My Quirky eBook is Driving Traffic to My Blog
Putting together my first eBook was much easier than I thought it would be!
Here are the 3 simple steps:
1. Create an eBook (PDF) of something you can offer for FREE … use photos, maps, text, etc.
2. Post it on your site for a free download.
3. Find a related interest group, forums, and other blogs of similar interest, and mention that it’s free and how people can find it.
The first step was to think of something that I knew about that most people didn’t. I had to be something that related to my blog and something I knew at least a little about. I didn’t need to know all about it, because I could use the Internet to get the details.
Using this idea, I created Bike The Bay in 1/2 a Day, YOUR Way, and posted it on my blog: www.QuirkySanFrancisco.com. The blog is about non-touristy things to do here in San Francisco; so it’s perfect. My thought was that when people travel, many want to find things to do that locals do; so this was perfect.
It’s nothing more than a bike ride I’ve done many times, here in San Francisco … it also takes you across the Golden Gate Bridge, which is a bit unique. It’s a fun ride, but if you live here, it’s not a big deal. But if you’re from somewhere else, it IS a big deal. That’s the key.
My eBook is 43 pages, but I’ve included photos of all the spots along the way; so a lot of text isn’t needed. Most people just want the basics; so they can explore each of the sights along the way on their own … which include The Ferry Building, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, The Marina, The Wave Organ, The Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and back to the city by ferry boat.
We all have an eBook we can create that’s somehow related to our blog. Think of something you know about that others don’t. Or think of how you can create a step-by-step process with details that will help others walk though a special way of doing something, or create a “Top” list – Top 10 ____, Top 5 ____, or something that you like and want to share. I was originally going to do a Top 10 Tourist Traps in San Francisco, but it was just too negative. Who knows, maybe someone could do it, but it’s just not me. I think it’s important; so when you “put it out there”, you’re proud of what you’re offering.
A few keys to help make your eBook a success:
- Be enthused about sharing your ideas with your readers
- Give them something of value
- Save them time and effort
- Put time into getting it right (look up the details)
- If you don’t have photos of your own, get permission from people to use theirs (with credit to the photographer)
How to create your document?
Most people will choose Word, or other word processing software, but I find them difficult to include photos. Others might choose Photoshop or other similar software, but a colleague suggested I use PowerPoint or Keynote and it was the best idea I could have hoped for. Why? It handles photos and text v e r y easily, and it’s easy to use. And, using a template makes it even easier.
When you’re finished, you’ll SAVE it AS a PDF, using Acrobat. That way, no one will need the software to use your document. If you’d like to see how it all works, simple go to my blog (www.QuirkySanFrancisco.com) and walk yourself through the process and you’ll see how it all works. No obligation to stay on the newsletter list. Just unsubscribe if you’re not interested. No hard feelings.
Look for the button:
To start your eBook, simply set-up the document as a vertical 8 1/2″ x 11″ “slide”. It’s best to set-up a template first; so each new page will match the rest.
Inserting photos is a breeze, and re-sizing and/or repositioning them is simple. To keep the overall size of the document down, don’t make the photos too large. (Key: use a medium resolution/size; so they’re large enough to print nicely, but small enough to keep the document size down. Test this right away; so you won’t have to go back and re-do them all. Just print a page or two and see how it looks. If you want to see how color works, Kinko’s can print one page; so you can see how it will look for your audience.)
Photos ad interest. Facts and statistics are key too. Remember, the time you put into this document means that you’ll have something your proud of and will serve you for a long time.
You might even start a series of similar documents. I could go on to create more documents of other bike trips around San Francisco and send a newsletter to the people who have downloaded the first trip.
I recently created a podcast of the entire trip, using GarageBand on my Mac, and it’s also free to download. In fact, if you download the document using the same button, you’ll have access to both the eBook and the podcast. This is yet another “add-on” idea for your eBook, which will get people to return for more.
After you complete your eBook, make sure you have someone proof it for errors, typos and grammar. You could use a friend, or find a forum and trade for services. Just make sure things are correct before launching it.
When it’s all perfected and finished, save it as a PDF. For PCs, you’ll need Acrobat, but Macs have it built in. Just go to Print and choose PDF. Be sure to save both versions and use a date in the name; so if you update it, you’ll be able to easily recognize which is which. Trust me, it can get confusion and you don’t want to have to print out two big documents and check each one to see which one is the one you want.
I had the “button”, above, designed by a graphics person at eLance. It was only $30. You don’t have to do this, but I used it on the document, on the blog, and other places, like above. It’s a cheap investment that creates a more professional look and ads a little branding too.
After posting the eBook on your blog, you may want to look into a newsletter company. Then set it up; so you’re user gets to sign-up to your newsletter too.
Putting together my first eBook has been fun and I’m already getting results from only a handful of posts at some bike clubs. I have just started, but can tell that I’ve now got something special to talk about and drive traffic to my site. I feel like I’m helping people find something fun to do, and it’s building my list. In just a few days, I’ve gathered a few hundred people, and I’ve barely done anything … YET!!!
As an “add on”, the podcast was another easy one to produce. I had a friend with a great voice read the document to create the podcast. It’s now a zipped file that’s also free and easily downloaded using the same button. From there, people can add it to iTunes; then sync it to their iPod and take it along on their bike trip.
I also see offer my eBook made into a printed book. Now, this is where the real fun comes in. Using my same newsletter list of people who have downloaded the eBook, I offer to create a custom version of the entire trip in a beautiful hard or soft copy printed book in full color … of the trip I created, but here’s the kicker – they can send me photos they took along the way, and I can create a book using my photos and theirs for a keepsake book they can treasure for years to come. This book wouldn’t be cheap, but I can estimate it based on the number of photos and the time it will take. The key is, it’ll be far cheaper for me to do it, than it will for them. I already have the bulk of great photos; so adding a few of theirs isn’t brain surgery.
I’m jazzed and having fun with my eBook (and the podcast, which is new), and the new custom book idea.
I sincerely hope you find this post helpful and an inspiration to do some similar things. Just pick something that’s fun, and things will just start falling into place.
Randy
Randy@QuirkySanFrancisco.com
Excellent post. Keep it up.
Cheers,
Sandy
http://www.mygr8blog.com
Good tips Randy.
I agree giving away a product that “helps” your reader with something will take your blog to another level.
Thanks for the feedback! I forgot to mention that you can also create a little PowerPoint or Keynote (Mac only) presentation; then convert it to a QuickTime movie and post it on YouTube, Vimeo or other video service. Then you can embed the video into your blog. I have a lot of videos on my blog as examples, but here’s one I did about the site. It was fun to do, and I used music from http://www.Musync.com; so it’s all legal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ56YBCI6KY
BTW, this stuff isn’t that hard. It just seems like it. HONEST. I hope this helps?
Randy
Nice inspiration for me. I will try with my blog
Thank you Helena,
Putting it together took me a while, but it’s finished and will be usable for a very long time.
One thing to remember … You probably have more good information about something, than you realize. Just choose something and start. Make it fun and as you move forward, it will blossom and morph into a cool document.
Hi Randy
Great post. I’ll show this to my wife, might just give her the inspiration she needs – she is in tourism
Cheers
Simon
Randy,
Yet another reason to write that PDF everybody’s been dreading. The marriage of the PDF and podcast is a great idea.
I also love the fact that Macs have the ability to save documents as PDFs built in.
Jeff
Hello Randy,
Great information!
I had completely forgotten how versatile PowerPoint is in the preparation of many types of projects. You’ve given me some great ideas that I can apply to my part of the world.
Wow, Great info. That’s give me an inspiration to generate traffic to my blog.
I’ll try to my blog at: http://silentmoney.co.cc
Yes, I struggled with that one for a few months. I didn’t really want to learn a new layout software, and a designer friend (she works for http://www.Bluewave.com), suggested I use PowerPoint, which made it so easy. BTW, Keynote, for the Mac, which I like even better, also works. And, Macs convert files to PDFs without having to buy Acrobat Distiller, which is great.)
Go for it!
Randy
Hi Randy,
Wow, what great info! I’ve just been thinking about creating my own ebook and your post has really gotten the wheels turning.I’ve been in this business long enough to see you have “success” wrtten all over you!
WOW! Thanks Jerry. I’ll have to say I’m still learning too … and a lot from the suggestions from people who have commented. Getting this article posted here (THANKS MaxBlogger!!!!) has really opened my eyes to the power of getting something posted like this. I’m meeting some really nice people with some good ideas. THANKS!
Randy
hey randy,
you can also consider making your ebooks “viral”, by making it possible for users to “brand” their own links within the ebooks themselves, using pdf re-brander software. users would then send their rebranded out to their lists, etc., so it’s a win-win situation for everybody. links to your blog/site and links to theirs.
a.a.p.
I have some doubt however if this ebook concept works for all niche. But anyway as long as the ebook is helping the reader in some way I think it should work fine.
Hey there, very nice article indeed..
Could you tell me what plugin you using for the share thing.. like twitter , dig etc.. thanks
I’ve got to tell you, most of the technical parts, I hire done from a guy I found through Yaro Starak, but the plugin I’m using is: http://sharethis.com/. If you want a great (and very reasonably priced … and FAST) blog IT help, I can’t say enough about Joel. He goes by Blog Tech Guy … http://www.blogtechguy.com
I hope that helps?
Randy
I use ShareThis … http://sharethis.com/, but I can’t take credit for it. I get IT help and I use Joel at http://www.blogtechguy.com. He’s reliable, cheap and fast.
Hope this helps?
Randy
Just visited your blog, Randy. The article on Gayle King caught my eye, i also left a comment.
Great story and lovely blog you have shared with us today. Thx!
I’ve been meaning to get into ebook creation, but for some reason – it seems like a massive undertaking. I’ve been “working” on one for like 6 months now and just can’t seem to finish it. I have most of it written down on paper, and the hard part (for me) is transferring it from paper to PC. Not sure why.
Anywho, I need to seriously get the ball rolling as ebooks are great traffic magnates. I agree 100% with you on that, Randy.
Again thanxs for sharing!
Cheers,
Missy
Great stuff, Randy.
You’ve shared a great idea which, as you’ve testified yourself, is easy to do for anyone who’s got a real interest in a subject.
To all, I’m a website and brand consultant from Brisbane, Australia, and I’m just about to embark on creating some of my own free eBooks. One of the keys, like Randy said, is to offer quality… good information… something which will help the reader.
And an intriguing title is sure to capture too.
Ovidiu Puscas
Hi,
I am new to blogging. Kindly advice me with some tips on how can i get traffic on my blog site. I added some ads on my site. How can i make people click them so that i can earn money.
My blog site is http://www.learnjava5.blogspot.com
Regards,
Gaurav
your email address is wrong QuirkySanFranciso.com …. missing a c
Thanks Juen, but I don’t see it? Where is it incorrect?
Nice Article Randy
I found the most effective way to write a article quickly is to use MindManager software for mind mapping. You fill out the mind map as you structure you article and write snippets of text, import images etc as thought come to mind. You can export it to many formats, I generally export to Word, check the formatting and then save as a PDF with something like CutePDF (free).
The mindmap approach works better than to try and write a document top down. Your thoughts generally jump around when you write and mind mapping suits that better.
Pieter
VERY good idea. THANKS! I could have used this, but will next time. I have more ideas coming up.
Thanks again,
Randy
wow OK spreading PDF freebies is your way, but I like to share a free icon like smashingmagazine hehe
Thank you … I’ll check it out. Looks like we both use HostGator for hosting our blogs.
I am looking for free or paid help on max banner ads plugin. I added the plugin to my wpblog as shown on my website but cannot get the widgets on the right to move down to the bottom so that they do not cover part of my money page.
Holger
I recommend Joel at http://www.blogtechguy.com
Tell him Randy sent you. I just had a long consulting call with him last Wed on this very topic (and others). I’m going to try this week and if I can’t crack it, I’ll turn it over to him and he’ll do it. His rate is low and he’s fast.
I hope this helps?
Randy
I have discovered that giving away quality content e-book builds your list faster. My question is, can I put more than one e-books on one site.
Thanks for your advise…
I’m sure you can, and I’m working on that one now. I think MaxBanner Ads will work. I’m going to play with it myself; then as usual, if I can’t get it going easily, I’ll turn it over to my trusted IT guru, Joel at http://www.blogtechguy.com
Very very good. Love it Randy. Thanks a ton. Nice photo. Will start churning one right away. Gosh so many ideas so litle time.
Thanks a ton.
Thanks Randy, great idea….
I have been thinking of ways to add more value to my latest golfing site, guess you have just given me the idea I need.
Now just have to work on a unique angle to make it stand out from the others!
Phil
How about a list of 10 things you can learn about golf without setting foot on a course?
Excellent article.
That is a great way to add more a value to my blog and be “one up” on my competition.
Thanks Randy.
MrsB
http://tb.realemfprotection.com
Thanks for the tips. Any suggestions on good ways to spread the word about your free ebook ?
I go to sites that are about biking, travel, etc. and post something about the free eBook. I search for forums and other sites where people might be interested.
I got this idea (below) from one of the people who commented on the post above. I’m not 100% sure about the details and have written to the guy who commented; so maybe I’ll learn more, but here’s what he said:
you can also consider making your ebooks “viral”, by making it possible for users to “brand” their own links within the ebooks themselves, using pdf re-brander software. users would then send their rebranded out to their lists, etc., so it’s a win-win situation for everybody. links to your blog/site and links to theirs.
I’m willing to do this, but need to understand a bit more.
Thanks,
Randy
nice inspiring guys…
let me to trying this solution,,
thanks,
vita lucy,
FO: Vitamin Deficiency
You can also use or show your ebook online by using http://www.slideshare.net . Great post.
Great reminder. I wrote an ebook called The Recession Marketing Guide. It’s at http://RecessionMarketingGuide.com and it is free too.
Tony
I like the idea of creating a free E-book to offer for download to visitors. I will definitely look into this in the future. I have recently started a blog of my own and the more I learn the more there is to learn out there. Keep up the good work!