How to Use Staff Picks to Drive Sales and Show Off Your Store’s Personality
When someone walks into your bookstore and asks, “What should I read next?”—your answer is what sets you apart.
Staff picks give customers a personal, trustworthy recommendation from a real reader they can connect with. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn your team's passion into content that sells books, builds trust, and keeps people coming back for more.
Sharing these kinds of recommendations in a consistent, story-driven way is what we call Business Blogging. You’re not writing reviews—you’re showing people what makes your bookstore thoughtful, helpful, and human.
Why It Matters
Staff picks work because people trust people—not algorithms.
You’ll help customers make faster decisions.
A trusted suggestion cuts through choice fatigue.
You’ll highlight books people may have overlooked.
Staff picks bring hidden gems out into the spotlight.
You’ll showcase your personality.
Every pick reflects your store’s taste, voice, and values.
Bottom line?
These aren’t just book suggestions—they’re mini connections that create loyalty.
Why It Works
People want to discover their next favorite book—and you make that happen.
A content-led approach works well because:
It feels authentic.
Your team recommends what they actually love—and readers can tell.
It turns browsers into buyers.
The right staff pick helps someone walk in undecided and walk out with a new read.
It’s fast, repeatable content.
You can feature one pick a week, a shelf per month, or a rotating blog series.
It builds community.
Readers start to follow their favorite staff members like trusted influencers.
In short: It works because it’s personal—and it helps readers feel understood.
Small Steps, Big Wins
Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated.
Feature one staff member or book per post
Include their name, a photo, and why they love the book.
Use it everywhere
Display it in-store, post it to social, add it to your newsletter, and save it on your site.
Rotate weekly or monthly
Consistency makes this a long-term loyalty builder.
➡️ One pick. Many touchpoints. Maximum impact!
A Prompt-Based Approach to Staff Picks
Use these questions to quickly capture a great recommendation:
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What book are you recommending?
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Who on your team is recommending it?
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Why do they love it—what stood out?
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Who would enjoy this read? (Age, vibe, genre, etc.)
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Where can customers find it in the store?
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What do people assume about this book (or your store) that isn’t true—or what do you wish more people knew?
Pro tip: Add a handwritten note or QR code linking to a blog post or shelf video.
Free Download: Bookstore Exclusives & Engagement Worksheet
✅ Curator quote checklist
✅ Shelf signage and content planning
✅ One worksheet for 7 evergreen content types
Create a “Staff Picks” shelf or blog category. Update it monthly, pair each pick with a photo, and share a quick quote or caption to draw readers in.
Want to go further? Rotate between staff members and let customers start to follow their favorites.
👉 Request a Demo and we’ll show you how to set it up in minutes.
