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With the growth in podcast popularity and consumers growing desire for new ways to consume media, the demand for audiobooks is soaring. According to the Audio Publishers Association, audiobook sales generated $1.8 billion in the US in 2022. This marks the eleventh year in a row the format has seen double-digit sales growth.

With this spike comes demand for more audiobooks, and with more audiobooks comes increased competition for readers' attention. This means in order to get your audiobook in front of the right audience, you need to break through the noise—and the best way to do this is by marketing and promoting the audio version of your book.

The following are ten ways to ensure readers know they have the option to listen to your book as well:

1. Upload an audio sample

Including a snippet of your audiobook, whether it be just one minute or an entire chapter, can provide potential listeners with a preview of what they will be getting. If they like what they hear, they’ll be more inclined to download the whole book. Posting small samples of the audio on social media can be a great way to build interest leading up to launch day.

2. Run a Spotify Ad Campaign

Spotify is the largest music and media streaming platform and is a great place to creatively promote your audiobook. With 163 million active monthly ad-supported listeners, Spotify gives you the opportunity to diversify your audience on a large scale, linking straight to the audiobook to download. With Spotify’s detailed targeting options, you can ensure that your ad is reaching your ideal audience.

3. Provide a landing page for listeners

Whether you decide to dedicate an entire section of your website, or just a portion of your homepage, it’s important to give your audiobook part of the spotlight. Creating a place for listeners to learn more about the audiobook specifically is more likely to draw those people in. It is also the perfect place to include a permanent audio preview, especially if it is a longer version.

4. Try NetGalley for Audiobooks

NetGalley is a community of professional readers and listeners, ranging from librarians and educators to bloggers and members of the media. Listing your audiobook on NetGalley gives these reviewers early access to build buzz and garner thoughtful reviews. This helps create an online presence and social proof for your audiobook.

5. Celebrate your audiobook release

Just as you did with the release of your print and ebook versions, make sure you celebrate your audiobook. Posting the link on release day, keeping up with Amazon rankings and reviews, and spreading the word to your network are all excellent ways to increase the excitement of your book’s next chapter.

6. Explore AudioFile Magazine Promotion

As the premiere audiobook publication and promotional site, AudioFile is the place to reach avid listeners and audiobook advocates. Ad placements in the print and digital editions of the bimonthly magazine can help you reach a community of over 251,000 listeners who value dynamic listening experiences.

7. Mention your audiobook in interviews

As you continue to promote your book via podcasts, articles, radio, etc., it’s important to highlight all of the different formats in which your book is available for purchase. People listening to or watching one of your recent guest appearances may be wondering if your book is available as an audiobook. Mentioning the audiobook format, especially if you are just celebrating the release, is essential.

8. Promote the link to your audiobook

It is important to make sure you are not only talking about your audiobook but are also providing the link for potential listeners wherever you can. Including the link in your bio on social media, your email signature, and your website are essential to ensure that finding your audiobook is easy.

9. Increase sales with paid advertising

Amazon ads can be very effective in specifically targeting your book’s audience. By reaching potential readers who are interested in your content and are regular audiobook shoppers, you are increasing the number of people who will purchase a copy and hopefully share a review.

10. Utilize social media

There’s a lot you can do to keep your followers engaged with the launch of your audiobook. You can post snippets of the audio, post screenshots of requests you’ve received for an audiobook format, talk about the process, or even walk people through how it works in real time as you track your progress. Keeping your readers informed and letting them know you have something exciting in the works can help make a launch day successful.

Interested in publishing an audiobook version of your book or promoting your current audiobook? Contact us.