SEM Tycoon

**imported_feros** · 10-17-2006, 07:30 PM

I've decided I'm going to make an attempt at writing a good, juicy ebook. I've already picked the topic (which is webmaster-related) and have an outline of what I want to include. I'm fairly certain it will attract at least some people who will find the information valuable.

I'm debating between two methods of monetizing this "book":

1) Classic eBook Marketing

In a nutshell - create hype and sell the book in pdf format

2) Content Site Style

Creating a content site with the only content being that of the book. Put adsense and affiliate links throughout the "book" and hope that traffic converts.

The thing is I don't have any experience at all in promoting or monetizing an ebook, so I don't know which of these would work best. They both seem to have pros and cons. Do any of you guys have any advice to give on this?

**flizz** · 10-18-2006, 12:21 AM

eBook !!

Try Flat Rate Advertising

**Geiger** · 10-18-2006, 11:44 AM

If you choose content/site-style, the best free way that I can think of is to go out and find 100+ similar type of sites that post technical articles. Then write to each and every one of them and ask for a review. Maybe give them a link and a copy of the e-book in PDF form.

Have you thought about making it content and then give the option to download the PDF for a couple of bucks. If it really takes off I would even let some sponsors advertise in both the PDF and on the site. Lastly, a highly targetted chapter is a prime candidate for CPA ads that are equally highly targetted.

**imported_WillB** · 10-18-2006, 05:47 PM

I'd go with the book approach.

Being a techy geek myself, and having run a large programming community for several years, I know that people are much more likely to buy books over articles and tutorials. Such things are already free, and if you're charging - you won't see them for the dust.

A book on the other hand.. is something more concrete that people are willing to fork out for. Make sure you overdeliver, and they'll come crawling back for your second offering.

Oh, and fill the book with cloaked affiliate links. Perhaps put some of the content on a site for free to encourage people. CPA is great - so even if they don't convert, they might still earn you a little.

**duke nukem** · 10-18-2006, 05:48 PM

I'd go with the e-book approach.

**Geiger** · 10-19-2006, 09:36 AM

Even though I an contradicting what I said previously, if you are going to go the ebook route, you should check out www.15kchallenge.com. I think they took a very interesting approach.

**Syed_Ikhwan** · 10-28-2006, 12:33 PM

Use affiliate to create a bunch of army that promote your ebooks. Then sell it with the right price (doing some promotion or discount for a certain time). Its works!

**Geiger** · 10-30-2006, 05:05 PM

Anybody have experience getting a CPA campaign for an ebook like this?

**imported_feros** · 10-30-2006, 07:45 PM

Thanks for all the comments guys, they're all really appreciated.