{"id":8885,"date":"2023-04-03T12:45:58","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T12:45:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/"},"modified":"2023-04-03T12:45:58","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T12:45:58","slug":"how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/","title":{"rendered":"How to create, optimize and promote an ebook"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As far as lead magnets go, an ebook is a great one.<\/p>\n<p>A well-written, well-designed, optimized ebook can be an enticing appetizer for your audience. It\u2019s a complete example of your brand voice, expertise, and knowledge in a portable, endlessly sharable format.<\/p>\n<p>And if your appetizer (your ebook) impresses, your audience is likelier to partake in your main course (your products\/services).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/contentmarketinginstitute.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/b2b-2023-research-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">About 43% of marketers<\/a> say ebooks are the content assets that produce the best results for them.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, an ebook is an indispensable part of a brand <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/create-content-strategy-framework-393819\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">content marketing strategy<\/a>. For that reason, let\u2019s learn how to create, optimize and promote your ebook.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#What_is_an_ebook\" >What is an ebook?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#Why_create_an_ebook\" >Why create an ebook?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#Ebook_creation_How_to_write_content_and_design_your_ebook\" >Ebook creation: How to write content and design your ebook<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#1_Choose_your_ebook_topic\" >1. Choose your ebook topic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#2_Create_a_table_of_contents\" >2. Create a table of contents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#3_Outline_what_youll_talk_about_in_each_chapter\" >3. Outline what you\u2019ll talk about in each chapter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#4_Create_a_compelling_ebook_title\" >4. Create a compelling ebook title<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#5_Brainstorm_visual_elements_to_complement_the_text\" >5. Brainstorm visual elements to complement the text<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#6_Strategize_CTA_placements\" >6. Strategize CTA placements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#7_Enlist_editing_and_graphic_design_help\" >7. Enlist editing and graphic design help<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#Ebook_optimization\" >Ebook optimization<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#8_Include_relevant_keywords\" >8. Include relevant keywords<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#9_Make_it_easy_to_read\" >9. Make it easy to read<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#10_Offer_it_in_multiple_formats\" >10. Offer it in multiple formats<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#Ebook_promotion\" >Ebook promotion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#11_Create_an_ebook_landing_page\" >11. Create an ebook landing page<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#12_Add_CTAs_to_your_ebook_in_relevant_blog_and_website_content\" >12. Add CTAs to your ebook in relevant blog and website content<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#13_Promote_your_ebook_on_social_media_and_in_emails\" >13. Promote your ebook on social media and in emails<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/how-to-create-optimize-and-promote-an-ebook\/#Create_optimize_and_promote_your_ebook_%E2%80%93_and_convert_your_audience\" >Create, optimize, and promote your ebook \u2013 and convert your audience<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_an_ebook\"><\/span>What is an ebook?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In marketing, an ebook is a digital book designed to teach your audience about a topic relevant to their problems and interests.<\/p>\n<p>Brands make their ebooks available via downloadable files (in formats like PDF or EPUB)\u00a0 that readers can view on their smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Some readers may even choose to print them out.<\/p>\n<p>A typical ebook has a few important elements:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Written content<\/strong> in book format with a table of contents, chapters, and page numbers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Graphic design elements<\/strong> include a designed ebook cover, pages, charts or graphics, and images. (The main draw should be your written ebook content.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>An author page<\/strong> with a bio or an \u201cAbout us\u201d if the author is a brand.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CTAs <\/strong>(calls to action) encourage readers to check out your products, services, or related content.<\/p>\n<p>For example, this ebook called The Freelancer\u2019s Bible has all the above elements to create a very effective package.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\nSource: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.route1print.co.uk\/freelancers-bible\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Route1 Print<\/a><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_create_an_ebook\"><\/span>Why create an ebook?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>An ebook is a trust-building, credibility-creating, illustrated digital book that should nurture your audience and pull them further into your marketing cycle.<\/p>\n<p>There are tons of benefits to creating an ebook. Needless to say:<\/p>\n<p><strong>It\u2019s portable<\/strong>: Download it to read on your phone or tablet, or print it out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>It\u2019s relatively low-cost to produce<\/strong>: You\u2019ll either have to spend the time and effort to DIY your ebook or pay for a writer and a designer to create it. But ultimately, if you produce an evergreen ebook, it pays for itself over time.<\/p>\n<p>You can distribute it infinitely without having to pay printing or shipping costs.<\/p>\n<p>If your ebook has a lot of high-value content, you can charge a flat fee for readers to download it, which will cover your production costs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>An ebook can be interactive<\/strong>: You can embed links in the text and add CTAs readers can tap or click to further engage with your brand.<\/p>\n<p><strong>It can be accessible<\/strong>: If you make your ebook available to download in different formats, like EPUB, readers can adjust the text size and other screen options.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ebooks aren\u2019t intimidating<\/strong>: Usually, ebooks created for marketing run the gamut from five to 50 pages in length. This means your audience won\u2019t be scared away from downloading it but rather encouraged because ebooks are quick and easy to read.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ebook_creation_How_to_write_content_and_design_your_ebook\"><\/span>Ebook creation: How to write content and design your ebook<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>So it\u2019s time to create your ebook. Before you write a single word of content, you must first have an ebook topic in hand that you know your target audience will love.<\/p>\n<p>After that, you can move on to content creation and design.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Choose_your_ebook_topic\"><\/span>1. Choose your ebook topic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Vet your ebook topic carefully. If you choose any random topic out of a hat, you can\u2019t be sure your audience will be interested enough to download your ebook \u2013 that\u2019s the entire goal!<\/p>\n<p>Here are some tips to find the right topic:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Follow your content strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Your strategy should include guidance on content creation topics your brand focuses on. Refer to these areas to find a topic relevant to both what your audience wants <em>and<\/em> what you sell.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Look at your blog content for inspiration<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Is there a topic you wrote about where you only scratched the surface? Expand on it in an ebook. Did one blog get a lot of engagement? Consider repurposing and expanding your best-performing blog into a high-value ebook format.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mine your customer questions and feedback for ideas<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s the number one question your customers ask? What do they wish they knew more about? Could you turn that topic into an ebook?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Research your topic to make sure it\u2019s the right depth<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Some topics don\u2019t require an entire ebook to explain them. Others might be too in-depth and can\u2019t be covered in less than 50 pages. For these reasons, look at how other people have approached your chosen topic to see whether what you want to discuss will fit in an ebook.<\/p>\n<p>Research your topic on Google to see what types of content already exist online about it. If you find many books, check out their length and number of chapters. <\/p>\n<p>If you find many articles, check what topic facets they include and what they might be missing that you could cover.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/keyword-research-for-seo-6-questions-you-must-ask-yourself-393823\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>keyword research<\/strong><\/a><strong> on your topic<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Particularly, look at how competitive your topic is in search rankings. You\u2019ll also see how many monthly searches it gets, which can help you understand the topic\u2019s popularity.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Create_a_table_of_contents\"><\/span>2. Create a table of contents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Next, once you\u2019ve chosen a good topic, you can outline what you\u2019ll include in the entire ebook by creating a table of contents.<\/p>\n<p>This doesn\u2019t have to be fancy right now (for example, you don\u2019t have any content written yet, so don\u2019t worry about page numbers). Just list the chapters you plan to include, and brainstorm your titles.<\/p>\n<p>For example, in this ebook by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intercom.com\/resources\/books\/sales-handbook\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Intercom<\/a> (called \u201cThe Sales Handbook\u201d), the table of contents is very simply laid out, but it tells you what piece of the topic each chapter covers. <\/p>\n<p>(The topic, by the way, is sales strategy and techniques to achieve growth.)<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Outline_what_youll_talk_about_in_each_chapter\"><\/span>3. Outline what you\u2019ll talk about in each chapter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Once your chapters are laid out, you can outline what you\u2019ll discuss in each.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t skip outlining, by the way. It gives you a roadmap to follow as you write, which is super helpful for creating ultra-long-form content like ebooks. Content this long can quickly become unwieldy if you\u2019re not organized.<\/p>\n<p>Go as deep with your outline as you want. Maybe you\u2019d prefer to keep it super simple and loose, so you just jot down a few key points for each chapter. Or, perhaps, you want to create a point-by-point outline that maps out every paragraph. Or maybe you float somewhere between these two extremes.<\/p>\n<p>However you do it, just create a helpful guideline to follow later when you write the brunt of the content and fill in the blanks.<\/p>\n<p>Remember: Your outline can include more than just text.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For example, you could add placeholders and ideas for visual elements for your ebook, such as charts or graphs, photos you still need to source, or graphics you\u2019d like custom-created. You can also add lists of resources you\u2019d like to reference or content you want to use as inspiration.<\/p>\n<p>This is your outline, so make it work for you.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Create_a_compelling_ebook_title\"><\/span>4. Create a compelling ebook title<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you haven\u2019t come up with a compelling, descriptive title yet for your ebook, now is the time.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t be tempted to phone this part in \u2013 it matters because the title is the first thing people will see. They may not be motivated enough to learn more if it doesn\u2019t immediately speak to them.<\/p>\n<p>Consider these three rules when crafting your ebook title:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep it simple<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A simple title beats a long, convoluted title any day. Especially for an ebook. You want your audience to understand exactly what your ebook is about without any confusion.\u00a0 Let\u2019s reference the ebook examples from earlier to show you what I mean. They\u2019re short, sweet, but effective:<\/p>\n<p>The Sales Handbook.<\/p>\n<p>The Freelancer\u2019s Bible.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep it clear<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>What if, instead of \u201cThe Sales Handbook,\u201d the title was \u201cThe Handbook of Sales Strategy for Faster Business Revenue\u201d? It doesn\u2019t quite have the same ring, does it?\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Be descriptive<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This doesn\u2019t mean your title has to include a lot of adjectives. Instead, consider one strong word that conveys the purpose of your ebook. <\/p>\n<p>In the above title examples, those words were \u201chandbook\u201d and \u201cbible.\u201d Both tell you that these ebooks are either exhaustive or contain step-by-step practical guidance. That\u2019s the power of one strong word.<\/p>\n<p><!-- START INLINE FORM --><\/p>\n<div class=\"nl-inline-form border py-2 px-1 my-2\">\n<div class=\"row align-items-center\">\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-3 col-xl-4 pe-md-0 pb-2 pb-lg-0\">\n<p class=\"inline-form-text text-center mb-0\">Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-7 col-xl-6  pe-lg-0\">\n<div class=\"form-nl-inline\">\n<div class=\"row g-0\">\n<div class=\"form-group col-12 col-lg-8 mb-0\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-4 col-xl-4 mb-0\">\n<div class=\"d-none\">\n<p>Processing\u2026Please wait.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"btn btn-dark inlineButton w-100 rounded-0 font-weight-bold\">SUBSCRIBE<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-2 col-xl-2 ps-1\">\n<p class=\"text-center mb-0\"><a class=\"nl-terms\" href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/termsofuse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">See terms.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END INLINE FORM --><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Brainstorm_visual_elements_to_complement_the_text\"><\/span>5. Brainstorm visual elements to complement the text<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>At this point, start thinking more deeply about the visual aspects of your ebook.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>And, yes, you do need visuals. They&#8217;re standard in a marketing ebook, not to mention they make your content much more engaging.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pull quotes<\/strong>: Highlight important quotes from the content. Here&#8217;s an example from The Sales Handbook:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Stats<\/strong>: Similar to pull quotes, use graphical elements to make interesting or valuable stats stand out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Charts or graphs<\/strong>: If you&#8217;re including research in your ebook, help readers visualize the data with a chart or graph. For example, this <a href=\"https:\/\/go.dropbox.com\/en-us\/construction-ebook\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dropbox<\/a> ebook features simple bar graphs:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Infographic-style images<\/strong>: Again, help readers visualize what you&#8217;re talking about. Infographics are great for highlighting your most important points, too.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Photography<\/strong>: Photos are engaging and even better when they&#8217;re unique to your brand.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Design elements<\/strong>: Consider adding design elements to the text, like call-out boxes, typography, borders, accent colors, or custom illustrations.<\/p>\n<p>For example, this ebook by Talking Shrimp is simple but features tiny illustrated shrimp around page headers. Note that it also includes blank space for readers to reflect on concepts taught in the content:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Strategize_CTA_placements\"><\/span>6. Strategize CTA placements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget to add CTAs to your ebook in strategic spots. For example, you could add a CTA at the end of each chapter that encourages readers to check out related content.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>At the end of your ebook, add a CTA pointing to your best landing page selling your best, most relevant product or service.<\/p>\n<p>Most ebook formats allow embedded links in your document, so don&#8217;t forget to add links to your website, your social accounts, and a link to sign up for your email list.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Enlist_editing_and_graphic_design_help\"><\/span>7. Enlist editing and graphic design help<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You can DIY your ebook design using templates in tools like Canva, Issu, or Adobe InDesign. But, if you have the resources, consider hiring help from a graphic designer who can customize your ebook and align it with your branding.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to design help, consider enlisting an editor who can comb through your ebook and catch any grammar slip-ups or mistakes you might have missed. The more eyes you get on your content, the more likely you will end up with a flawless final product.<\/p>\n<p>A good editor can also help you nail the structure of your ebook and help you come up with engaging titles. If you need help finessing your copy\/content, this person on your side will be indispensable.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ebook_optimization\"><\/span>Ebook optimization<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/tips-optimize-content-people-search-engines-388271\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Optimizing<\/a> your ebook will make it more readable and likelier to rank in Google. Optimize with a few simple tasks:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Include_relevant_keywords\"><\/span>8. Include relevant keywords<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can optimize your ebook with keywords. Here are some crucial places where you can add them:<\/p>\n<p>The ebook file name.<\/p>\n<p>The ebook title and chapter headings.<\/p>\n<p>Inside the anchor text for any embedded links.<\/p>\n<p>If applicable, in image captions or image alt text.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Make_it_easy_to_read\"><\/span>9. Make it easy to read<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You should also optimize your ebook for ease of reading. If your audience has to zoom in by 200% just to squint at your tiny text, that&#8217;s a barrier to enjoying or learning from your content. And, without those value factors, they may not see any further value in engaging with your other content.<\/p>\n<p>So, make sure your ebook is formatted for readability. Choose a clear, clean font for the majority of the text. Make sure it&#8217;s a comfortable size for reading on most devices. Ensure graphical elements don&#8217;t disrupt the reading experience or hinder it.<\/p>\n<p>If you enlist a graphic designer, they can take the reins here to ensure your ebook is easy to read \u2013 not just pretty to look at.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Offer_it_in_multiple_formats\"><\/span>10. Offer it in multiple formats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not every reader has access to the same technology. If you offer your ebook in multiple formats (PDF and EPUB are great options), you&#8217;ll broaden the number of people who can access and read it.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ebook_promotion\"><\/span>Ebook promotion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When your ebook is written, designed, formatted, and ready to go, you can start promoting it.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Create_an_ebook_landing_page\"><\/span>11. Create an ebook landing page<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Number one on your list for promoting your ebook should be to create a landing page.<\/p>\n<p>A landing page is a dedicated page on your website that promotes and describes your ebook so people will want to read it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This page is the main spot where people can download your ebook. When you link to it on social media, in emails, or blogs, you&#8217;ll point people to this specific page.<\/p>\n<p>What should you include on your landing page?\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Descriptive\/promotional copy<\/strong>:<strong> <\/strong>Include your ebook title, a summary of what it&#8217;s about, and the benefits of reading your ebook (what will your readers walk away with in terms of education, information, entertainment, growth, or value?).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>A picture of the cover<\/strong>: Display a photo of your ebook cover to entice potential readers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A preview of what&#8217;s inside<\/strong>: Your preview could include the table of contents or a full-page spread to give your audience a taste of what&#8217;s in store. If your ebook is on the longer side, this is especially worthwhile to include.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A form<\/strong>: Your ebook is meant to convert your audience from casual followers of your content to engaged subscribers. Hook up a form to your landing page that allows the reader to download your ebook only after filling out their contact information.<\/p>\n<p><strong>SEO<\/strong>: Don&#8217;t forget to optimize your landing page for search. Include the keywords you researched earlier in the page title, the meta title\/description, the summary, and other bits of copy on the page.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s an example from Crowdstacker:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Add_CTAs_to_your_ebook_in_relevant_blog_and_website_content\"><\/span>12. Add CTAs to your ebook in relevant blog and website content<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Once your landing page is ready, you can add CTAs that point to it in your blog and website content. Good rules of thumb to follow include:<\/p>\n<p>Only add a CTA to your ebook when it&#8217;s relevant to the topic. For instance, point readers to your ebook when a \u201clearn more about this topic\u201d opportunity presents itself in related blogs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t spam your audience with CTAs. Include them at key moments on a page or blog \u2013 no more, no less.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Promote_your_ebook_on_social_media_and_in_emails\"><\/span>13. Promote your ebook on social media and in emails<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Share your ebook with a wider audience to get more downloads. Go beyond your website to:<\/p>\n<p>Post on social media with a link to your ebook. Include an image of the cover or a preview of the contents.<\/p>\n<p>Send an email to your subscribers alerting them that you just published a new ebook. Include the link to the landing page and photos of the cover and contents.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Create_optimize_and_promote_your_ebook_%E2%80%93_and_convert_your_audience\"><\/span>Create, optimize, and promote your ebook \u2013 and convert your audience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Ebooks are a top content type for a reason.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A good ebook converts well because it&#8217;s packed with value. Much thought and care should go into creating your ebook, from the presentation to the design and content. <\/p>\n<p>When executed well, it should look like a printed publication in a handy digital package.<\/p>\n<p>All that effort is worth it when considering the infinite ways an ebook can be distributed. As long as you choose an evergreen topic, you&#8217;ll have a conversion vehicle in your arsenal for years to come.<\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/ebook-create-optimize-promote-395116\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to create, optimize and promote an ebook<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Search Engine Land<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As far as lead magnets go, an ebook is a great one. A well-written, well-designed, optimized ebook can be an enticing appetizer for your audience. It\u2019s a complete example of your brand voice, expertise, and knowledge in a portable, endlessly sharable format. And if your appetizer (your ebook) impresses, your audience is likelier to partake in your main course (your products\/services).\u00a0 About 43% of marketers say ebooks are the content assets that produce the best results for them. In other words, an ebook is an indispensable [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"h5ap_radio_sources":[],"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8885","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-best-seo-blogs"],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"author_info":{"display_name":false,"author_link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/author\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8885","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8885"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8885\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8885"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8885"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}