#125: The 3-Step Author Business System

Read Time: 2.5 Minutes

Most authors think they need to do everything:

Post on TikTok, grow Instagram, update Goodreads, write blog posts, create Pinterest pins, run Facebook Ads, test Amazon Ads, scale their BookBub Ads, reply to emails, engage in Facebook groups...

The list goes on (I'm exhausted just typing all that out!).

And somewhere between all that, you're supposed to actually, you know, write books.

No wonder so many authors burn out before they've even made their first sale. Or burn out 12 months in.

But what if you only needed three things working well?

That's what we're diving into today... Let's begin...

Step 1: Offer Clarity

This means knowing exactly what you're selling and who it's for.

Not "I write fantasy" or "I have a romance series."

But something like: "I write closed-door historical romance for readers who loved Bridgerton but want more witty banter."

Or: "I write tactical guides for former military transitioning to civilian careers."

If you can't explain your books in one clear sentence that makes your ideal reader say "oh, that's exactly what I've been looking for," you'll struggle with everything else.

Here's the thing most authors miss though:

Your book sells your book. 

Specifically, your product page (on Amazon or another retailer) is where readers decide to buy (or borrow) your book,

And in order to put your best foot forward on your product page, you need to understand what you write, who you're writing it for and communicate that effectively.

Your product page needs to speak to your ideal reader in their language and make buying or borrowing your book a no-brainer. 

Position it in a way that they just cannot say no to.

There are millions of books at your reader's fingertips; why should they choose yours?

That's where having crystal clear clarity over your offer and your ideal reader, comes into its own.

Step 2: Targeted Advertising

Once you know what you're selling and who you're selling it to, you only need one advertising channel working consistently to start.

Not five. Not ten.

One.

The simplest system?

Run ads directly to your books on Amazon.

It's the biggest retailer, and they have Amazon Attribution—a free tracking system that shows you exactly which sales came from which ads; something the other retailers don't offer yet.

Once you've got one advertising channel up and running and stable, then you can diversify.

I recommend no more than 2-3 advertising channels, even for well established authors pulling in 6-figures per year.

Speaking of advertising—my BookBub Ads Mastery For Authors course launches November 6th.

Join the waitlist for the course here and you'll receive an early access invitation, exclusive weekly insights, behind-the-scenes content, and proven strategies before the doors open.

Step 3: Converting Readers

This is about having a system that turns first-time readers into loyal fans who buy everything you write.

The simplest version:

Ads → Amazon product page → Purchase → Reader magnet captures email → Welcome sequence introduces your other books → Regular newsletter keep you top of mind → New releases sell like hotcakes

The system compounds.

Each book you write feeds the same funnel.

Each reader you convert tells their friends.

Each email strengthens the relationship.

The most common mistake?

Trying to fix Step 3 (reader conversion) when the real problem is Step 1 (Offer Clarity).

Or spreading yourself across ten different marketing channels instead of mastering one.

You can't build a sustainable author business on a shaky foundation.

Start with knowing exactly what you write and who it's for.

Then pick one advertising channel and master it.

Finally, build the simplest possible system to keep readers coming back for more.

Three steps.

That's it.

Simplicity scales. Complexity fails.

Thank you so much for reading, enjoy your weekend and I'll be back with you next Saturday.

To Your Success
– Matt