There is an increasing trend of selling books right from your website, and using the best WordPress book selling plugin makes the task even easier.
These plugins ease the entire process of buying and selling books.
But also, as the aim of publishers and authors is to build a connection with the readers, they make it very easy while also making transactions very smooth.
A good WordPress book selling plugin makes the shopping process efficient and comfortable for the readers by helping them locate and purchase the books with a few clicks.
This article will review the top WordPress plugins for selling books.
We will examine how you can leverage these tools to generate more revenue, reduce the friction in the buying experience, and strengthen the bonds with your readers.
With the right plugins, these readers become customers and your website turns into a profitable online book store.
Why Selling Books Directly on Your Website is Important for Authors
More Profits: Selling directly on the website cuts out the middleman which results in higher profits for the author.
Third-party sites can take up 30% or more in the process.
Selling directly can give the author as much as 60-80% of the sale price which leads to higher earnings.
Improved reader engagements: Direct sales foster personal relationships with consumers.
You can give all readers special interactions such as messages or personalized copies of books with an autograph.
These forms of engagement help build trust and nurtures loyalty with your readers.
Valuable data insights: Selling your books on your site helps you obtain customer data.
You are able to understand the choices and actions of your readers.
This enables you to develop customized content and focused marketing strategies.
Benefits of SEO: Selling your books directly improves the ranking of your site on search engines.
When there is more traffic on your site, it becomes easier to be discovered and become visible.
Having a site that is optimized well becomes a place for readers and new people to find all your books and contact you.
Self empowerment: Authors can sell their books directly which helps them grow their business.
You decide everything from the prices to the promotions and how you wish to interact with your readers.
You get to enjoy more independence and autonomy in your self publishing journey.
Essential Features to Look for in a WordPress Book-Selling Plugin
What are some of the features that will make you go for the WordPress book selling plugin?
Authors want their online bookstores to operate efficiently and give clients a satisfactory experience.
The following components are critical for anyone wanting to sell books over the internet:
1. E-commerce Integration
The principle function of a plugin to sell books on a WordPress site should be to facilitate the selling of books.
Ensure there are product pages allowing for multiple payment methods.
This makes the purchase process very smooth so customers can buy books with ease.
2. Customization Options
Every good plugin should have a degree of customization for a good-looking online store.
The most desirable plugins offer customizations to site design, including themes and templates, so that one’s store conveys their unique identity and brand.
3. Security
This is of paramount importance.
The chosen plugin should guarantee secure payment methods and safeguard the customers’ data.
With features such as encryption, everything is sealed inside a safe box, and it helps shoppers feel relaxed about shopping.
4. Compatibility
You want a plugin that is compatible with the other components on the site.
The plugin must function alongside the theme and page builder parts of your site to reduce the likelihood of software complications.
5. Book Previews
Giving potential buyers a taste of your book can make a big difference.
Plugins that let you show PDF or text previews of your book can help increase sales, as people will feel more confident about buying after seeing a sample.
6. Affiliate Marketing Support
Certain plugins allow people to advertise other authors’ works and receive payments for it.
This extra function expands the ways you can generate revenue and makes it easier for you to increase your earnings while supporting other writers.
7. Inventory Management
If you’re publishing physical copies of your book, managing inventory should be a major priority.
Certain plugins are designed to help you track stock, sales, and orders so that you have complete control over all these aspects.
They will tell you what is available and what needs restocking.
8. Customer Engagement tools
Making a sale is important but there is more to it than that – a relationship must be forged with the audience as well.
A plugin that allows email signup or maybe even a social media sharing option will allow you to engage with your audience and keep them updated on new book releases and promotional offers.
Top WordPress Plugins for Selling Books Directly from Your Website
Now, let’s look at some of the best wordpress book selling plugins out there:
1. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is one of the top rated plugins to sell products in wordpress.
It’s perfect for authors who want to sell both physical books (like paperbacks or hardcovers) and digital books (like e-books).
What authors love about it:
Make Product Pages: Each book can be uploaded along with a detailed description, cover images, and pricing on a single page.
Payment Options: Accept payments via credit cards, PayPal and many more using WooCommerce.
Shipping Methods: Managing delivery and shipping costs is easy if you offer physical copies.
Why It’s Used A Lot:
WooCommerce has lots of ways to adjust it for your needs.
It’s also easy to get help from the large community of users if you face any problems.
2. Easy Digital Downloads (EDD)
If you only want to sell e-books, Easy Digital Downloads is a suitable choice.
It is tailored for the sale of digital products.
What Authors Adore it:
Very Simple Signup: EDD is very easy and fast to get set up. Therefore, you can immediately begin selling your e-books.
Promo Codes: EDD allows users to create promo codes for customers making it easy to offer sales.
Secure Files: Each client is issued a special unique key that enables them to open and access one of the e-books links which keeps your content safe.
What Makes It Fantastic For Authors:
EDD is designed specifically for digital products, eliminating the concerns about irrelevant functionalities.
This can be helpful to authors who are looking for a straightforward way to sell e-books.
3. Shopify on WordPress
Shopify is a reputable brand of online stores, which means if you expect serious volume sales of your book, it may be a viable option.
It can also be integrated into WordPress seamlessly.
Why Authors Love It:
Built for Growth: Shopify is great for those looking to scale their sales or enhance their service offerings by adding features such as inventory management.
Integrated Payments: Shopify facilitates the transaction process, making it easier for readers to purchase their books.
Why It is a Good Choice:
If you are expecting high sales volume or want the more advanced features, Shopify is great.
Be watchful though, it can be a bit more complicated-due to the integrations and costly for those just selling a few books.
4. Bookly
While Bookly is mainly a booking system for services like workshops or events, it can also help authors who sell books as part of their services.
Why Authors Love It:
Booking and Selling in One: You readers are able to book and pay for events like author workshops and speeches, and purchase your books in a single transaction.
Seamless Payment Processing: Both event and book payments are processed effortlessly in the booking phase.
Why it’s Appreciated:
With Bookly, readers may conveniently purchase books and book services in a single transaction.
Hence, if you offer events such as workshops or public speaking with your books, they will always find your services easily accessible.
5. Payhip
Payhip is a straightforward plugin for selling digital products like e-books from your website.
Why Authors Love It:
Easy Set Up: In only a few clicks, you can sell your ebooks.
Affiliate Marketing: Payhip allows you to create affiliate programs enabling others to promote your books for a commission.
Why It’s Great:
Payhip is simple so all an author has to do is sell e-books and maybe get into affiliate programs later.
6. WP eCommerce
Another option for authors who want to build an online shop for selling books is WP eCommerce.
Why Authors Love It:
Customizable Design: The branding of the store can be customized with appropriate designs.
Multiple Payment Methods: With WP eCommerce, you can receive payments from different gateways, thereby providing your readership with several payment options.
Why It’s Great for Authors:
If you want to make your store truly unique, WP eCommerce gives you the flexibility to design it just the way you want.
It is great if you want more control over the appearance of your online store.
How These Plugins Help Increase Book Sales
WordPress plugins specializing in selling books help authors increase the volume of sales by enhancing the buying experience, advertising campaigns, and the customer’s buying propensity.
This is how it’s done:
User Experience Optimization
For instance with WooCommerce, guests can buy from your store without needing to create an account and they have the ability to save their payment information.
This results in a more streamlined and efficient checkout experience.
On EDD, Customers are able to receive the e-books they purchase immediately which assists in closing sales more effectively.
Marketing Features
Mailchimp, for example, can be integrated with WooCommerce or EDD to create email lists for authors to share their new books and other offers with customers.
Authors can create discount codes and set up promotions with EDD and WooCommerce to drive more sales.
Some plugins like Payhip enable authors to create affiliate programs to extend the marketing of their books and increase sales.
Upselling and Cross Selling
Authors can use Upsells displaying books relevant to the one being purchased or bundle several books together for one price.
Authors can use Cross-sells to suggest books that are similar to the one the customer is buying.
Loyalty programs can be created using Points and Rewards for WordPress plugins to encourage customers to make more repeat purchases.
Conclusion
Selling books directly from your website is a game-changer for authors looking to boost profits and build a loyal following.
The secret is to find a great WordPress book selling plugin.
With the right WordPress plugin, you can make book selling so simple, make marketing easier, and even encourage readers to buy more.
These plugins also allow integrating email marketing, providing discounts, and cross selling, and still provide complete control of the brand.
You are also sure to strengthen the connections to your audience.