Tracking is essential to running your author business well and improving your marketing results.
But there are an almost infinite number of things you can track. So you need to focus on what’s actually important. Since you have other things to do (like, you know, actually write books).
Enter the 5 Keys of Tracking system. On this page, you’ll find a complete, step-by-step walkthrough of each of the system’s components. Spreadsheet templates are also provided, so you can start tracking the metrics that matter for your business immediately.
You can download the tracking dashboard containing all the templates here. Alternatively, direct links to each template are provided beneath the corresponding video.
Watch the overview video first; this outlines the system and the core principles of tracking. Then you can decide which version of the system (80/20 or full) you want to apply. I strongly recommend starting with the 80/20 approach, then adding other components as needed. The 80/20 system takes just 5 – 30 minutes a week to maintain and will be sufficient for 95%+ of authors.
Note: the templates contain Google Sheets-specific features. As such, they’re not compatible with other spreadsheet programs like Excel.
5 Keys of Tracking: Overview
Key #1: P & L Tracker and Tracking Dashboard
Get the template (Sheets)
Key #2: Ad Profit Tracker
Get the template (Sheets)
Key #3: Test & Marketing Notes Tracker
Note: I’d recommend most people use the marketing notes tracker built into the Ad Profit Tracker. Only use this template if you’re running a lot of tests and want to store the corresponding data.
Get the template (Sheets)
Key #4: Launch Tracker
Get the template (Sheets)
Key #5: Revenue Per Sale & Revenue Per Borrow Tracker
This is the main item under Key #5 that every author who’s advertising needs. Calculating your revenue per sale (sellthrough) and revenue per borrow (readthrough) allows you to analyze whether your ads are profitable or not.
Tracking other elements listed under Key #5 are optional / on a case-by-case basis.
Get the template (Sheets)
Key #5: Marketing / Ad Data and Reference Sheets
These are for tracking information and data related to specific ad platforms. You can keep your swipe file of marketing material (ads, covers, blurbs etc. that catch your eye) in Google Sheets using the template below, or just in a folder on your computer.
