eBooks have been a staple of content marketing for some time. Loosely defined as booklets of multiple pages (usually 8 or more), well-designed and covering fairly broad topics, eBooks have proven to be a great marketing tool. If you’ve not considered producing an eBook for your firm, here are 6 reasons why you should.
#1. eBooks are not just informational, they are educational. Because you have a lot of pages to work with, you can really explore a topic – go broad, go deep – and provide exceptional benefit to the reader. Try covering a topic like “an introduction to online qualitative research” in a 500-word blog post!
#2. And because you’re sharing so much beneficial information, eBooks help you to establish (and reinforce) your position as an SME – Subject Matter Expert. An eBook is ‘proof’ that you know what you’re talking about. And a series of eBooks moves you to the top of the experts list.
#3. eBooks are newsworthy. When you publish an eBook, send out an announcement/press release to industry publications and websites… and many will cover it when reporting the news.
#4. eBooks are built for repurposing – in both directions. First, the content you write about in the eBook can also be delivered through other content channels, for example, as webinars or live presentations. On the flip side, an eBook can be created from the accumulation of previously written blog posts and articles that have been updated and repackaged in eBook format.
#5. Do you have some content that’s better shared or explained visually… that is, through charts, graphs, photos, etc.? eBooks are a perfect vehicle for that, as design and imagery are key components of eBooks.
#6. And most important – or at least tied with positioning (see #2) – eBooks are a proven lead generation tool. People (potential sales prospects) are willing to give up their contact information if they feel they’re getting something valuable in return. And eBooks from a reputable source are a promise of that.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable way to build awareness in the markets your serve, establish a position as a Subject Matter Expert and generate qualified sales leads, it’s hard to do much better than an eBook.
Thinking about publishing your first eBook? We can help… download our latest Cup of Coffee Tip Sheet™, 12 Tips for Publishing Your First eBook when you CLICK HERE.