok videos, the only thing I will have in my “link in bio” is a link to my reader magnet.
I’m not going to worry about Amazon ads, or paid newsletter promotions or anything else that is focused on sales… for this quarter. Then April-June, I will switch to a sales focus. And the good news is I can feel confident about my newsletter list and not have to worry about that for a quarter.
I think for Q3 I will look into how I can be a guest on sci-fi/fantasy reader podcasts and then Q4, back to sales.
I share all this to let you know it’s ok to get frustrated sometimes with your marketing. But in order to continue to build your author business, you have to get back out there. You may have to make adjustments, that’s fine, just don’t give up.
You got this!
Reply to this email and tell me about a time your were frustrated and what you did to move past it.
Happy Marketing!
Kerrie
Kerrie
Booklinker Author Liaison
Kerrie Flanagan
Have you created or used a Booklinker link recently to give your readers a choice of retailers or direct them to the correct Amazon stores around the world?
Book Launch Webinar
The Book Launch Blueprint with Aryn Van Dyke, founder of Book Rockstar
Learn the essential elements of a successful book launch from book marketing strategist Aryn Van Dyke, who has worked on hundreds of launches including multiple New York Times bestsellers.
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Stronger marketing skills = more book sales.
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👉 Monthly Marketing Tip
Maximize Your Email Signature: Include a link to your latest book or newsletter in your email signature. Every email becomes an opportunity to promote your work. Here is an example of mine. This in an image, but in my signature the websites are all live links.
Branding Workbook
At the Webinar this week, we learned from Amber and Brooke from Andrew’s Artistry, the importance of an cohesive author brand. If you want to have a cohesive presence online, in your emails and at events, this workbook guides you through the process.
Authors are already masters of voice — this Brand Workbook helps you bring that same clarity to your brand, turning scattered ideas into a compelling message and visual identity that resonates with your audience and amplifies your work. https://andrewsartistry.com/brand-workbook/
Industry News & Articles ✍🏽
🌟 Social Proof Sells Books: How To Get And Use Reader Reviews Strategically
Books with reviews sell more copies.
It’s not magic, it’s marketing. And it’s called social proof—a concept rooted in psychology and baked into consumer behavior. Whether we’re picking a new restaurant, shopping for a pair of running shoes, or choosing our next weekend read, we tend to trust what other people say. That’s social proof in action.
For indie authors, reviews aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re a key part of your book’s success story. In this post, we’ll walk you through:
- Why reviews matter (a lot)
- How to get book reviews (without losing your mind)
- Where and how to use them effectively
🌟 BookBub vs. Amazon vs. Facebook Ads: Authors Weigh In
We surveyed BookBub partners to learn about how they use three of the most popular book advertising platforms: BookBub Ads, Meta Ads (Facebook and Instagram), and Amazon Ads. We hope their responses help you better understand the differences and strengths of each platform and decide how to best approach your own marketing strategy!
🌟 The Struggle Is Reel: Marketing Without Social Media
Social media is the default way to build a platform, but I’m not great at it. I’m a sloppy poster. I’ll write intros to share my articles but forget to add the link. I proofread my posts, but apparently my eyes have gotten lazy and I make embarrassing typos (their, they’re, there, anyone?)…
Upcoming conferences where you will find me:
- SuperStars Writing Seminar in Colorado Springs, Feb. 5-7, 2026
- IBPA Publishing University Conference in Portland, Oregon, May 14-16
Quote
“Build something 100 people love, not something 1 million people kind of like.” — Brian Chesky
About Booklinker
Booklinker is a free service that helps authors save time and sell more books with a single, localized link for their entire international audiences.
Booklinker is owned by Georiot Networks and powered by its flagship service, Geniuslink. In 2022, Apple Books began supporting Booklinker, helping it become a fully multi-retailer tool. Booklinker remains free for authors through the generous support of Apple Books and partnerships with other retailers.
