Amazon is in the change mode again. It has recently changed the way it manages best-seller badges—as in how they are to be displayed ongoing. For authors, this does matter. After all, if you hit bestseller status, you want others to know.

Are YOU … What Is Amazon’s New Policy?

Most authors rarely respond with a YES when asked: Did you start marketing your book when you began writing it? And it means a commitment to marketing your book. And to untangling the confusion of social media? Who do you call to untangle it all?  Immediately, Amazon is prohibiting the use of Amazon bestseller logos, text, or badges on book covers. If you have them up, contact you book cover designer to remove them and reload to both your KDP bookshelf and your IngramSpark page. This is why:

Accuracy: Amazon’s rankings multiple times throughout the 24 hours of each day based on real-time sales data. A book that’s a bestseller today might not hold the same rank tomorrow. Revisit your “details” page and include that your book has achieved bestseller status in the past in specific categories. AND—brag it out. Any awards to add that you may want to mention?

My thoughts … authors are bestsellers on the NY Times, Bloomberg, USA Today, and others. I don’t think any of them will be clamping down on authors and publishers to remove bestseller from the covers.

Fairness: The new policy levels the playing field. Authors can no longer claim a potentially outdated rank on their covers. This supports fair competition and ensures that new books, or those published by lesser-known authors, get a fair chance to attract readers’ attention.

How Can Authors Still Utilize Amazon Best-Seller Badges?

While authors can no longer display Amazon best-seller badges or text on their covers, there are still plenty of ways to effectively utilize accolades and achievements elsewhere. If your book receives any type of Amazon badge, like “Bestseller,” “Hot New Release,” “#1 New Release,” etc., take a screenshot and share it widely. Add to your website. If you have a newsletter, include it. Share it on your social media.

Amazon now says no on the book cover with Amazon Best Seller … but you could create a badge that says bestseller without the word Amazon on it. Gold Seals are gold seals. 

1. Leverage in Your Marketing Forward 

• Social Media: As soon as you hit #1 in a category, take screenshots of your book’s bestseller rank and any other literary accolades. Create a mini social media campaign and post out with your screenshot. Don’t forget to create original posters that include your book cover and the shout out of #1 on it. Post it to social media. Create a short video about your celebration and post it out. Include links to your Amazon book page.
• Author Website: Announce it on Your Home Page: Add to your book page tab. Don’t forget images. Think about including a few blurbs of what reviewers have posted. You might even consider creating a dedicated page or section where you can showcase all your book’s accolades. You want to make sure you have the ability to update this content when new accomplishments come in. Include links to your Amazon book page.
• Newsletters: Send an email to your subscribers announcing your book’s latest achievement. Include images as well as the Amazon badges) and should also include a link to your book’s Amazon page to drive traffic and increase sales. You don’t want to overdo these types of messages, but a post like this every once in a while can go a long way. Include links to your Amazon book page. 

2. Spotlight Success in Promotional Materials

• Book Description: Mention your book’s bestseller status in product page book descriptions. On you book and Author One-Sheets. On any of your displays at events. Create a form board Phrases like “#1 bestseller in _______ —your categories” creates a great hook for book buyers.

• Author Bios: Include the fact that you’re a bestselling author in your author bio. Whether it’s your bio on your Amazon author page, your website, or other promotional sites, your accomplishments add credibility and appeal.

3. Highlight Your Book’s Status in Ad Campaigns 

• Ad Copy: You need to check the rules wherever you advertise, but if allowed, use your bestseller status and other accolades in ad campaigns. Any social media groups that you are a member of, check out the rules and see if you are able to post your news within them. If allowed, add link to your Amazon page.
• Press Releases: Write and release a press release for your book. Feature your bestseller status and other accolades in the body text and author bio. Let book bloggers know who you are connected with. Add links to your Amazon page. 

4. Mention Accomplishments at Book Events and Signings

• Events: Bestseller status, awards, and great reviews are all perfect talking points for authors during book readings, signings, and virtual events. Don’t be shy! Share your successes. Add to your swag—bookmarks and postcards. If you have a banner to drape on your table, add where you have been a bestseller or award winner.
• Bookstores: If you are working with physical bookstores, make sure the staff knows about the book’s bestseller status. Ditto for any new awards.
• Press Releases: Get into the habit of writing your and your book up. Submit to your regional media. Submit to free sites, PR.com and PRLog.com. Include links to your Amazon book page. Add to your website media tab.

My Final Thoughts
Don’t let Amazon rain on your enthusiasm parade. Go for it … don’t let the new rules stop you from making the most of your book’s bestseller status. While Amazon’s updated policy might seem more restrictive than in the past, the changes have been put in place to ensure fair play and accuracy. By strategically leveraging all accolades in your book marketing and promotions, you can still optimize your title’s visibility and sales.

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Dr. Judith Briles started writing notes to her classmates in first grade … and got into “disruptive trouble” from her teachers. She’s now the author of 47 books and counting, still being a disrupter. Her books have won over 55 book awards and been Amazon bestsellers. You can follow her professional side at www.TheBookShepherd.com where she works with writers to become published authors. Listen in to her weekly podcast: AuthorU: Your Guide to Book Publishing at https://bit.ly/AuthorUPodcast

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