Pre-Launch Testing Timeline
- Week 1 — Title Testing — Test 3–5 title options with your target audience via social media polls or beta readers. Check Amazon search results for each option. Verify no trademark conflicts exist before committing.
- Week 2 — Description Testing — A/B test description hooks with a small audience. Read the full description aloud to check flow and rhythm. Verify every promise made can actually be delivered by the book.
- Week 3 — Category Research — Monitor chosen categories for ranking opportunities. Research seasonal trends that may affect discoverability. Confirm categories match reader expectations — not just keyword logic.
Post-Launch Optimisation Schedule
| Timeline | Target | Measure | Action If Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1–2 | 10+ page views/day | Click-through rate from search | Adjust description hook if CTR <2% |
| Month 1 | Top 100 in one category | Category rank + keyword ranking | Change keywords or categories if not ranking |
| Month 3 | >30% organic sales | % of sales from organic vs paid | Overhaul metadata strategy if organic <30% |
Common Metadata Mistakes to Avoid
Title Mistakes
- Avoid: Too similar to existing bestsellers — creates confusion, invites unfavourable comparison
- Avoid: Genre unclear from title alone — readers can't self-select
- Avoid: Impossible to remember or spell — fails word-of-mouth
- Avoid: Doesn't work at thumbnail size — fails the most common first impression
Description Mistakes
- Avoid: Burying the hook after long setup paragraphs
- Avoid: Focusing on plot summary instead of stakes (fiction)
- Avoid: Making vague promises without specifics (non-fiction)
- Avoid: No comp titles or genre signals — readers can't calibrate expectations
Keyword & Category Mistakes
- Avoid: Using single words instead of multi-word search phrases
- Avoid: Choosing keywords you can't realistically rank for
- Avoid: Keyword stuffing instead of natural reader language
- Avoid: Categories where you can't reach top 100 — produces invisible rankings
- Avoid: Going too broad instead of specific — competition overwhelms you
- Avoid: Not researching category competition before selecting