What is an e-book, and how does it work?
In broad terms, an e-book is a digital/electronic version of a book. An e-book is essentially a document file and is not a physical, printed book as you know it. An e-book typically works by being purchased online or downloaded/sent to you in exchange for, for example, your contact details (depending on the type in question), after which you can read it on your computer, tablet or phone (this is known as a so-called lead magnet).
Just like any other book, you can find e-books covering all areas — from what you work with, whether that is sales, marketing or management, to what you are interested in, whether that is fitness, football or reading.
E-book formats
An e-book also comes in many different formats, of which the most common are:
- A type of guide
- A presentation of a specific topic
- A fictional narrative
And many others.
Likewise, an e-book can vary in length. Typically, an electronic book is between 30 and 500 pages. This depends greatly on the purpose, target audience, etc.
What is the difference between an e-book and a whitepaper?
E-book and whitepaper are two terms that are often used interchangeably. And although the two things are very similar, they are not exactly the same.
An e-book typically covers a broad topic and is longer, whereas a whitepaper typically dives deeper into one aspect of a topic and is somewhat shorter than an e-book.
Why create an e-book? 5 good reasons
As e-books have become an increasingly popular form of content, the format is also being used to a greater and greater extent by businesses as a type of lead magnet in their content marketing strategy. That is, as a recipient you provide your contact details and thereby become a "lead" with the company in question, which will then typically use marketing and sales efforts to try to convert you into a paying customer.
Examples of companies that create e-books
This could for example be:
- A marketing agency, like us, that produces and distributes an e-book about marketing.
- An email marketing platform that offers an e-book about email marketing.
- A provider of accounting software that offers an e-book about accounting and using software for this purpose.
This is, however, typically something seen in the B2B market. Because the customer journey and decision-making process are longer and more complex here, and the cost of acquiring a new customer is also typically higher.
5 good reasons why your business should create an e-book
- It gives your business authority and credibility.
- It increases your company's brand awareness and preference.
- E-books attract new leads and customers.
- It retains your existing customers.
- It can help create a top-of-mind position with your target audience.
How do you create, write and publish an e-book?
Creating, writing and publishing a book simply involves coming up with the great idea, writing it, and then distributing it to your target audience. It is largely the work before, but also after, the production of an e-book that determines whether a company achieves success and a positive return from creating one.
First and foremost, it must be established whether creating an e-book aligns with the digital strategy. After that, research must be done, the content written and edited, and then it must be distributed and marketed to the right target audience based on who they are and where they are in their customer journey. And last but not least, you need to make sure you get the maximum out of the downloads and leads you receive.
Below you will find, in broad terms, how to create an e-book step by step.
Step-by-step: How to create an e-book
- Define the goal of your e-book and how it aligns with your current strategy
- Define your target audience.
- Analyse the market with regard to the choice of format, type and angle for the e-book.
- Produce a relevant and valuable e-book for your target audience.
- Distribute and market your e-book through relevant channels.
- IMPORTANT: Work with the leads you receive, get the most out of them and convert as many as possible into customers using disciplines such as email marketing, marketing automation, your overall digital strategy, sales, etc.
Do you need help with content production?
And don't hesitate to call us on 30 12 42 72 if you would like a no-obligation chat about your digital strategy and content marketing.
