One of the most common forms of content found in modern marketing is the eBook. These are literally electronic books put together to educate or inform a reader about a particular subject. An eBook is focused on providing shorts bits of information in an easy to digest form. That is why it is an effective part of many business’s marketing plans.
How easy is it to put eBooks together?
Putting together an eBook is relatively easy. You can write it yourself, or hire a professional writer to come up with the words. The next step is to put it into a deliverable format. Most eBooks are in one of three formats: PDF, MOBI, or EPUB.
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PDF files are easy to assemble on your computer and to add as an upload to your website. People will need a reader to pull it up and examine the contents.
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MOBI files are built for easy reading on Kindle devices. They offer a flexible formatting that PDFs do not. You can upload this format file to Amazon or other online bookstore to put it on sale.
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EPUB files work much like the MOBI ones. This format is geared for reading on iPad and Nook.
Many marketers start out with the PDF files since they are easy to put together and manage. Later on, they might add the MOBI and EPUB pieces to extend the reach of this type of marketing.
How can you use eBooks in your marketing plan?
EBooks are useful in just about all phases of your marketing plan. You can use them to attract people to your website. You can use them to entice people to sign-up for a download and thus become a lead. You can use them to pull a lead further down the sales funnel. Ebooks can also become a source of income.
To attract people to your website, you can do any or all of the following with eBooks:
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Use it to introduce people to your company, your ideas, or your products.
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Use it as a bonus for people who sign-up for your email list.
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Use it as a test to see if there is interest in a larger version.
Once you get going, you can move your use of eBooks to the next level:
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Convert the PDF file to a MOBI or EPUB version and upload it to Amazon or Barnes and Noble as a free offering. This expands your potential audience.
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Add worksheets and audio/visual components and develop an eBook into a textbook for a multimedia training course.
You can use eBooks for marketing, exposure, and even as direct sources of income. The choice is yours. Just be sure your eBooks are well-written, original and relevant to the audience you send them to.
Questions and Final Thoughts
What would your business’s or organization’s eBook be about? Share with us your ideas!
