Author Marketing Checklist, 25 Actions to Grow Book Visibility in 30 Days

Author Marketing Checklist, 25 Actions to Grow Book Visibility in 30 Days

If you are an author, you do not need 100 marketing ideas. You need the right 25 actions, aligned to how readers actually discover books today. This checklist is designed for a focused 30 day sprint. It combines storefront optimization, search visibility, social proof, reader engagement, and repeatable content systems. It also assumes you want sustainable growth, not a one time spike.

This article comes from a book marketing mindset used at Trevino Book, a professional book marketing specialist and strategist approach. The core principle is simple, make it easier for the right reader to find you, trust you, and buy your book, then make it easy for them to talk about it.

How to use this checklist:

• Pick a start date and commit to 30 days of steady execution.
• Do the actions in order if possible. Each step improves the performance of the next one.
• Track metrics weekly, then adjust at day 15 and day 30.
• Focus on one primary book. If you have a series, start with book one.

What to measure during this 30 day sprint

• Amazon page conversion, watch sessions vs purchases if you can, also watch paperback vs ebook split.
• Click through rate on ads if running any, also cost per click and cost per order.
• Total reviews gained and average rating, plus review velocity per week.
• Email list growth, new subscribers per week and open rate.
• Traffic sources, Amazon attribution, website analytics, Goodreads link clicks, Pinterest outbound clicks.
• Keyword rankings on Amazon search for your top terms, track 10 to 20.
• Social proof assets created, number of quotes, graphics, videos, and posts scheduled.

Action 1, Set a 30 day goal that is specific and measurable

Most author marketing stalls because goals are vague. Pick a clear target that matches your current baseline. Examples include 50 new email subscribers, 25 new reviews, 2000 additional Amazon page visits, 100 incremental sales, or ranking top 20 for three keywords.

• Write your current baseline for sales, reviews, followers, and email list size.
• Choose one primary goal and two secondary goals.
• Choose a daily time block, even 30 minutes, and protect it.

Action 2, Define your ideal reader with one sentence and one shelf

You cannot market to everyone. Your messaging becomes sharper when you define one reader type. Create a single sentence that describes who your book is for, and a single shelf that shows where it belongs in a bookstore. This improves your blurb, keywords, and ad targeting.

• One sentence reader statement, for example, “For readers who love cozy mysteries with found family and small town charm.”
• One shelf, for example, “Cozy Mystery, Culinary” or “Epic Fantasy, Military.”
• List three comparable authors and three comparable titles.

Action 3, Audit your book product page as if you are a first time buyer

Your Amazon or retailer page is a sales page. Read it quickly, on mobile, and ask, “Do I instantly understand genre, promise, and value?” Fix anything that creates hesitation.

• Look at the cover at thumbnail size. Is genre obvious within one second?
• Read the first two lines of your description. Do they hook?
• Check formatting on mobile. Are there awkward breaks or huge blocks of text?
• Confirm series info is accurate and consistent.
• Check that pricing makes sense relative to your category and competitors.

Action 4, Rewrite the top of your book description for clarity and momentum

The first 150 to 250 characters of your blurb do heavy lifting. They are your headline. Sharpen them so the genre and stakes are clear immediately.

• Open with a character, conflict, and consequence.
• Use short paragraphs and frequent line breaks for mobile readability.
• Include a credibility line only if it helps, for example awards, bestseller tag, or strong review snippet.
• End with a clean call to action, for example “Buy now” or “Read the sample.”

Action 5, Upgrade your Amazon A Plus Content or equivalent visuals

Visual modules can raise conversions by building trust fast. Even simple, clean A Plus sections work. If you are not in KDP A Plus, use the best equivalent on other retailers and on your author site.

• Create 4 to 6 modules, story promise, main tropes, series order, about the author, what readers say.
• Use consistent typography and colors that match the cover style.
• Keep text short. Think skimmable benefits, not long paragraphs.

Action 6, Fix categories, then add strategic keyword phrases

Discoverability is often an indexing problem. Categories and keywords help the algorithm understand what your book is. The goal is not to stuff. The goal is relevance and reach.

• Pick categories that match your book precisely, not just what is popular.
• Research competitor books and note which subcategories they rank in.
• Create a list of 20 to 40 keyword phrases readers would type, include tropes, settings, themes, and character types.
• Prioritize phrases with clear intent, for example “clean romantic suspense” vs “romance.”

Action 7, Build a simple keyword tracking sheet for 30 days

Most author marketing feels random because nothing is tracked. A simple sheet turns effort into learning. Track your top keywords weekly and adjust your metadata and ads based on what moves.

• Track 10 to 20 primary keywords plus rank position.
• Track competitor rank for a few key terms to set expectations.
• Note any changes you make each week so you can connect cause and effect.

Action 8, Add an irresistible reader magnet and optimize your email signup

Email is still one of the highest leverage channels for authors. But people do not join lists for “updates.” They join for reader value. A reader magnet can be a prequel, bonus epilogue, deleted scenes, a checklist, or a short story.

• Create a magnet with strong relevance to your book, same genre, same tone.
• Put the signup link in your book front matter and back matter.
• Add a simple landing page on your website with one clear call to action.
• Deliver the magnet automatically with an email service.

Action 9, Write a 5 email welcome sequence that sells without pressure

A welcome sequence builds trust and turns new subscribers into readers. Aim for clarity, warmth, and consistency. Keep it simple and reader focused.

• Email 1, deliver the magnet, set expectations, invite a reply.
• Email 2, tell a short origin story about the book or series, mention where to start.
• Email 3, share behind the scenes or research, include a link to the book page.
• Email 4, share a review snippet and a trope list, include an easy buy link.
• Email 5, invite them to follow on Goodreads, BookBub, or your favorite platform.

Action 10, Add or refresh your back matter to drive the next action

Back matter is one of the easiest ways to increase long term performance. A reader who reached the end is your warmest audience.

• First line, thank them and guide them to the next book or series page.
• Add the email signup with a clear benefit.
• Add a review request with a direct link where possible.
• Add social follow links only after the core actions.

Action 11, Create a review plan that is ethical and consistent

Reviews improve conversion and visibility. The key is to build a repeatable system. Avoid anything that violates platform policies. Focus on asking at the right time in the reader journey.

• Ask your email list for honest reviews with clear instructions and links.
• Add a gentle review request inside the book and in your welcome sequence.
• Create a list of 50 to 200 reviewers, bloggers, bookstagrammers, and genre communities to contact over time.
• Track who you contacted, when, and what they prefer.

Action 12, Improve your Goodreads presence with a simple, professional setup

Goodreads is a credibility layer and discovery engine for some genres. Treat it like a storefront, not a social feed you must post on daily.

• Claim your author profile and add a professional author bio.
• Ensure all editions are correctly linked and series order is right.
• Add at least 10 relevant shelves to your book if appropriate.
• Pin a post about where to start in your series.

Action 13, Make your author website a conversion tool, not a brochure

Your site should do three things well, capture email, guide readers to the right book, and signal professionalism. You do not need a complicated site to do that.

• Homepage headline, who you write for and what you write.
• One primary call to action, email signup or start the series.
• Book pages with covers, short blurbs, and retailer links.
• About page with a human tone and one good author photo.
• Press or media page if you plan outreach.

Action 14, Implement basic Book SEO on your site for long tail discovery

Book SEO can bring steady traffic from readers searching tropes, themes, and “books like” queries. In 30 days you can set the foundation.

• Create one page per book with a descriptive title and clear headings.
• Add an FAQ section in plain language, for example “Is this book spicy?” or “Is this series complete?” if relevant.
• Write one blog post that targets a specific query, such as “If you like X, read these.”
• Ensure pages load fast and look good on mobile.

Action 15, Build a Pinterest visibility board system for evergreen discovery

Pinterest can be strong for genres with aesthetic appeal, lifestyle overlap, or strong tropes. It also pays off over time, which makes it a great companion to launch spikes.

• Create 6 to 10 boards aligned to your book themes, settings, tropes, and reader interests.
• Design 10 to 20 pins for your main book, mix cover pins and quote pins.
• Link pins to a dedicated book landing page or retailer page, not just your homepage.
• Schedule consistent posting, even 1 to 3 pins per day.

Action 16, Create a 10 asset content kit from your book in one afternoon

Content gets easier when you productize it. Build a reusable kit that you can pull from for posts, emails, ads, and outreach.

• 5 short quotes, 1 to 2 lines each.
• 3 hook lines, the premise in different angles.
• 1 trope list, for example “grumpy sunshine, forced proximity.”
• 1 short author statement, why you wrote it.
• Collect 3 review snippets once you have them.

Action 17, Produce 3 video teasers that match your genre

Short video can boost reach and gives you assets for ads and social posts. Keep production simple. The goal is genre mood and curiosity, not a movie trailer.

• Video 1, trope teaser with text overlays and cover reveal.
• Video 2, character teaser, one key trait, one conflict, one line.
• Video 3, setting teaser, mood shots and a strong hook line.
• Keep each between 7 and 20 seconds, use captions.

Action 18, Refresh your author profiles everywhere so they tell the same story

Consistency reduces friction. When a reader clicks from Amazon to Goodreads to your site, the promise should feel aligned.

• Update bio with genre, themes, and a friendly personal detail.
• Use the same author photo or a consistent style across platforms.
• Add a “Start here” link for new readers.
• Ensure your links work and go to the right pages.

Action 19, Plan a 30 day posting calendar that is sustainable

Marketing fails when the plan is too heavy. Create a realistic calendar that you can maintain after the sprint ends.

• Pick 2 platforms max to focus on for 30 days.
• Choose 3 repeating content pillars, for example “Reader value,” “Behind the scenes,” “Book teasers.”
• Batch create 10 to 20 posts using your content kit.
• Schedule posts twice per week minimum, daily if it is easy for you.

Action 20, Run a micro promotion with a clear offer and one link

Promotions work best when the offer is simple and the destination is focused. A micro promotion can be a price drop, a limited time bonus, a first in series spotlight, or a free chapter campaign.

• Choose one offer that matches your reader, for example “Book 1 is 0.99 for 5 days.”
• Create one landing page with the pitch and retailer buttons.
• Use your email list, social posts, and Pinterest pins to drive traffic.
• Track results with a unique link when possible.

Action 21, Start a lightweight outreach routine, 10 contacts per week

Outreach is slow, but powerful. Many authors avoid it because it feels awkward. Make it a simple system and focus on fit, not volume.

• Identify podcasts, blogs, newsletters, and influencers in your genre niche.
• Send short pitches focused on their audience, not on you.
• Offer a specific angle, for example “small town mysteries set around food festivals.”
• Track responses and follow up once after 7 to 10 days.

Action 22, Set up Amazon Ads or retailer ads with a controlled test

Ads are a multiplier, not a rescue plan. They convert best when your page is optimized. In a 30 day sprint, aim for clean testing, not big spend.

• Start with one ad type and one goal, for example product targeting or keyword targeting.
• Launch 2 to 4 campaigns with small budgets and distinct themes.
• Use tightly relevant keywords, avoid overly broad terms early.
• Check search term reports weekly and negate irrelevant terms.

Action 23, Use BookBub and reader follow tools to build long term reach

Follower networks compound. They are not as flashy as ads, but they provide leverage for future releases.

• Claim your BookBub author profile and add your books.
• Encourage follows in your email sequence and back matter.
• Schedule one BookBub post per week, such as a quote, question, or recommendation.
• If you can, test a small BookBub CPM ad to your best converting book.

Action 24, Create one collaboration with another author

Cross promotion can introduce you to warm readers. Keep it simple and ensure your genres align so readers are actually interested.

• Swap newsletter mentions with one author of a similar audience size.
• Do a joint giveaway where the entry is email signup, if compliant with your email platform and local laws.
• Co host a live chat or recorded Q and A about shared themes.
• Bundle a limited time “starter library” list of recommended books for your readers.

Action 25, Run a 30 day review and optimization loop, then lock in what worked

The last action is the difference between busywork and real marketing. Look at the data, decide what to keep, and build a simple ongoing plan.

• Identify the top 3 drivers of clicks and sales, double down there.
• Identify your best converting platform or traffic source, prioritize it next month.
• Update your keywords and categories based on what actually converted.
• Refresh your content kit with new review snippets and new hooks.
• Set a maintenance schedule, for example one outreach day per week, one batch content day per month.

30 day schedule example, how to fit the 25 actions into a month

Use this as a simple pacing guide. Adjust based on your energy and availability.

• Days 1 to 3, Actions 1 to 3. Goals, reader definition, page audit.
• Days 4 to 7, Actions 4 to 7. Blurb, A Plus, categories and keywords, tracking.
• Days 8 to 12, Actions 8 to 10. Reader magnet, welcome sequence, back matter.
• Days 13 to 16, Actions 11 to 14. Reviews plan, Goodreads, website conversion, Book SEO.
• Days 17 to 20, Actions 15 to 18. Pinterest boards, content kit, video teasers, profile sync.
• Days 21 to 24, Actions 19 to 21. Posting calendar, micro promotion, outreach routine.
• Days 25 to 28, Actions 22 to 24. Ads test, BookBub follow, collaboration.
• Days 29 to 30, Action 25. Review, optimize, build next month plan.

Common pitfalls to avoid during your 30 day visibility sprint

• Changing too many things at once, you will not know what caused results.
• Creating content without a clear destination link, every post should lead somewhere intentionally.
• Over targeting broad keywords, you will pay for clicks that do not convert.
• Ignoring mobile formatting, most readers browse on phones.
• Assuming one platform is mandatory, the best channel is the one you can sustain.

Quick self audit, answer these questions at the end of day 30

• Do you have a clear reader promise statement and consistent branding across platforms?
• Did your book page conversion rate improve, even slightly?
• Did you grow your email list, and do new subscribers enter a welcome sequence?
• Do you have 10 to 20 assets ready for ongoing marketing without starting from scratch?
• Do you know your top 5 keywords that drive the most relevant traffic?
• Do you have at least one reliable weekly routine you can keep next month?

Conclusion, visibility comes from a system, not a viral moment

Book discovery is a chain. When you strengthen each link, keywords, page conversion, social proof, email capture, and consistent content, your results compound. Use this checklist to build a clean foundation in 30 days, then repeat the parts that worked. If you want a faster path, start with a professional visibility audit and focus on the biggest bottleneck first, that is how Trevino Book approaches sustainable author growth.