Graeme McGaw, the entrepreneur behind OrderOfBooks.com, transformed his love for books into a thriving six-figure book blog business. What began as a simple blog about the order of book series has now become a go-to resource for readers worldwide, generating $50K in monthly revenue. The site helps readers find the correct order of fiction series—both in publication and chronological order—and has attracted a loyal following of book lovers.
The Idea Behind OrderOfBooks.com: From Passion to Profits
Graeme’s lifelong love for books began in his childhood when he would immerse himself in Enid Blyton novels. After spending a decade in the volatile world of affiliate marketing, Graeme wanted a new, stable business venture. Noticing how friends often asked for help with the correct order of book series, he realized there was an opportunity to create a book blog that could serve the same purpose for a broader audience. Thus, OrderOfBooks.com was born—a website dedicated to helping readers find the correct order of their favorite books.
Early Challenges: How Graeme Persevered Through a Slow Start
When Graeme launched OrderOfBooks.com, success didn’t come overnight. It took months before traffic started to build. Graeme often had to manually input book series data and cross-check the information through libraries and bookstores. The real breakthrough came when author Brad Thor appeared on CNN, sparking a surge of interest in his books—and driving significant traffic to Graeme’s site. From then on, growth was steady, and the site began to attract more readers.
How SEO Turned a Simple Book Blog into a Revenue Machine
One of the major keys to OrderOfBooks.com’s success has been Graeme’s strategic use of SEO. Instead of focusing on general keywords like “books” or “book reviews,” Graeme honed in on long-tail keywords that captured user intent. Keywords like “Jack Reacher books in order” or “Mitch Rapp series in chronological order” were critical in driving targeted traffic to the blog.
Here’s a breakdown of Graeme’s SEO strategy:
- Long-Tail Keywords: Graeme focused on highly specific search terms that directly matched the needs of his audience. Phrases like “reading order of [series name]” ensured users landed on his site for exactly what they were searching for.
- Content Quality: By consistently providing accurate and up-to-date information, Graeme built trust with readers. His site became a reliable source for book series information, which not only improved user experience but also helped with SEO rankings.
- Consistent Updates: Graeme regularly updates content as new books in popular series are released, ensuring his site remains relevant and valuable to users.
Smart Growth: Scaling the Blog with Geo-Targeting and Amazon Affiliate Marketing
Graeme’s SEO efforts weren’t the only thing driving growth. As traffic increased, he invested in custom development for the site, building a comprehensive backend to manage the vast library of authors and book series. Additionally, Graeme introduced geo-targeted Amazon affiliate links, directing international readers to the appropriate Amazon site for book purchases. This small tweak resulted in a boost in affiliate commissions.
Customer Engagement: Personalization and Building Reader Relationships
Graeme’s ability to retain readers and build a loyal audience has been essential to the success of OrderOfBooks.com. Here’s how he keeps readers coming back:
- Personalized Newsletters: Graeme’s newsletters go beyond book recommendations. He shares personal insights, which creates a sense of connection with his readers. This personalized touch makes readers feel like they’re hearing from a friend, not just a website.
- Catering to Niche Preferences: Graeme offers specialized content in his newsletters, like profanity-free book suggestions or audiobook recommendations. This curated approach speaks to the specific tastes of his audience and keeps them engaged.
- Reader Interaction: Graeme responds personally to reader emails, whether they’re asking for book recommendations or sharing what they’re currently reading. This one-on-one engagement has built a strong, loyal community around the blog.
Avoiding Over-Monetization: A Focus on User Experience
While it might have been tempting to flood the site with ads and affiliate links, Graeme has deliberately avoided over-monetizing OrderOfBooks.com. He prioritizes user experience over short-term profits, ensuring that readers feel comfortable navigating the site without being bombarded by ads. This decision has paid off, as the site continues to attract a growing number of loyal users who trust the resource.
Today’s Success: $50K in Monthly Revenue and Growing
Today, OrderOfBooks.com is a well-oiled machine, generating over $50K in monthly revenue. Graeme’s team handles everything from content creation to site management, and the future looks bright. Graeme has plans to expand the blog further, offering new features to enhance the reader experience and keep growing his audience.
Lessons Learned from Building a Six-Figure Book Blog
Throughout his journey, Graeme has learned several important lessons that any aspiring book blogger can benefit from:
- Put Your Audience First: Always prioritize the needs of your audience before focusing on profit. If you provide value, the revenue will follow.
- Patience Pays Off: Success takes time, and it’s important to stick with your vision even if growth is slow at first.
- SEO Matters: Invest in long-tail keywords that match user intent, and always keep your content updated and accurate.
- Build Relationships, Not Just Traffic: Engaging with your readers and building a community will keep them coming back for more.
Conclusion: A Passion for Books Turned into a Thriving Business
Graeme McGaw’s journey shows that turning a passion into a profitable business is possible with the right strategy and dedication. By focusing on providing value through his book blog, OrderOfBooks.com has become a trusted resource for readers worldwide and a consistent source of income. Whether you’re a book lover or an aspiring blogger, Graeme’s story offers inspiration for turning your own passion into a thriving business.
