FoodNetworkHumor (founded by sisters Jillian and Michelle Madison) recently published an article, Shocking Food Network Magazine Advertising Statistics, reviewing the number of ads in some of the Food Network’s magazines. The results reminded me of several eBooks I read; and the first one I wrote!
On a side note: after reading this article I toured their site a bit more and really enjoyed it. If you like satire and food then definitely check out their site.
Here is an excerpt from the article that I thought was rather interesting.
59 of the magazine’s 162 pages were made up of full page advertisements! That means more than 1/3 of the magazine was nothing but full page ads – and that doesn’t even include the other half page ads, or the additional ads on other pages! In my humble opinion, that is disgusting.
If you really want to make money with eBooks, you should think about trying to make someone’s life easier or provide them with a solution to their problem. Not write a few paragraphs to supplement your ads.
There are far too many hopefuls out there trying to make money online with eBooks, but are writing about topics for which there is no market. Or the book is stuffed full of advertisements and affiliate links. Don’t get me wrong. Affiliate links and self-promotion is just fine, so long as it is done in moderation and in good taste.
The bad news. eBooks chalk full of ads rarely generate anything more than pocket change.
The good news. eBooks that tend to solve people’s problems or help them reach a goal are excellent money generators.
Allow me to piggyback that with more good news.
The eBooks that sell the best are nowhere near 200 pages. In fact, you can make good money from eBooks that are only 10 to 50 pages in length; as long as those pages solve a problem that people will pay to have fixed.
Contrary to what many people think, it doesn’t matter if the solution to a problem can be found by even simple online research. In general, most people don’t like to to do research online and are often skeptical of free information sources. Do the work for them and demonstrate that you are a trustworthy resource, and you will make money.
There are dumpster-loads of eBooks out there; stinkin’ up the ‘net with claims of, “write what you love and the money will come.” They use that angle because that’s what many people want to hear. It sells tons of eBooks about eBooks as well.
Selling hype will only get you so far. Suckering a few with the Get Rich Quick approach will surely hinder your chances of gaining loyal, repeat customers; something very important for long term success. Make sure you are selling something that people value and are willing to pay for.
And don’t turn your wonderful new eBook into next months edition of the Food Network Magazine.
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