Marketing with e-Booklets

March 27, 2008

photo credit: tanakawho

E-booklets are a quick way to distill multiple, related topics into small, bite-sized pieces. Instead of compiling several topics into one manuscript, break the topics down and create a single booklet for each.

For instance, a book on organizing your business life may have one section dealing with filing systems, another with time management, and still others with storage and sorting. A separate booklet could be written on each of those individual topics.

Setting up your booklet format

Aim for 3,000—5,000 words. That’s an ideal length to provide solid information without boring readers. Hopefully, it will leave them wanting more. Use a writing style that includes one sentence directing the reader to do something specific.

Follow that with one or two sentences explaining the “whys” and “hows” of doing what you explained in the first sentence. Keep in mind that readers may not have the intimate knowledge you have about your topic.

Give them time to absorb the content before moving to the next point. Use a plain, directive, and instructive format to present the information. After you’ve reached the word limit, format the manuscript for download.

Since booklets are content intensive, not much, if any, graphic design is needed. In fact, adding too many graphics will only aggravate readers.

Formula for Writing a Useful Information Booklet

1. Decide on a topic you know a lot about or want to know a lot about in your freelance business.

2. Carry a notebook with you to capture ideas over several weeks. Writing everything at once is harder than it needs to be. Save editing for later. Just get the ideas on paper.

3. Get everything in your computer as soon as possible. This helps with organization.

4. Don’t assume customers are on the same level of understanding as you. Be as basic as possible and still be useful.

5. One statement and one or two short, plain, simple sentences are all that’s needed for each main idea. Don’t discourage readers by writing a book length manuscript.

6. Use a number in the title. For example: “75 Overseas Travel Tips”, “10 Tips for a Greener Lawn”, “5 Steps to a Cleaner Home”

7. If you use special acronyms, include a short glossary.

Offering a variety of content, style, and tone will increase the lifetime value of your client base. Once you’re seen as a reliable source of good, quality information, they’ll come back time and again. It’s your job to be ready to serve them.

Related posts:

1. 10 Types of Nonfiction Freelance Writing
2. Building Your Freelance Brand through Expert “How-To” Writing
3. Marketing your Freelance Services with an eNewsletter

Posted in Freelance Marketing