The linguistic trap that an ebook is an "electronic book" is both limiting and incorrect. Let's dispose of that notion right now. An ebook is actually a portable web site! And depending on the creator software used, an ebook can maintain the "functional" characteristics of a web site as well.
Where server side functionality is required, such as the processing of CGI scripts, the user need only go on line. Presto! With this more accurate definition in mind, let's take a closer look at how ebooks can be used as a solution to several marketing problems.
1. As a Viral Marketing Tool
Ebooks can pass from one person to another without degradation and without cost. Each affiliate ebook can be individualized [coded] so the integrity of source business generated can be clearly maintained.
In addition, each ebook can notify the appropriate affiliate every time a subscription or sale is procured through that affiliate's ebook, regardless of the number of copies floating around.
2. As a Teaser for Generating Desire Many ebooks are offered on a "try the first few chapters" basis. But what if you're not in the ebook-selling business? What if you're offering a paid sex site, or a subscription, or a secret "pay first" site?
The ebook can serve as a teaser, an invitation, a game card, a feedback device, a portal to similar sites, or a complete site where the balance of the site (the remaining content) must be paid-for to be unlocked. This keeps out the under aged, for example, where the content is audience sensitive. The entire work can be password-protected if necessary.
3. As a Brokering Device Business on the Internet is highly competitive. Partnering and alliance-building can be highly effective for small budget businesses. The problem, however, is leveling the fairness in customer based targeting.
The ebook is uniquely suited to free-lance deal-makers by creating a platform, such as a catalog, where competitors can offer their wares to the same shared customer base. And let's not forget, advertising can be sold in ebooks too, thus bridging the gap for all levels of participation.
There are countless uses for ebooks as a marketing tool. The few above are just a tiny sample to show completely different situations with the ebook as a solution.
Plus, you'll notice that none of the above constitutes sitting down and writing a book! Of course, if your name is Stephen King you can sit down and write a short story and sell over 500,000 copies for $2.50 in less than a week. Another story altogether.
The point is simple. If you're in the business of marketing on the web, the ebook can be your personal, customizable killer marketing machine, without ever having to write one single book.
If gaining exposure is your problem, the ebook offers a tremendous array of solutions. You do not need to be a professional writer to take advantage of the "functional" value of ebooks. And it could certainly be worth your while to take a closer look at this wonderful interactive application that you can design for yourself "or" for your paying clients.
by ; Dorian Greer
Where server side functionality is required, such as the processing of CGI scripts, the user need only go on line. Presto! With this more accurate definition in mind, let's take a closer look at how ebooks can be used as a solution to several marketing problems.
1. As a Viral Marketing Tool
Ebooks can pass from one person to another without degradation and without cost. Each affiliate ebook can be individualized [coded] so the integrity of source business generated can be clearly maintained.
In addition, each ebook can notify the appropriate affiliate every time a subscription or sale is procured through that affiliate's ebook, regardless of the number of copies floating around.
2. As a Teaser for Generating Desire Many ebooks are offered on a "try the first few chapters" basis. But what if you're not in the ebook-selling business? What if you're offering a paid sex site, or a subscription, or a secret "pay first" site?
The ebook can serve as a teaser, an invitation, a game card, a feedback device, a portal to similar sites, or a complete site where the balance of the site (the remaining content) must be paid-for to be unlocked. This keeps out the under aged, for example, where the content is audience sensitive. The entire work can be password-protected if necessary.
3. As a Brokering Device Business on the Internet is highly competitive. Partnering and alliance-building can be highly effective for small budget businesses. The problem, however, is leveling the fairness in customer based targeting.
The ebook is uniquely suited to free-lance deal-makers by creating a platform, such as a catalog, where competitors can offer their wares to the same shared customer base. And let's not forget, advertising can be sold in ebooks too, thus bridging the gap for all levels of participation.
There are countless uses for ebooks as a marketing tool. The few above are just a tiny sample to show completely different situations with the ebook as a solution.
Plus, you'll notice that none of the above constitutes sitting down and writing a book! Of course, if your name is Stephen King you can sit down and write a short story and sell over 500,000 copies for $2.50 in less than a week. Another story altogether.
The point is simple. If you're in the business of marketing on the web, the ebook can be your personal, customizable killer marketing machine, without ever having to write one single book.
If gaining exposure is your problem, the ebook offers a tremendous array of solutions. You do not need to be a professional writer to take advantage of the "functional" value of ebooks. And it could certainly be worth your while to take a closer look at this wonderful interactive application that you can design for yourself "or" for your paying clients.
by ; Dorian Greer