Publishing a book in 2026 has become remarkably accessible thanks to Amazon KDP and AI tools, allowing anyone to become an author in just hours. However, this ease of entry creates intense competition, as what’s simple for you is equally simple for everyone else. What most new authors fail to grasp is that hitting the publish button marks only the beginning of their journey, not the end. In reality, the real money gets made after your book goes live, and without a solid post-publication strategy, you’ll struggle to generate meaningful income.

If you’re planning to publish a book this year, you face a crucial decision that will determine your success: should you publish through Amazon’s KDP platform, or should you sell your book directly through your own website? Both approaches offer distinct advantages, and understanding these differences can mean the difference between earning a few dollars and building a sustainable passive income stream. By the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll understand exactly which strategy will maximize your earning potential in 2026’s competitive landscape. Moreover, you’ll discover why the most successful authors don’t choose between these platforms at all instead, they strategically leverage both to create multiple income streams that generate revenue while they sleep.

Understanding Amazon KDP: The Foundation of Self-Publishing

Let’s start by breaking down what Amazon KDP actually is. We’ll also explore why it has revolutionized the publishing industry. KDP is Amazon’s self-publishing platform. It allows anyone to publish ebooks and physical books using a print-on-demand system. This means you don’t need to invest thousands of dollars in inventory upfront. You also don’t need to negotiate complex distribution deals with retailers.

The process is remarkably simple and straightforward. You upload your manuscript and cover. Then you set your price and royalty options. Just like that, your book becomes a live listing inside Amazon’s massive marketplace. From there, Amazon takes care of everything for you. They print each book as orders come in. They pack them professionally and ship them directly to customers.

This is why Amazon KDP has truly changed the game for aspiring authors. You no longer have to find a traditional publisher who will take the majority of your profits. You don’t need to pay for inventory upfront that might never sell and also avoid spending countless hours negotiating distribution with retailers. Additionally, you maintain control over your content, pricing, and publishing timeline.

However, the simplified logistics aren’t even the biggest reason why KDP is so powerful. What most new authors don’t understand is that Amazon functions as a search engine, not just a bookstore. People go to Amazon every single day and type exactly what they’re looking for into the search bar. What people type represents keywords—actual phrases that indicate buying intent. If you can find a keyword that people are actively searching for but that no one is adequately writing about, you can create a book specifically for those people. You will make money while you sleep without spending a single dime on advertising.

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The Major Advantages of Amazon KDP

One of the most significant advantages of publishing on Amazon KDP is the instant access to a massive audience. Amazon is putting your listing in front of more than 310 million active users. These customers are already in shopping mode. This built-in traffic is incredibly valuable. Acquiring customers is typically one of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of running any business.

Furthermore, shoppers inherently trust Amazon as a platform. They’ve bought from Amazon before. They know the return process works smoothly. They feel confident making purchases. On top of that, these customers already have their payment information saved in their accounts. They’re ready to buy with just one click. This convenience factor dramatically increases conversion rates compared to unfamiliar websites.

When you’re selling on Amazon, you don’t have to spend thousands on paid advertising. You don’t need to drive traffic to your own website. Amazon already does that heavy lifting for you through their organic search results. Their recommendation algorithms also work in your favor. This is precisely why KDP is fantastic for beginners who are looking to generate passive income. They don’t need a huge marketing budget.

The platform provides instant access to qualified traffic and built-in credibility. It requires no initial investment whatsoever. You can literally start publishing books on Amazon KDP today without spending a single dollar. This removes the financial barrier that stops so many aspiring entrepreneurs from getting started.

Perfect for Passive Income Beginners

Amazon KDP creates an ideal environment for beginners who want to build passive income streams. Since there’s no initial investment required, you can test different book ideas. You can experiment with various niches and topics without risking your hard-earned money. This low-barrier entry point allows you to learn what works through real market feedback. You avoid expensive guesswork.

The built-in credibility that comes with Amazon’s reputation automatically backs your book. This works even if you’re a completely unknown author. Customers see the Amazon logo and the verified purchase reviews. They recognize the familiar interface, which makes them far more likely to take a chance on a new author. Moreover, Amazon handles all the complicated logistics that would otherwise consume your time and energy.

They manage the printing quality and packaging standards. They handle shipping logistics and even customer service inquiries about orders. This means you can focus entirely on creating great content and conducting market research. You don’t have to deal with operational headaches. Consequently, KDP allows you to scale up your publishing business by releasing multiple books. Your workload doesn’t increase proportionally.

The beauty of this model lies in its true passive nature. Once your book is published and optimized, it can generate sales 24/7. It requires no additional effort on your part. This aligns perfectly with the Passion Product Formula‘s core principle. You’re creating assets that work for you rather than trading time for money.

The Keyword Opportunity

The keyword research aspect of Amazon KDP represents one of the most powerful opportunities for generating passive income. When you identify gaps in the market, you can create profitable solutions. You’re looking for topics that people actively search for but that existing books don’t adequately cover. This strategic approach to publishing dramatically increases your chances of success.

Instead of writing a book and hoping people will find it, you’re starting with proven demand. Then you’re creating the supply. You’re essentially conducting product research just like successful Amazon FBA sellers do. The only difference is you’re selling books instead of physical products. When you find the right keyword opportunities, you can generate organic sales. You don’t need to spend money on advertising campaigns.

This organic traffic is incredibly valuable because it compounds over time. As your book generates sales and accumulates positive reviews, Amazon’s algorithm promotes it further. It shows your book to even more potential customers. Additionally, this approach allows you to build a portfolio of books in related niches. You’re creating multiple streams of passive income that support each other.

The Passion Product Formula teaches these exact product research principles. It shows you how to identify profitable opportunities before creating products. Applying this methodology to book publishing gives you a significant competitive advantage. You’re not like other authors who simply write about whatever interests them without considering market demand. Nevertheless, this incredible opportunity comes with a significant drawback. You need to understand this limitation before going all-in on Amazon KDP.

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The Critical Disadvantage of Amazon KDP

While Amazon KDP offers tremendous advantages, there’s one major con that can significantly limit your business growth. When you sell your book through Amazon, all the customer data belongs to Amazon, not to you. You won’t be able to contact the customer directly. You can’t send them email marketing and you won’t even know what their email address is.

This lack of customer ownership means you’re building Amazon’s business more than your own. You can’t follow up with buyers to ask for reviewsand you can’t announce your next book launch. You can’t offer them additional products and services. Furthermore, you will only receive a royalty from each sale. This is typically 35% to 70% of the book price depending on your pricing and distribution choices.

You’re essentially renting space on Amazon’s platform rather than owning your own real estate. If Amazon changes their algorithm, your entire business could be affected overnight. They might adjust their royalty structure or modify their terms of service. You have no control over these decisions. You have no recourse if changes negatively impact your income.

This limitation becomes even more significant when you consider the lifetime value of a customer. A customer who buys one of your books might be interested in ten more books. They might want online courses, coaching programs, or other premium offers. However, if Amazon controls that relationship, you’ll never have the opportunity to maximize that customer’s value. Fortunately, there’s a solution that changes everything.

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Selling Through Your Own Website: The Ownership Advantage

Selling on your own website isn’t just about the book itself. It’s about ownership of the customer relationship. This represents a massive advantage if you’re trying to compete and thrive in 2026’s increasingly competitive publishing market. When you build your own webpage, you can collect visitor information through popup discounts. You can use lead magnets or newsletter signups before they even make a purchase.

Once you have their email address, you can send automated follow-up sequences. These nurture the relationship and present offers to secure that sale. Even visitors who don’t buy immediately can be retargeted with valuable content and special promotions. Then, after they purchase your book, you can announce your next launch. You can share valuable bonus content and upsell them to different products and services.

These relationship-building opportunities are all things that you simply can’t do through Amazon’s platform. You’re building a real business asset—an email list of engaged customers. These people already know, like, and trust you. Additionally, you can segment your email list based on interests, purchase history, and engagement levels. This allows you to send highly targeted communications.

This level of personalization and control allows you to maximize the lifetime value of each customer. Instead of making $3 from a single book sale on Amazon, you might make $300 from that same customer over time. You might even make $3,000 by offering courses, coaching, and other premium products. This multiplier effect transforms book publishing from a small side hustle into a legitimate six-figure or seven-figure business.

Building a Complete Business Ecosystem

When you have your own website, you can build comprehensive courses around your book topic. You can offer personalized consulting services to readers who want more in-depth guidance. You can also create a private community or membership program. Your most engaged readers can connect with each other and access exclusive content. Furthermore, you can launch additional books specifically for the same audience. You’re creating a cohesive product ecosystem.

When you’re selling on your own website, the book becomes the front door to your business. It’s not the entire structure. Think of your book as the low-ticket offer that introduces people to your world. It demonstrates your expertise effectively. Once they’ve consumed your book and gotten results, they naturally want more advanced training and support.

This approach aligns perfectly with the Passion Product Formula‘s principle of building multiple revenue streams. You’re building streams from a single core expertise and not just selling books—you’re building a complete business that serves your audience. You’re meeting them at different price points and commitment levels. Moreover, this ecosystem approach creates incredible business resilience. You’re not dependent on any single product or platform.

If book sales slow down, your course sales might increase. If Amazon changes their algorithm, your website traffic and direct sales continue unaffected. This diversification protects your income. It allows you to weather market changes that devastate publishers who rely exclusively on a single platform.

Competitive Advantage

On Amazon, your competitor’s books are literally listed on your product page. The “Customers who bought this item also bought” section showcases alternatives. Amazon actively encourages customers to explore these options. This means you’re constantly fighting to retain attention and prevent customers from clicking away. However, on your own website, you won’t have to compete against other books in the same shopping session.

Your webpage showcases only your products and your brand message. There are no distractions or competitor listings. You have complete control over the customer experience. This spans from the first moment they land on your page to the final checkout process. This allows you to design your sales funnel exactly as you want it. You can optimize every element for maximum conversions.

Additionally, you can build a cohesive brand experience. This reinforces your unique value proposition and creates emotional connections with your audience. Your website becomes a reflection of your expertise and professionalism. It establishes you as an authority in your niche. Consequently, you can command higher prices and achieve better profit margins. This beats selling exclusively through Amazon.

While Amazon typically takes 30% to 65% of your book’s retail price, selling directly allows you to keep the majority of each sale. These higher profit margins mean you can invest more in creating exceptional content. You can spend more on marketing your business. You can build systems that scale—creating a powerful competitive advantage that compounds over time.

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Breaking the Website Creation Myth

Now, most beginners get intimidated when they hear about creating their own website. They think that building a professional e-commerce site requires coding knowledge. They worry about needing advanced technical skills. In the past, that assumption may have been true. But it’s definitely not the reality in 2026.

With the rise of AI website creators, building your own e-commerce website has never been easier. It’s also never been more accessible. In less than 20 minutes, you can have your own professional online store up and running. You won’t write a single line of code. You don’t need any design experience whatsoever. The technology has advanced so dramatically that the technical barriers have essentially disappeared.

I’ve personally proven this in multiple videos. I’ve created fully functional, professional-looking websites in less than 5 minutes using AI-powered tools. The process is genuinely simple enough that anyone can do it. This works regardless of their technical background. However, not all website builders are created equal. This is especially true when it comes to AI capabilities and e-commerce features.

If you are creating your own website using AI, the only company I recommend is Hostinger. They have doubled down on AI development for the past year and make creating your website super easy as a complete beginner. They understand that modern entrepreneurs need powerful tools. Those tools shouldn’t come with the complexity that traditionally accompanied website building.

Hostinger’s AI Website Builder

Hostinger even offers a complete AI website builder that does practically all the work for you. You simply enter your brand name and a quick description of what you’re selling. The AI builds your entire website automatically. This includes designing headers, selecting relevant images, and writing compelling copy. It creates a cohesive visual brand identity.

They’re actually running a huge sale right now. This makes it the perfect time to get started. If you want to build your own website to sell your books and related products, check their plans using the link in the description. If you really want to leverage AI to its fullest potential, I recommend you go with their business plan.

This tier gives you access to their full stack of AI tools. You get all their e-commerce features, which is essential for selling books and digital products. Plus, it includes a domain name completely for free. They charge you zero transaction fees on your store. Your domain name is the www.yourwebsitename.com address where your website lives on the internet.

You even have the option of using a .shop domain. This instantly communicates that you’re selling something. It shows you’re not just a blog or informational site. If you want to maximize your savings, I also recommend you choose their 48-month plan. This locks in their cheapest rate for a full four years. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee that really makes it a no-brainer decision. Plus, depending on where you’re watching this, they might even give you three months completely for free.

This is the company I personally use to build websites for all my products. They’ve even given me an exclusive discount code. If you use coupon code “Travis” at checkout, you’re going to get an extra 10% off. This applies to their already discounted rates.

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The Winning Strategy: Why You Should Do BOTH

Now, before you go and sign up for Hostinger, let’s talk about which strategy is actually best in 2026. This leads me to the critical mistake that 90% of beginners make when they’re starting their publishing journey. When choosing between selling on Amazon or building your own website, most new authors think they have to pick one or the other.

However, the honest answer is that you shouldn’t choose at all. You should implement both strategies simultaneously. This might sound overwhelming at first. But it’s actually the smartest approach because each platform serves different purposes. Together they create a powerful synergy. Successful publishers don’t see this as an either-or decision. They recognize that both platforms complement each other perfectly.

By trying to choose just one platform, you’re essentially leaving money on the table. You’re limiting your business growth potential. Amazon brings immediate traffic and sales volume. Meanwhile, your website gives you ownership and higher profit margins. Therefore, the winning formula combines the strengths of both approaches. It minimizes the weaknesses of each.

This dual-platform strategy might seem more complex initially. But it’s actually quite straightforward once you understand how the pieces fit together. Moreover, setting up both channels doesn’t require double the work. It requires smart work that leverages each platform’s unique advantages.

The Dual-Platform Strategy

Here’s exactly how this strategy works in practice. You sell on Amazon KDP because you’re going to get a tremendous volume of sales. This comes from their built-in traffic and trusted platform. Amazon’s 310 million active users represent an audience that you simply couldn’t reach on your own. This is especially true when you’re just starting out.

Then, within your book itself, you can strategically offer upsells. You can mention your courses, coaching programs, or other premium products. You can include calls-to-action that direct engaged readers to your website. Offer bonus content, additional resources, or exclusive community access. These in-book promotions convert exceptionally well. Readers who finish your book are highly engaged and already trust your expertise.

Meanwhile, you have a website where people can go to learn more about your courses. They can potentially buy your book directly from you. They can access your full range of products and services. Some people genuinely prefer to buy directly from creators rather than through Amazon. They want to support you more directly. On top of that, there are other upsells and premium offerings that you can promote on your website.

Your website serves as your business hub. It’s the central location where you control the narrative. You own the customer relationship and maximize profit margins. So don’t get caught in the trap of deciding between selling on Amazon or selling on your own website. Do both strategically, and you’ll build a more resilient, profitable publishing business.

The Synergy Effect

The real magic happens when you understand how these two channels work together synergistically. Each platform actually strengthens the other rather than competing for attention. Your Amazon presence drives awareness and generates sales volume. Meanwhile, your website captures customer data and enables higher-ticket offers.

You’re creating multiple touchpoints to reach customers wherever they prefer to shop. You’re meeting them where they consume content. This omnichannel approach dramatically increases your overall business revenue. Different customers have different preferences. Additionally, diversifying your income across multiple platforms protects you. You’re protected against algorithm changes or policy updates on any single platform.

This business resilience is crucial for long-term success. You’re not putting all your eggs in one basket. If Amazon changes their royalty structure or modifies their search algorithm, you still have your website traffic. Your email list remains intact. Furthermore, this approach exemplifies the core principles of the Passion Product Formula. You’re building multiple revenue streams from one core product or expertise.

You’re building a comprehensive business that serves your audience at different levels of engagement and meeting them at different price points. This creates maximum value for your customers while generating maximum profit for your business. It’s the ultimate win-win scenario.

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How the Passion Product Formula Applies to Book Publishing

The Passion Product Formula‘s core principle teaches you to turn your passion and expertise into profitable products. These products generate passive income. This methodology applies incredibly well to book publishing. Books are the perfect vehicle for packaging your knowledge and expertise. However, the Formula goes beyond just creating a single product. It’s about building a complete business ecosystem.

The product research techniques taught in the Passion Product Formula work perfectly for book publishing. Just as you would research profitable Amazon FBA products, you can research profitable book topics. You analyze keywords the same way. You’re looking for the intersection of what people actively want and what the market currently under-serves. This strategic approach dramatically increases your chances of success.

Furthermore, the Formula emphasizes not stopping at just selling products. You’re building assets and creating business systems. These generate ongoing revenue rather than requiring constant hustle. This mindset shift from “author” to “business owner” changes everything. It transforms how you approach publishing and monetization.

The keyword strategy principles that make Amazon FBA successful apply equally to Amazon KDP publishing. You’re looking for search volume, low competition, and proven buying intent. Additionally, the Formula teaches you to build multiple revenue streams. You don’t rely on a single income source. This is exactly why the dual-platform strategy makes so much sense.

Implementing the Formula

Here’s how you can implement the Passion Product Formula specifically for your publishing business. Start with thorough research to identify what your target audience actually needs and wants. Don’t assume what they need. Look at existing books and read reviews to find gaps. Analyze keyword search volume and identify underserved niches.

Then create your book as a comprehensive solution to a real problem. Make sure people are actively trying to solve this problem. Your content should deliver genuine value. It should create transformational results for readers. Next, launch on Amazon KDP to leverage the platform’s built-in traffic. Take advantage of their search engine capabilities and massive customer base.

Simultaneously, build your own website using tools like Hostinger‘s AI website builder. Create your branded ecosystem. Develop additional products that naturally extend from your book. This might include video courses, group coaching programs, or private communities. Consider workbooks or advanced training. Finally, scale the system by replicating your success. Create additional books and products that serve the same audience.

The long-term vision here is building a sustainable publishing business. It should grow over time rather than requiring constant content creation. You’re creating assets that appreciate in value. They accumulate reviews, rankings, and authority in your niche. This strategic approach, guided by the Passion Product Formula‘s principles, transforms book publishing. It evolves from a hobby into a legitimate six-figure or seven-figure business.

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Getting Started: Your Action Plan

Now that you understand the complete strategy, here’s your step-by-step action plan to get started. First, write and format your book manuscript. Follow Amazon KDP’s formatting guidelines to ensure a professional final product. Then create your Amazon KDP account and publish your book. Optimize your title, description, and keywords for maximum discoverability.

Next, set up your Hostinger account using the discount code “Travis.” This gets you the best possible pricing. Build your website using their AI tools. This takes approximately 20 minutes or less even if you’re a complete beginner. Subsequently, create your upsell products. Develop courses, guides, workbooks, or other resources that complement your book.

Implement strategic calls-to-action within your book. Direct readers to your website for bonus content or premium offers. Set up email collection systems and automation sequences. These nurture leads and convert them into customers. Finally, launch your complete system and iterate. Base improvements on real market feedback and results.

Of course, having expert guidance can dramatically accelerate your success. It helps you avoid costly mistakes. That’s where professional support comes in. It gives you a competitive advantage right from the start.

Free Strategy Session Opportunity

If you are looking to start your own KDP business and dive into Kindle Direct Publishing, you can get on a free call with my experienced team. They’ll provide you with personalized guidance based on your specific situation. They’ll consider your goals and experience level. You’ll learn proven methods for selling on Kindle profitably. You’ll avoid the trial-and-error that costs most beginners months of wasted effort.

This is a completely free consultation with no cost and no obligation whatsoever. Click the link in the description to access the free call scheduling page. Choose a time that works for your calendar. During this strategy session, you’ll learn the complete roadmap for building a profitable KDP business from scratch.

My team will walk you through the exact steps. They’ll share insider strategies and answer all your questions about getting started. This is hands-on support from people who have already achieved success with Kindle publishing. They know exactly what works in 2026’s market. Don’t let uncertainty or overwhelm stop you from taking action. Schedule your free strategy session today. Get the clarity you need to move forward confidently.

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Your Path Forward: Taking Action in 2026

Don’t choose between Amazon KDP and your own website. Strategically implement both platforms to maximize your publishing success. The 2026 advantage comes from combining both channels in a way that leverages each platform’s unique strengths. Amazon gives you traffic, trust, and passive sales volume. Meanwhile, your website gives you ownership, relationships, and premium product opportunities.

Technology enablers like AI website builders have completely removed the traditional barriers. These barriers previously stopped aspiring authors from building their own platforms. You no longer need technical skills, coding knowledge, or design expertise. You can create a professional online presence easily. Consequently, there’s never been a better time to start your publishing journey. You can build real passive income streams.

Strategic publishing that combines research, multiple platforms, and diverse product offerings creates genuine recurring revenue. This revenue compounds over time. This isn’t about getting rich quick. It’s about building a sustainable business asset that grows in value year after year. Ultimately, your success depends entirely on taking action. Information alone won’t create results.

Apply the Passion Product Formula‘s proven product research and business-building principles to your publishing venture. Start with validated demand. Create exceptional solutions. Build comprehensive ecosystems that serve your audience at multiple levels. Publishing has never been more accessible, profitable, or scalable than it is right now in 2026.

The barriers are lower. The tools are better. The opportunities are bigger. Schedule your free strategy session today to get personalized guidance from experts. They can show you the proven path forward. Start building your publishing empire in 2026 by taking the first step right now. The perfect time to start is always today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can I realistically make with Amazon KDP?

Your earnings from Amazon KDP vary significantly based on your niche selection, book quality, and marketing efforts. Some publishers make just a few hundred dollars per month. Others generate five or six figures monthly. The key is conducting thorough keyword research to find profitable opportunities. Publishing multiple books creates cumulative passive income. Additionally, combining KDP with your own website for upsells dramatically increases your earning potential. This beats relying solely on book royalties.

Do I need writing experience to publish on Amazon KDP?

No, you don’t need formal writing experience to publish successfully on Amazon KDP. Many successful publishers use ghostwriters or collaborate with co-authors. Some leverage AI writing tools to create their content. What matters most is providing genuine value to your readers and solving real problems. However, you should still ensure your book is professionally edited and formatted before publishing. This maintains quality standards and earns positive reviews.

How long does it take to start making money with KDP?

Most publishers see their first sales within days or weeks of publishing. However, building significant income typically takes several months. The timeline depends on your keyword selection, book quality, and pricing strategy. It also depends on whether you’re running promotional campaigns. Books that target specific keywords with proven demand tend to generate sales faster. This beats books in highly competitive or undefined niches. Building a portfolio of multiple books accelerates your income growth substantially.

Is it expensive to build and maintain a website for selling books?

Not at all—especially when using platforms like Hostinger. They offer affordable plans starting under $3 per month with the discount codes mentioned. Their business plan includes everything you need for e-commerce without transaction fees. This makes it incredibly cost-effective. The 48-month plan locks in the lowest rates for four years. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it risk-free. Compared to the potential income from direct sales and upsells, the investment is minimal.

Can I really build a website in 20 minutes with no technical skills?

Yes, modern AI website builders like Hostinger‘s have made this completely possible. You enter basic information about your business. The AI generates your entire website including design, copy, and images. You can then customize elements with simple drag-and-drop tools without touching any code. The technology has advanced so much that technical skills are no longer a barrier. If you can use email and social media, you can build a professional website.

Should I publish ebooks, paperbacks, or both on Amazon KDP?

Publishing both formats maximizes your reach. Different customers have different preferences. Ebooks have higher profit margins and no printing costs. Paperbacks appeal to readers who prefer physical books and often command higher prices. KDP makes it easy to publish both formats from the same manuscript. Many successful publishers find that offering both options significantly increases their total sales volume.

How do I drive traffic to my website if I’m not using Amazon’s built-in audience?

Your Amazon KDP books actually become your primary traffic source to your website. By including strategic calls-to-action within your books, you guide engaged readers to your website. Offer bonus content, courses, or premium offers. Additionally, you can build traffic through SEO-optimized blog content. Use social media marketing and email list building. Eventually use paid advertising once you’ve validated your offers. The key is starting with your book readers who already know and trust you.

What kind of upsells work best for book publishers?

The most successful upsells for publishers include online courses that go deeper into your book’s topic. Group coaching or membership programs provide ongoing support. Workbooks and templates help readers implement your strategies. One-on-one consulting serves premium clients. Digital products work particularly well because they have no fulfillment costs. They can be delivered instantly. Choose upsells that naturally extend from your book’s content. They should solve the next problem your readers face.