Ebook Definition

Ebooks are electronic books, intended to be read on devices like e-readers (e.g., Amazon’s Kindle), smartphones, tablets, laptops, or even desktop computers if desired. Ebooks are available in different formats, most commonly PDF, EPUB, or MOBI. They contain text, images, and—a potential improvement over hard copy books—hyperlinks to websites. Ebooks can be purchased or given away for free.

From an a new online marketing perspective, ebooks are a powerful tool. Businesses can use them to help build authority in their field and provide prospects with a “freebie” or low-cost product that adds genuine value to the interaction.

Ebook Example

A business wants to improve their success with email marketing. They don’t have too many prospects on their email marketing list yet, so they decide to find ways to increase the number of sign ups they get. The business writes an ebook about information that can solve a common problem for their target audience—part of the problem solving might involve one of their products or services.

The business offers the ebook for free on their website in exchange for the reader’s email address, thus accomplishing several goals: increasing their industry authority, promoting a product or service, and building their email marketing list.

Why are Ebooks Important in Strategic Marketing?

Content Creation

An important component of strategic marketing is the creation of genuinely useful content that can help usher prospects along the buying cycle. An ebook is a powerful teaching tool and motivator for potential customers.

Lead Generation

In the example provided above, the business decided to give away their ebook for free in order to generate leads. This is just one way of lead generation with ebooks—even paid ebooks can contain upsells for additional products or services.