.png)
Becoming a bestseller on Amazon is the dream of many authors. But how does Amazon's ranking system actually work? While Amazon is hush-hush about how it works, we’ve done a lot of studying of their system and have cracked the code.
Understanding the code behind Amazon’s bestseller rankings can give you a significant advantage in reaching that coveted spot. It’s not just about the number of books sold—it’s about a combination of factors that, when understood, can be used to elevate your book’s visibility and success.
In this blog, I’ll break down how Amazon’s ranking system works and share five essential tips to help you navigate the path to bestseller status (check out our blog titled: How to Become an Amazon Bestselling Author here for tips on how to become a bestseller).
Let’s jump right in. 1. Sales Velocity: It’s All About Speed
When it comes to Amazon rankings, sales velocity plays a major role. This refers to the speed at which your book is selling over a short period of time. While the total number of copies sold is important, Amazon also pays close attention to how quickly those sales are happening. A large number of sales in a condensed time frame, especially within the first 24-48 hours of your book's release, can dramatically boost your ranking.
(Our books have passed up authors like Prince Harry, Matt Damon, Viola Davis, and many more because we use this technique. We have the system down, so it has worked for every book we’ve published so far and we don’t expect it to let up anytime soon. If anything, we will get better and better because we are practicing what we preach.)
This is why many authors focus on pre-launch strategies that build anticipation and drive an influx of sales on the launch day. If you can get a surge of sales when your book goes live, you’re more likely to rise in the rankings. Tips for increasing sales velocity:
Build a strong launch team to boost initial sales (this will be a consistent theme throughout our bestseller tip blog articles).
Offer limited-time deals or bonuses to incentivize early buyers (do this on a landing page so you capture people’s email addresses and can remind them to buy the book when you’re ready).
Promote your launch heavily through email lists and social media.
Use countdown deals to create urgency.
Leverage pre-orders to gather momentum.
2. The Power of Reviews
Reviews are another key factor in how Amazon ranks books. Books with a higher number of positive reviews tend to perform better in the rankings. Not only do reviews increase trust and social proof, but Amazon's algorithm views reviews as a signal of quality and engagement.
However, it’s important to note that Amazon weighs verified reviews more heavily. A verified review is from customers who have purchased the book directly through Amazon, making them more credible in the eyes of the algorithm. Encouraging your early readers to leave verified reviews is a smart move for long-term ranking success. Even if you give them a free book, ask them to buy the Kindle version so their review will be legitimate.
Tips for gathering reviews:
Encourage your launch team to leave honest, verified reviews.
Consider offering a free or discounted copy in exchange for reviews.
Reach out to book bloggers or influencers in your niche for reviews.
Engage with your reviewers—respond to their feedback, whether positive or negative. When you respond, other people will see your responses and will oftentimes make a judgment about your book based on how you respond. If someone leaves a bad review, be respectful when responding. Some people will change their review to a positive one if you’ve been kind. I’ve found that people just want to be heard. When you hear them, they respond differently.
3. Algorithm Triggers: It’s More Than Just Sales
Amazon’s algorithm is a mysterious beast, but it’s clear that sales velocity and reviews aren’t the only factors at play. The algorithm is designed to track reader engagement and interest in your book. This means that elements like page views, the number of sample downloads, and even how often your book is added to wish lists can impact your ranking.
Amazon also rewards consistent sales, so it’s not just about the launch day—keeping your book selling over time is essential for long-term ranking success. A book that consistently sells a moderate number of copies daily may outrank a book that sees a temporary spike but then drops off in sales.
Tips for keeping the algorithm happy:
Optimize your book’s description and cover to drive more page views. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, so make sure your cover is appealing enough for people to look beyond the cover.
Use Amazon’s Look Inside feature to encourage readers to sample your book.
Encourage readers to add your book to their wish list.
Promote your book during key shopping periods or holidays.
Run periodic promotions to keep sales steady over time.
4. Category Ranking: Choose Wisely
Amazon allows you to choose categories and subcategories for your book, and this can greatly impact your ranking. While it’s tempting to aim for broad, competitive categories, focusing on more niche subcategories may give you a better chance of reaching bestseller status.
For example, instead of competing in a huge category like "Romance," look for subcategories within romance that better match your book’s theme, such as "Historical Romance" or "Paranormal Romance." If your book is selling well within its specific niche, Amazon may boost your visibility, helping you climb the ranks in broader categories as well.
SIDE NOTE: Amazon frequently puts your book in weird categories that aren’t the categories you selected. Contact Amazon Author Central and ask them to change your category (especially if it’s totally random and doesn’t fit your genre at all).
Tips for category selection:
Choose specific, niche categories where competition is lower. Do your research.
Use tools like Publisher Rocket to find categories with a good balance of traffic and low competition.
Request to be listed in additional categories via Amazon Author Central.
Analyze competitors to see where they are ranking.
Periodically review and adjust your categories based on performance.
5. Consistent Promotion: Stay in the Game
Ranking success on Amazon doesn’t end after your launch week. In fact, maintaining your position as a bestseller requires ongoing promotion and engagement with your audience. Running regular promotions, engaging with your readers, and staying active on social media are all essential to keep your book visible and relevant.
Consider running Kindle Countdown Deals or Limited-Time Offers to entice new readers. Periodic discounts can help maintain sales velocity and keep your book ranking well. You can also cross-promote with other authors in your genre to tap into new audiences and drive consistent sales over time.
Tips for consistent promotion:
Run periodic discounts or deals to maintain sales velocity.
Cross-promote with authors in your niche.
Use email marketing to keep your audience engaged.
Participate in author interviews, podcasts, or guest blogging opportunities.
Engage regularly with your readers on social media.
Closing the Book On This Topic
Cracking the code to Amazon’s bestseller rankings takes more than just writing a great book—it requires understanding how the platform’s algorithm works and leveraging every tool at your disposal. By focusing on sales velocity, encouraging reviews, choosing the right categories, and staying consistent with your promotions, you can significantly improve your chances of climbing the ranks and achieving bestseller status.
Remember, success on Amazon isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about building momentum, engaging with your audience, and staying active in your promotional efforts. With the right strategy, your book can soar up the Amazon charts.
For more tips on becoming an Amazon Bestselling Author, download a copy of our full guide “How to Become an Amazon Bestseller – Top Strategies Revealed” here.
Comments