Spring is a season of renewal, and while you’re busy dusting shelves and clearing clutter, why not spring clean your book metadata for a fresh start? Metadata is the silent engine that drives book discovery. And outdated details can limit your book’s reach.
Here’s our tips to spring clean your book metadata to improve visibility, boost sales, and connect with your ideal readers.
Step 1: Audit Your Metadata
Before you can spring clean your book metadata (and tailor it to B&N readers!), you need to know what you’re working with. Review your book projects on the B&N Press platform and compare them to your listings on the Barnes & Noble website. This can help identify areas that need attention.
Key Elements to Review:
- Title and Subtitle: Are they clear, concise, and keyword-rich?
- Author Name: Ensure consistency across all titles for easy discovery.
- Series Information: Is your series data organized and consistent?
- Use our Manage Series tool to track and update your series information!
- Description/Blurb: Is your blurb compelling, error-free, and optimized for SEO?
- Keywords: Are your chosen keywords still relevant and performing well?
- Categories: Are you listed in the most strategic categories for your book’s genre?
Step 2: Polish Your Book Description
Your book description is prime real estate. It should hook readers quickly and invite them to learn more. Refresh your description by:
- Starting with a powerful hook.
- Adding new awards, reviews, or accolades if available.
- Highlighting themes, tropes, or comparisons to popular titles to appeal to the right audience.
- Structuring your blurb for easy readability, using short paragraphs, bullet points, or bold text.
Step 3: Optimize Your Categories
Our platform allows you to list your book in multiple categories. And these are essential to your book’s visibility. Research niche categories on BN.com where your book can stand out while still being relevant. The more specific your category, the better your chances of getting discovered.
Example: Instead of “General Romance,” consider “Romance – Rogues, Rebels, and Rakes.”
Step 4: Refresh Your Author Bio
Your author bio is a chance to connect with readers. Update your bio with recent milestones or achievements.
- Recent achievements (awards, bestseller status, etc.).
- Links to your website or newsletter.
- A personal touch that reveals your writing passion or inspiration.
Step 5: Evaluate Your Covers (If Needed)
While your metadata is the focus, consider if your book’s cover needs updating. Trends shift over time, and an outdated cover could hold your book back. A cover refresh doesn’t mean changing your identity—it means aligning your book’s visual appeal with current market trends.
Step 6: Test and Track Changes
After making updates, track your results carefully. Monitor your book’s rank, sales data, and reader feedback. If possible, stagger changes to isolate what’s working best.
Step 7: Keep a Metadata Calendar
Metadata isn’t a one-time task. Schedule reminders to review your metadata every 6-12 months. Regular updates help your book stay competitive and adapt to changing trends.
Final Thoughts
Your book’s metadata is a powerful tool to improve visibility and boost sales. A metadata spring clean can help your book thrive in a shifting marketplace. Investing a few hours in this process can yield long-term results—helping your book find more readers and thrive.
Looking for more ways to refresh your writing journey this spring? Check out our post on How To Spring Clean Your Writing Journey for tips to help breathe new life into your work.
