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eBook: Amazon vs Clickbank?

by JABacchetta
6 replies
I've searched all over the place and can't believe that nobody seems to have a solid answer to this question. So I'm hoping I can find it here.

I understand that the niche, price points, affiliates, etc. all play into the answer as to which is better.

But my specific question is, if you have a quality, informative eBook that appeals to a mainstream audience, will Amazon deliver sales without having to promote the eBook?

Let's just say I decided to sell an eBook about how to invest in stocks. I have top-notch content and my eBook cover is professional and eye-catching. I put it up on Amazon and list it for $9.99. I'm not a well-known author and I don't do any sort of promotion.

Does that eBook get lost in space? Or would Amazon automatically deliver sales through people searching for eBooks on that topic? And what would that range of sales look like (ballpark estimate)... 1 sale a month? 10 a month? 100 a month?

I'm trying to decide on whether I want to sell my eBook on Amazon or Clickbank. The book is being branded under my website name, so I'd rather sell it on Amazon. But if the eBook just gets lost and is never seen anyway, then obviously Clickbank is the answer.
#amazon #clickbank #ebook
  • Profile picture of the author nicholasb
    I ma currently working on a new product that will appeal to mainstream audiences, I am going to put a lit version on amazon for a low price and sell the one I list on clickbank through the amazon book.

    I like the idea of getting more exposure, but I don't like the idea of not having a relly good affiliate program.
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  • Profile picture of the author EricMN
    It's very much a gamble.

    And this is definitely not saying that you can't be successful with Amazon -- but the hypothetical strategy you painted is much like this:

    I write a stellar fantasy novel. It's cover is amazing and the pages are lined with literary gold.

    I print out 5,000 copies and go to 5,000 book stores and place one where my author name is alphabetically.

    Now I hope.

    . . .It's just got a great idea.
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  • Profile picture of the author braincandy7
    I have recently had my eBook approved through Smashwords which means it will be on sale through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Sony and a few others. It should be live within the next week or so.

    At that point i will be able to answer your question.
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    • Profile picture of the author andylcq
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      • Profile picture of the author JABacchetta
        Originally Posted by nicholasb View Post

        I ma currently working on a new product that will appeal to mainstream audiences, I am going to put a lit version on amazon for a low price and sell the one I list on clickbank through the amazon book.

        I like the idea of getting more exposure, but I don't like the idea of not having a relly good affiliate program.
        I like that idea.

        Originally Posted by braincandy7 View Post

        I have recently had my eBook approved through Smashwords which means it will be on sale through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Sony and a few others. It should be live within the next week or so.

        At that point i will be able to answer your question.
        Please do keep us updated. By the way, what is the benefit of Smashwords? It looks like all they do is format it for you. Isn't that just cutting into your profits more? If I'm understanding this eBook process correctly, Smashwords will take 15% and then Amazon takes another 30%. Wouldn't it be better to just submit it directly to Amazon?
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  • Profile picture of the author vtotheyouknow
    I think this would largely depend on your professional/life goals.

    Are you seeking exposure and opportunities as a writer?

    If the eBook is good enough and your branding is solid, there's no reason you can't sell it for $99 and not $9.99 via your own channels, build a list in the process and learn more about IM.

    Again, I don't know what your goals are but they'll very much inform your course of action.

    Good luck!

    Vic
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  • Profile picture of the author CapitalB
    While I have no experience... I'd still like to add a couple of cents...

    Amazon is great for mainstream...

    I do believe that Amazon does buy PPC ads for their books which, if true, would mean that they promote it for you..

    Also, if you go with Amazon, you could consider an abbreviated version and publish for kindle and use it to promote a more complete version...

    However, I totally agree with Nicholas...Clickbank has an army of Affiliates...
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