Grasp the essentials, speak with authority, and elevate your marketing strategy to new heights
In this whirlwind of digital evolution,
marketing transcends mere ads or campaigns—it's a meticulous craft, woven from data, jargon, and clever tactics. Yet, amidst the flood of terminology swirling around in the business and marketing realms, it’s easy to feel lost—like trying to decipher a foreign language filled with complex concepts that seem daunting at first glance.
So, we’ve put together a handy glossary of marketing and digital .terms
a quick reference to help you navigate the crucial ideas needed to forge a successful marketing strategy or even to engage confidently with teams and clients in this digital age.
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the basics or you’re a seasoned pro aiming to polish your daily lingo, this guide is tailored for YOU—crafted in straightforward language, with clear explanations and relatable examples...
Let’s dive in!
First up: Goodreads
Imagine a social hub for book lovers, owned by the giant Amazon. It’s not about reading directly, but more about rating, reviewing, and connecting with fellow bibliophiles.
🎯 What’s in it for you?
- Curate reading lists (like “read,” “currently reading,” and “to read”).
- Discover reviews and ratings from fellow readers.
- Get personalized book recommendations.
- Join annual reading challenges.
- Engage in lively book discussions in community forums.
But there is a negative side to this.
The user interface looks a bit old,
Next on the list: Kindle
A digital book and e-reader platform from Amazon, it’s your go-to for buying, reading, and interacting with books.
🎯 What are the perks?
- A treasure trove of millions of titles.
- Kindle devices boast e-Ink screens that are gentle on the eyes.
- Sync across devices—phone, tablet, e-reader, you name it.
- The “Send to Kindle” feature lets you transfer books seamlessly.
- Whispersync keeps your reading spot saved across devices.
But there is a negative side to this..
It doesn’t directly support ePub files (you’ll need to convert them), and some titles are off-limits in certain countries due to copyright restrictions. Plus, the device interface can feel a bit too basic and rigid at times.
Now, let’s talk about Kobo
A Canadian platform for digital books and e-readers, owned by Rakuten. It’s quite similar to Kindle but champions openness and format diversity.
🎯 What’s great about it?
- Supports various formats like ePub without the hassle of conversion.
- A global marketplace with books in many languages.
- Connects with public libraries through OverDrive.
- Offers a customizable reading experience (fonts, backgrounds, you name it).
But there is a negative side to this....
The store isn’t as vast as Amazon’s, and older devices may struggle with Arabic support. Plus, it lacks a robust social network like Goodreads.
🔷 Moving on to Google Play Books
✅ Publishing made easy:
Authors can publish directly through the Google Play Books Partner Center, supporting PDF and ePub formats, available in over 75 countries via the Google Play Store.
🎯 How to promote?
SEO is your best friend—make those titles and descriptions keyword-rich. Use Google Books Preview to let readers sample your book right in search results. Keep an eye on Smart Pricing, as Google might lower prices automatically. Use Google Ads to target book lovers and share your Google Play link in ad campaigns for easy mobile access.
Now, let’s peek at Apple Books (iBooks)
✅ Publishing:
You can publish through Apple Books for Authors, but it requires a macOS device (or tools like Draft2Digital). Only ePubs are accepted.
🎯 Promotion tips:
Target iOS users with Apple Search Ads. Design an eye-catching cover—visuals matter here! Consider offering a free or discounted copy as a promotional tactic. And don’t forget to use Apple’s author tools to keep tabs on sales and reader engagement.
- Link Google Play Books
📘 Lastly, back to Kobo...
✅ Publishing:
With Kobo Writing Life, it’s a breeze to publish. Supports ePub and is particularly strong in Canada, Europe, and Asia. They even offer print-on-demand services.
🎯 Promotion strategies:
Create discount coupons for readers—something Amazon doesn’t offer. Take advantage of seasonal promotions and use Rakuten’s email campaigns if you’re a subscriber. Focus on non-US markets where Kobo shines.
- Link Kobo
🌐 And let’s not forget Smashwords...
✅ Publishing:
A massive distribution platform that lets you publish and distribute your book to a multitude of bookstores like Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, Scribd, and OverDrive. Now part of Draft2Digital after their merger.
🎯 Promotion ideas:
Craft enticing sample previews to draw readers in. Join seasonal sales campaigns like summer or holiday promotions...
And there you have it! A whirlwind tour through the essential tools and platforms for marketing your literary creations. Now, go forth and conquer the digital landscape! Or... just take a moment to breathe it all in.
- Link Smashwords
