7 Key Elements of an Effective Book Trailer

1. Know Your Reader

Before you start making your book trailer, you need to know your audience. The more you know your readers, the better you can tailor your message to them. What themes or emotions will resonate with them? Where do they find new books? Take time to profile your ideal reader and make a trailer that speaks to them.

2. Show the Hook

Your book’s hook is what sets it apart in a crowded market and should be the centerpiece of your trailer. In one or two sentences, define what makes your book unique. Don’t worry about summarizing the whole book or every chapter. Focus on the key selling point that will pique viewers’ interest and make them want to learn more. A clear hook is the foundation of a good trailer.

3. Short and Sweet

Attention spans are short online, so your book trailer needs to be brief. Aim for 30 to 90 seconds. If your trailer is too long, viewers may tune out before you make your pitch. If needed, make a short and long version and use the longer one on your website, where viewers might be willing to watch for longer.

4. Use Images to tell the story.

Video allows you to show the tone of your book, but you need to use high quality, professional images and footage. Bad visuals can set the wrong tone or make your trailer look cheap. Consider hiring a professional to handle the design elements whether it’s graphics, video footage or even actors to play characters. If your budget is tight, focus on simple, clean visuals that match your book’s mood and message.

5. Sound is as important as picture

The right audio can impact your trailer, whether through music or voiceover. Choose music that matches your book’s tone—tense, uplifting or melancholic. If using voiceover, make sure the narration is well delivered, natural and suits your book’s atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to hire a professional voice actor if needed. A bad voiceover can ruin an otherwise good trailer.

6. Include a Call to Action

A book trailer should always end with a call to action that tells viewers what to do next. This could buy the book, visit your website or follow you on social media. Keep it simple and short. For example, “Available on Amazon” or “Download on Kindle” works well. Don’t clutter the screen with too much info—focus on the one action you want viewers to take.

7. Get it Out There

Once you have your trailer, the final step is to get it in front of as many potential readers as possible. Upload it to YouTube and Vimeo, embed it on your website and share it across all your social media channels. Ask your network of bloggers, reviewers and book influencers to share it, too. The more eyes on your trailer, the more new readers you could attract and the more visibility for your book.

By following these 7 steps, you’ll have a trailer that hooks your viewers and is a powerful tool to promote your book and reach your target audience.