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Giving away your book for free on Amazon KDP is a popular strategy to attract downloads and build an email list. But does it really work to boost long-term sales and rankings? This article analyzes the pros and cons and guides you on how to use it effectively.
Free Amazon KDP Books: Opportunities and Challenges
Amazon’s free book promotion allows you to offer your book for free for 1 to 5 days. This will undoubtedly generate a significant number of downloads, far more than a paid book. However, you can only run this promotion every 90 days and only if your book is enrolled in KDP Select.
Benefits of a Free Book Promotion:
- Increased Downloads: Free books attract a large audience, boosting your book’s visibility on Amazon.
- Email List Building: You can leverage this promotion to collect readers’ email addresses for future marketing efforts.
- Gathering Reviews: It’s an opportunity for your beta readers to download and review your book, increasing its credibility.
Drawbacks of a Free Book Promotion:
- Minimal Ranking Impact: While free downloads might temporarily boost your ranking, the effect is minimal. Amazon values paid sales much more than free downloads.
- Sales Momentum Disruption: Abruptly switching from paid sales to free can disrupt your sales momentum and negatively impact Amazon’s algorithm, which prioritizes sales consistency.
Using Free Book Promotions Effectively
When should you use a free book promotion? An effective approach is to utilize it during the first 3-5 days after your book launch. This is the ideal time to:
- Introduce Your Book: Offering your book for free helps attract initial attention and build momentum for future sales.
- Gather Early Reviews: Early positive reviews are crucial for establishing your book’s credibility.
- Start Building Your Email List: Begin collecting reader emails right from the launch.
After the free promotion ends, focus on driving paid sales, starting with a discounted price (e.g., $0.99) and gradually increasing to your regular price.
90-Day Alternative: Kindle Countdown Deals
After the 90-day period, instead of repeating a free promotion, consider using a Kindle Countdown Deal. This allows you to discount your book for a specific time while still earning 70% royalties (compared to 35% for free books). This is a more effective way to boost sales without disrupting momentum.
How to Set Up a Free Book Promotion
To set up a free book promotion, you must be enrolled in KDP Select. Then, in your KDP dashboard, navigate to “Marketing” and select “Free Book Promotion.” Simply set the start and end dates for your promotion.
Conclusion
A free book promotion on Amazon KDP can be a valuable tool if used correctly. However, carefully weigh the pros and cons and use it strategically to maximize its effectiveness without harming long-term sales. Combine it with other marketing strategies for the best results.