Fast, Cheap, and Under Control

At the AEP Summit 2009, Tim Frick, Owner of Mightybytes, led the workshop “Fast, Cheap, and Under Control,” where he discussed tools that can help publishers easily create dynamic, content-rich blogs. The workshop included a hands-on demonstration of how to create a blog but also featured a discussion about blog strategies. Here are highlights from his session.

• Don’t skip the first stage: developing your blog strategy. Ask yourself why you are creating a blog: Who do you want to reach? Why are you trying to reach them? This should guide your content creation and help save time when you are determining what to post.
• Also, think about what resources you have–and not just in terms of money. Updating blogs and commenting on social networking sites take time. Understand the commitment you are making with a blog and use your time wisely.

How do you get your content discovered once you create an e-strategy and deliver your content online?

In this new blog series from AEP, “What’s Keeping You Up At Night?, experts offer their advice on the most pressing issues facing the educational publishing industry. AEP members may sign up for a free half-hour consultation with the experts for 30 days after their entry is posted.

The following question was posed to our current featured expert, Sameer Shariff of Impelsys Inc.

Q. How do you get your content discovered once you create an e-strategy and deliver your content online?

A. In the electronic space where more and more people are reading online, viral marketing tools like widgets and book previews provide good opportunities for publishers to market their titles across the web. Here are few ways you can use widgets and book previews to get your content discovered online.

What can I do to make more sales from my web site?

In this new blog series from AEP, “What’s Keeping You Up At Night?, experts offer their advice on the most pressing issues facing the educational publishing industry. AEP members may sign up for a free half-hour consultation with the experts for 30 days after their entry is posted.

The following question was posed to our current featured expert, Ben Weintraub of Merit Software.

Q. I have a great education related product that I want to sell to schools.  What can I do to make more sales from my web site?

A. Your web site is your most important marketing tool.  Anyone who is considering buying anything from you will spend a lot of time on it. There are many steps publishers can take to make their web site more effective.