Interesting Bestseller Information

January 27, 2009 · Comments

When I write about books on my site, I use Amazon affiliate links to point to the books. One reason I do that is because it’s really easy. The other is, I like knowing whether or not something I loved resonated with you (well, the you who click those links and buy something, I guess). (It doesn’t hurt to make beer money, but it’s only beer money.)

It gives me a sense of what’s interesting to you.

Know what sold the most in January? YouTube: An Insider’s Guide to Climbing the Charts.

I’m happy for a few reasons. One, the book is really useful. Two, both authors dropped me a line pretty much the day I posted my review, meaning that they’re really plugged into the blogging world (which makes me happy, and I don’t care if that’s a selfish feeling, but hey, if you’re blogger-friendly, I’m more likely to like you back). Three, the book is really useful. I mean, I’m not sure I’m going to “top the charts,” but I can tell you this: what I’ve learned from that book (though I don’t always follow the lessons) has made me a better video producer.

Finally, I’m happy because something I promoted helped these authors sell another 40 books, and I’m excited for them.

You know, and Darren has said this on many occasions: no one’s quitting their day job on the money Amazon pays you for affiliate links. Some of those copies of that book gave me like.. 17 cents a copy or something (third party reseller). But that wasn’t the point for me. Once it adds up to beer money, hey, pretty cool. But in the mean time, it gives me more things to think about.

So, get that book if you want to know more about video making:

And if you’re interested in things like stats and behavior, what other geeky ways are you tracking it? Are you using CrazyEgg to heatmap your sites? Have you tried Woopra? Do you care where your people come from? (I sure do!)

This can be just fun, too, you know.

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  • fd
    You can also tell loyalty/branding if people search the exact name of a post you wrote (assuming the title wasn’t generic, like “what is SEO”).
  • fd
    I didn’t read the book review you did. But I think it’s pretty cool that the author responded to you blogging about their book. Reading post like this let’s me know that the social networking is really accomplishing what it is meant to do.
  • Wrote about this recently in my analytics category: One thing I like to do with analytics is check out how SEO savvy my readers are. One way to do that is looking at the search referral parameters to see if they have personalized search turned off and/or whether they're browsing for another country's search results.

    You can also tell loyalty/branding if people search the exact name of a post you wrote (assuming the title wasn't generic, like "what is SEO").
  • I haven't seen either of those links you featured for traffic data, but I'm very happy with Get Clicky, so far.
  • Amazon is really special like that. That is probably how they make the big bucks with other people doing the leg work for keg money.
  • Thank you!

    Funny thing is with affiliate links, on one of my older books, from a few years back, I make more on the affiliate links that I do from the publisher!

    Michael W. Dean
  • Hi Chris. Dropping by to leave a link for your original post, just in case anyone else's memory is as bad as mine:

    http://www.chrisbrogan.com/three-books-to-spend...

    Cheers, D.
  • amy
    I can not afford one of your books at the moment by far, sad story but does not really matter. I find you to be intuitive, funny, informative and I just really enjoy reading your posts, readings, etc. You have made a difference in my life and I just wanted to let you know this. Thanks for being who you are!
    APM
  • Chris, thanks again for the mention! Glad you enjoyed the book and Michael and I are very happy you decided to share it with your readers, twice. =)
  • I use reviews from those I trust as a way of finding new and interesting books to read, so I try to actually seek out affiliate links so that I can give a few bucks back to those that took the time to put together an informative review and let me know about a good book I should be reading. In fact, this YouTube book made it onto my 'To Read' list based just on your review of it alone!
  • Hi Chris, great plug for CrazyEgg. It is an amazing tool to visualize what is going on with your site. I highly recommend webmasters check it out.
  • Chris,
    It seems like it is not easy for you to make money from blogging. I would not mind making some beer money from my blog too but am worried of loosing trust. I understand that I miss a world of experience not experimenting with it. I actually appreciate that you do and share.
    Thanks.
    Maybe you could write why(?). I see so many other blogs with sponsors and ads so I am not sure if the problem is not me:)
    Is blogging a sacred act that we don't want to mix it with money (at least not directly)? Does it change the context of our posts?
    Keren.
  • Yes, I definitely care where people come from, and am all-around fascinated by what makes people tick when it comes to design, headlines, brands and experiences on the internet. I think I utilize every tool under the sun to gain more insight on what people are really doing when at my sites. That kind of information is priceless to anyone who owns a site, but many people don't realize it.

    As far as Amazon affiliate links go, I think it's crazy that people get so bent out of shape when they see an affiliate link to something being talked about on a blogger's page or twitter stream. You're not spamming or soliciting sales, you're genuinely helping those who read your content by providing suggestions and advice. Like you said, it's beer money. :)
  • Hi Chris

    I didn't read the book review you did. But I think it's pretty cool that the author responded to you blogging about their book. Reading post like this let's me know that the social networking is really accomplishing what it is meant to do.

    It gives me the confidence to press on. Some day you may write a blog post about something I do. And then I would come here and thank you for the review

    Gary McElwain
  • Well, I haven't used Woopra, but apparently, I should loo into it. I took a look at the site and it looks like its worth a try.

    Books from Amazon? Do you really only get a few cents? Wow. I've never used Amazon links, but I suppose linking to the books really is a labor of love.
  • So is the book really, REALLY useful? (points one and three) ;-)

    It's always interesting to see what the people you're influenced by are reading, or recommending. I guess it's like blogrolls in that respect - what keeps the minds ticking of the bloggers you read. I'll be sure to order that Youtube book.

    As far as stats go, I use Woopra - love the tool and it's equally funny to message someone live on-screen while they're on your site... ;-)
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