Social proof is the idea that people are more likely to buy a book if others have positively reviewed it. It plays a pivotal role in building trust with potential readers. Since readers often rely on the experiences and opinions of others when deciding what to read, accumulating authentic, positive reviews on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, and other review sites is essential. A well-reviewed book signals to future readers that it is worth their money and time. Social proof increases its credibility and likelihood of generating steady sales.

The first step in generating reviews is to leverage your personal as well as social media network. Reach out to early readers, beta readers, friends, and family to ask them to leave thoughtful reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other relevant platforms. The initial wave of reviews is crucial because many readers hesitate to purchase books with little or no feedback. Having even a handful of positive reviews at the start provides the social validation needed to encourage more people to buy our books and hopefully contribute their own reviews. When working with beta readers, consider offering free digital copies or signed paperbacks in exchange for honest reviews.

Beyond your personal network, it’s beneficial to collaborate with book bloggers, influencers, and YouTube reviewers who are at least interested in your genre. These individuals have established audiences that trust their opinions, and a positive mention or review from a respected influencer can drive significant interest in your book. To connect with these reviewers, create a personalized pitch that explains why your book aligns with their content and audience.

The more positive reviews your book gathers, the more credibility and momentum it builds. Many readers will look for a consistent pattern of feedback, focusing not only on the quantity but also the content of the reviews; specifically, whether readers mention the elements that they enjoy most, such as compelling characters, intriguing plots, or emotional depth. As a side note, this kind of feedback in your reviews helps to refine your marketing strategy by highlighting the aspects of your book that resonate most with readers.

Other tangible piece of social proof are book contest awards (even when you get to short-lists, honorable mentions, etc.; you don’t necessarily have to win), bestseller lists, off-site listings of your book, and so on. 

Let me point out something about reviews here. Don’t sweat the occasional “average” or “bad” review. You can’t please every reader and it shows potential readers that more than just your family and friends are reading your work.

​Utilize Social Proof and Reviews

About Writing     |     The Hollow Man Series, International Espionage​

​