Like so much in our lives, the way we consume information has drastically evolved in just the past few years. From podcasts to social media to ePubs, there are more ways than ever to enjoy content and share it. While printed publications remain a popular and valuable option, they are increasingly being complemented by dynamic digital publishing formats like ePubs, an exciting way to create, share, and engage with content that practically jumps off the page, er, screen.
From Pub to ePub
ePubs are exactly what they sound like — electronic publications. Whether they’re books, magazines, short informational brochures, or another medium, they’re ripe with opportunity for reaching new and larger audiences. Converting your printed publication into an ePub brings a whole host of benefits, including easier access for your audience and wider exposure for your content. This blog will explore why ePubs are a gamechanger and show you how to transform your traditional publication into a digital publication powerhouse.
Related: Print and Digital Two-Pronged Marketing Tactics
Why Go Digital?
Let’s talk about why you should move your print marketing materials to the digital publishing side.
1. Ease of Access
This one’s big. ePubs are famous for their accessibility and convenience. Readers can access your publication anytime, anywhere, using various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. You’ll reach readers who prefer to have their information online, especially those on the go. This convenience is especially important in our fast-paced world, where people are accustomed to pulling up information in an instant, whether they’re on the train, at the beach, or behind their desk. Fast and easy content wins the readership.
2. Wider Exposure
Not only will you reach more people by going digital, but by turning your printed publication into a digital publication, you immediately open the door to an enormous global audience. Unlike physical copies, which are bound by geographical limitations and distribution costs, ePubs can be downloaded and read by anyone with an internet connection. This wider reach can significantly boost your readership and influence. In fact, you may want to consider publishing in additional languages if that fits your readership.
3. Cost-Effective Distribution
Printing and distributing physical copies of your print marketing materials can be costly. ePubs, on the other hand, eliminate printing expenses and reduce distribution costs. This cost efficiency allows you to allocate more resources towards marketing and enhancing your content. Simple savings like these can make a big difference in the long run.
4. Interactive Features
EPubs are a whole new world with digital enhancements, diving deeper than static publications for an even more immersive experience. With interactive elements like hyperlinks, videos, audio clips, and graphics, you can enrich your content and more fully engage your readers. Further, if you’re posting an ePub on your site or social platforms you can encourage a real-time dialogue as well, further strengthening your reader relationship.
5. Searchability
ePubs also boast enhanced search functionality, allowing readers to quickly find information or keywords within your digital publication. This feature is particularly valuable for reference materials and educational content, but it’s extremely helpful for any reader who is seeking something specific, as we’ve all become accustomed to having this feature online.
6. Accessibility Features
ePubs can also be designed to include accessibility features such as adjustable font sizes, text-to-speech options, and screen reader compatibility. These capabilities make your content more accessible to a diverse audience, including individuals with visual impairments.
How to Convert Your Printed Publication into an ePub
You’ve seen the benefits of ePubs, but did you know that going from print publications to digital publishing is not nearly as hard as you might think? You’ll just want to make sure to follow these steps to eliminate any headaches.
1. Choose the Right Tools
You can use several tools and software to convert your printed publication into an ePub. Some popular options include IssuuⓇ, Adobe InDesign, calibre, and Scrivener. These tools offer various features to ensure your ePub is formatted correctly for the various platforms like Apple, Amazon, and Kindle, and ensure it looks professional.
2. Digitize Your Content
The first step in the conversion process is to digitize your print marketing materials. This involves scanning your printed pages or, if you have digital files, importing them into your chosen software. Ensure your text, images, and graphics are high quality and properly aligned. This is critical to ensuring your finished product is legible and clean. Also check your content for any missed typos and to ensure all information is up to date and relevant. Take your time here as it will pay off later!
3. Format Your ePub
To make your ePub readable and visually appealing, you’ll need to also spend time formatting it correctly. Pay attention to the layout, fonts, and spacing. Make sure your content flows smoothly from one section to the next. Most ePub creation tools offer templates to help you get started, but customizing your layout to match your brand’s style can make a significant difference.
4. Add Interactive Elements
Now for the fun part! Here’s where you can add some bells and whistles. Enhance your ePub by adding interactive elements, including hyperlinks to related articles or external resources, embedded videos or audio clips, and interactive graphics that illustrate complex information. These features not only make your ePub more engaging but also provide added value to your readers, making the experience even more enjoyable!
5. Test on Multiple Devices
Many people skip this step. But it’s one of the most important! Before publishing, you must test your digital publication on multiple devices and platforms. This ensures your content is accessible and properly formatted across various screen sizes and operating systems. This is where you’ll catch any anomalies. You can adjust any formatting issues that arise during testing to ensure a smooth reading experience for your audience. Without this step, you might lose all the hard work you put into creating your ePub in the first place. An unreadable book is just that!
6. Publish and Promote
Now it’s time to hit publish and enjoy the result. As we mentioned earlier, several platforms offer high quality ePub services, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and IssuuⓇ. While these carry publication costs, you can also promote your ePub for free through your website, social media channels, and email newsletters in order to reach a broader audience.
Related: Telling Your Brand Marketing Story in Print and Digital Media
Transform Publications Into Promotions
Turning your print marketing materials into digital publications is a strategic move that enhances ease of access and significantly broadens your audience. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a professional and engaging ePub that captivates readers for a minimal investment. As a company founded on printing, we are thrilled to offer both printing and digital publishing services that streamline your marketing to make it work harder for you. Talk with us today to see how turning your print marketing materials into an ePub is a powerful move that can increase your impact even further beyond the printed page. Let’s digitize you today!
